The NSW Government is celebrating the volunteering efforts of 74 women from across regional, rural and remote New South Wales by including them on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, including Lismore's Jenny London.The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll has been launched as part of National Volunteer Week, 19-25 May. This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is “Connecting Communities”, and it is about how volunteering creates lasting relationships and strengthens communities.Our Hidden Treasures embody the spirit of volunteering with their invaluable contributions. Whether it is in health and medical research fundraising, volunteer firefighting or coaching students as a volunteer, they have, through their efforts, created vibrant, connected and inclusive communities. Jenny London is the Lismore Electorate 2024 Local Women of the Year Award and is now on the Honour Roll as a Hidden Treasure in NSW.Jenny was one of the key stakeholders to establish Lismore’s Red Inc, an organisation servicing and advocating for people with disabilities. Jenny has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of people living with disabilities, after recognising a need locally for support services when her own daughter was born with a disability in 1976. She is passionate and tireless in working towards equal rights and recognition for people living with disabilities. Not only this, but she also donates her time to the community on many levels to friends and strangers alike. Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network. Honourees receive a certificate and letter of acknowledgement for their service, a Hidden Treasures digital Credly badge for professional use and listing on the online Honour Roll for their achievement. There is also a booklet that includes the volunteers’ stories, outlining why they volunteer and who they volunteer with. In the 15 years since its launch, more than 1,300 women have been recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. Individuals and groups, charity organisations, and Local Members of Parliament nominate women throughout the year.Nominations open for 2025Nominations are now open for the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. Whether you are a family member, friend, colleague, community leader or nominating yourself, now is the perfect time to nominate unsung heroes who go above and beyond.Apply to nominate a volunteering woman for the 2025 Honour Roll here https://hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com/.To find out more about the program and read the digital 2024 Hidden Treasures booklet, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures-honour-roll.Minister for Women and Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison, said, “Thank you to the inspirational women who selflessly volunteer their time in our regional, rural and remote communities. You truly are the glue that connects us.“Your efforts do not go unnoticed. The Hidden Treasures program is our way of shining the light on your immense contributions and elevate the otherwise unseen work you are doing to drive social connection, strengthen and build resilience in regional communities.“The NSW Government is committed to strengthening the volunteering sector through initiatives that help grow participation, supports for volunteers and recognition of your valuable contributions.”CEO of the Centre for Volunteering, Gemma Rygate said, “Women who volunteer in regional communities play a particularly important role in strengthening local networks, and supporting essential services, which often lack the resources of the same services in the city. “Our research shows that women contribute approximately $87 billion to the state’s economy through volunteering, and they are generally driven by a desire to help others.” “National Volunteer Week is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the vital efforts of the more than 4.3 million volunteers across NSW. The week is a perfect time to give volunteers the thanks and recognition they deserve.”

The first government subsidies to flow through to households and businesses in the energy sector were solar panels, and they have been successful.In NSW, data from the Clean Energy Regulator showed that there were over 1.04 million small-scale solar systems installed in NSW to late 2024. That represents about 31.5% of households in the state. However, 1 household in 60 has a solar battery.Following the 2025 Federal Election won by the Albanese Labor Government, those subsidies have shifted focus to solar batteries.Australians can receive 30% off an installed solar battery, which means batteries are now worth the average household seriously considering the investment. That is on top of an average $1,600 rebate from the state government.Mike Haydon, from Off The Grid, recorded a Talking Lismore podcast outlining his thoughts on energy use, battery effectiveness and brands, as well as how you can sell your excess electricity to local businesses, keeping our money in the Northern Rivers."With the two rebates combined, if you're in the situation where you're allowed to get both rebates, and there are some complications around it all, but a $10,000 battery installed could end up costing the end user $4,500 less. So, they're paying like $6,500 for something that would have cost $10 grand 12 months ago."While the savings are attractive to families, does it make financial sense? After all, the upfront cost of solar panels took 5-6 years to pay off."The reason solar always took so long was because everyone was paid the feedback tariff, whereas now people are getting charged to send energy back to the grid. So, most people put a big solar system up, go to work all day, and then they feed back for three cents or six cents. Now, it's dropped, and you start getting charged to feed back to the grid. That's why it took such a long time to pay back."Where, if a commercial customer would put solar up, and you'd use all that solar of a day. Solar was about an 18-month payback period, or for a really good quality system, or less than three years. You put solar in, you've got your money back in three years, and everything after that is a free sandwich.""With batteries, though, most people use all their energy of a night. So this is where batteries now really make sense, because people can, instead of getting charged to feed it back to the grid, they can put it in their battery, and save it for later on. Energy prices are actually continuing to go up, and they will get more expensive just for that nighttime usage. That's when people could really save money on a battery.""People who have a high energy demand between the hours of five and seven o'clock at night will be the people who benefit the most from having batteries installed."Mike said the average NSW household uses 22 kilowatt hours over a 24-hour period. Coming into winter, solar production starts to fall from 3pm, so people should start to think about their electricity usage from 3pm to 10pm."If you want to be self-sufficient, you're going to require enough batteries from sort of three in the afternoon all the way through to about 10 in the morning. And what we recommend for most people, as a minimum, is to put 16 kilowatt hours in, and generally that is two batteries as they come in eight kilowatt sets, if you like. The size depends. Most of the cheaper batteries will sell five kilowatt-hour modules."When they get bigger than that, they're just too heavy for the guys to move around and install. So five does make sense. They're a lot lighter and easier to install. But also, the bigger the battery, the more cost-effective those batteries are to get in. So we get a quality battery at a better price."As with everything in life, you can buy a cheaper solar battery or a top-of-the-range one. Mike mentioned he received a mail-out from a solar company addressed to the Essential Energy Connected Homeowner, in which you could get one battery fully installed for $2,950, 50% off.What does Mike recommend you look at?"Warranty is only as good as the company that's providing that warranty. It's one of the biggest things we've had issues with over the years, with getting companies to actually pay and cough up the warranty. So it's really important that you choose a company, not just on the price."The smaller the battery, the longer the payback period, because it's going to run out at some stage during the night. Most people will use that in the first hour they get home. So they get home at six o'clock, when the energy prices are expensive, they're going to use that up. That one five-kilowatt battery won't get people through the peak period.Mike explained that, on average, households are charged about 50 cents a kilowatt during peak hours, which in winter are 3pm to 8pm.As for brands to look out for, Mike recommends Sigen and Noark."Signenergy is a new player on the market. They're a really high advanced battery, just state-of-the-art technology. You can actually plug your car into the Sigenergy stuff. So if you're someone that's thinking about getting an EV, then in the future, you can take that car battery and run your house off it, power your house, and sell the energy back to the grid."The other product I like to use is a product called Noark. The thing with Noark, it's got a lot of smarts. A lot of the companies, when you sign up for energy trading and wholesale energy prices, that want to charge you a subscription fee. What I love about the Noark range of products is that it allows you to choose batteries. In Brisbane, there's a company called Volta, they make their batteries up in Brisbane, and then we've also got Power Plus, which is an Australian-made battery down in Victoria. "Using a product like Noark allows you to choose to support some Australian-made products and buy the batteries from Power Plus in Victoria, or want to buy my batteries from Noark. The other really good thing about using a separate inverter and separate batteries is that they don't look as good, but what that allows you to do is that if one part of that inverter fails or that company goes out of business, you've still got half your system."If you can afford an extra battery, you can sell excess energy to businesses in the Northern Rivers, which will earn you money and save them money, making it a win/win for everyone involved. Mike explained that everyone needs to be with an electricity retail provider called Local Volts. Local Volts allows Mike and his team to set prices and buy and sell energy."We've got some really great results for businesses around town. Some of the local companies are paying less than 20 cents a kilowatt hour for their energy prices by buying and selling from local mums and dads. That is one thing I love showing our business owners on their bill. It's to say, hey, look, this money here is actually going to a mum and dad within the Northern Rivers community.'"Miller's Bakery down on Molesworth Street, we've got them probably the best results out of anyone, because they shut and go home at three o'clock. So we get them the cheapest energy in the middle of the day."Fair Dinkum Motel, down there across from the PCYC on Dawson Street, those guys pay about 27 cents a kilowatt hour because they have a lot more nighttime usage than the daytime stuff. So that's where we're buying our customers at night with batteries and selling it more expensive to the motel. And then there's also Chicken Mania."Chicken Mania has been a really good supporter of us. They've let us do a lot of experiments with what they're doing. They've got four stores, and they have solar on some, not on the others. We share that solar from one store to another. And they've been a really big supporter of local energy. They're willing to pay more for the cost of energy if they're buying it from a local person than buying it on the wholesale open market, which is great, because, look, sometimes we get the energy cheaper on the wholesale market. And Chicken Mania have been like, I'd rather pay that little bit extra if it means that money is going to a local, someone that lives in the local community."Their rough savings are about 20%. So this year already, we've saved Chicken Mania $20,000 on their energy bills through peer-to-peer energy that we get these guys. What we've been doing this year, we're probably on track to save them about $30,000 on their energy bills. So, from $100,000 we knocked their bill down to $70,000."A recent arrangement is with the Living School. Mike explained that the Living School is selling cheap electricity to its student's families.As you can read, there is a lot to learn about energy and how to best utilise your energy usage to have zero energy bills, and perhaps, make money by keeping the money in the Northern Rivers.You can contact Mike Haydon through the Off-Grid website https://www.theoffgridshop.com.au/ and fill out an enquiry. Mike says there is a questionnaire, but that is to help them understand your situation so they can give you the best advice.There was more covered in the Talking Lismore podcast, so click on the link to hear the full chat, or click here for the website version.

As was the case following the devastating 2022 big flood, when there were animal carcasses spread across the Northern Rivers, the NSW Government is supporting farmers and community members in the North Coast, Mid-North Coast and Hunter Valley during the difficult process of deceased animal disposal.It is difficult to forget video footage of cows being swept away in a fast-flowing current, a dead cow on the AZNU awning or the lucky horse on the top step of the Celtics soccer clubhouse. Our neighbours down south will be experiencing similar sights.Through the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline, landholders and community members can request carcass disposal and report deceased livestock on their properties or that have been transported by floodwaters off their properties and into community spaces.The AASFA hotline is 1800 814 647 and is currently operating seven days a week with extended hours between 8am and 6pm.Farmers and community members can also contact this number with urgent animal welfare concerns. There is currently a high voulume of calls, with those related to emergency animal welfare being prioritised.AASFA will work with landholders, local councils, contractors and other government agencies to locate and safely remove any carcasses as quickly as possible.The correct management of deceased or unwell livestock after a natural disaster is important to minimise the impact on the environment, distress to owners and the public, and to reduce the risks to human and animal health through the spread of disease.  Assistance available through AASFA includes:   animal assessment and veterinary support   euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds   emergency fodder (up to three days where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)  emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)   livestock feeding and management advice   aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock.   Landholders can stay updated with the latest flood warnings by visiting www.ses.nsw.gov.au or downloading the Hazards Near Me App. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Director Emergency Management Leigh Pilkington said, “The discovery of deceased livestock and pets can be very distressing to the community, and especially livestock owners,” Mr Pilkington said.“We have already seen examples of where livestock have been transported by floodwaters onto beaches and other community spaces where you’d never expect to see them, as well as significant on-farm losses.“While it's tragic and challenging circumstances, we thank landholders and community members for their reporting of these deceased animals so our team can make the appropriate disposal arrangements.

The body of a 25-year-old woman who was reported missing from Minyon Falls Lookout in the Whian Whian State Forest shortly before midday on Wednesday (21 May 2025) has been located.In a short statement, police said there are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

While our thoughts are with the communities on the mid-north coast and the Hunter Valley following their natural disaster this week, Lismore and the Northern Rivers have cause to celebrate: the sun will shine this weekend.Hopefully, sporting fields will have dried enough to allow some play, and many sports will start their seasons that should have begun five or six weeks ago. Golfers may be able to take to the course once again, and gardeners can get hedges and lawns cut.Saturday is the pick of the days, with sunny skies and a top temperature of 23 degrees, while Sunday is partly cloudy and a top temperature of 24 degrees. As you would expect, as the skies clear, the mercury drops at night, and minimum temperatures should drop to 11 or 12 degrees.The 2025 Casino Beef Week officially opens tomorrow with the Opening Ball at the Casino RSL Club, with the crowning of the Beef Week Queen announced.There will be busking competitions, window dress-up's, a courtyard BBQ, youth cattle program and more during the week before the massive CBD Super Street Festival next Saturday (May 31).You can check out the program of events through the Lismore App button Casino Beef Week or through the website.The Lismore Farmers Markets welcome you from 7:30am tomorrow at the Lismore Showgrounds. Fresh fruit and veg, hot breakfast, coffee/tea, are all available, plus this week Koala Gardens will have a stall, and Phil Bromley will entertain you between 8am and 11am.The wet weather has caused a market casualty, with Pimlico Organic Produce are forced to take a break because the Richmond flats are too wet for planting or harvesting.The Nimbin Markets are on this Sunday on Cullen Street between 9am and 3pm. Check out the many stalls with unique products that only a town like Nimbin can create.The Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens Open Day will occur this year under perfect conditions on Sunday (May 25) between 9:30am and 1:30pm at 313 Wyrallah Road, Monaltrie. Head to the Lismore tip and look for the turn to the right soon after entering the gates.The schedule for the day is outlined below:9.30am Useful Plants Garden - Andreas                       10.00am Uncommon Plants 1 - Peter11.00am Megafauna to Microplastics - Richard Session 1                                   11.00am Wilsons Park Species Garden - Tim11.00am Attracting native Bee Pollinators - Graeme                                  11.30am Uncommon Plants 2 - Peter11.30am Hoop Pine Forest - Trudi11:30am Pines to Palms - Phil 12.00pm Commercial Uses of Rainforest Plants - Ken12:30pm Megafauna to Microplastics - Richard Session 2Meet at Visitor’s Centre 10 minutes before the walks. Wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Bookings are essential by emailing membership@friendslrbg.com.au (Please give a contact number and say which walk and time you’d like). Each walk time takes one hour (NB Some walk times overlap).Numbers are limited. The cost $5 per person, with children free. As well as the guided walks, there will be a cake and coffee stall, card and book sales, educational displays, children's activities and self-guided walks.The native plant nursery is open from 9.30am with great advice and sales of healthy local rainforest plants.The North Lismore Plateau Protection Association Inc. is holding a fundraising concert 'Songs for the Sleeping Goanna 2025' at the Lismore City Bowling Club this Sunday at 2pm.Blakboi, Mitch King, Isabella A Cappella, Monkey and The Fish and more will perform. Tickets are $20 at the door or $10 for mob and pensioners.On Monday (May 26), the Lismore CWA are holding a National Sorry Day event at the CWA rooms at Spinks Park on Molesworth Street, Lismore CBD between 11am and 12noon.They invite everyone to come together in a spirit of reflection, respect and unity for National Sorry Day and share a morning tea and coffee.Live music this week includes Dan Grace at the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore tomorrow (Saturday) from 6pm and Jason Ayala for the Sunday Session from 1pm.The Lismore Workers Club has:Who's Bad - a tribute to Michael Jackson on Friday, May 30.Kevin Bloody Wilson on Wednesday, June 25Dorothy the Dinosaur on Sunday, July 27 at 10am and 12noon.Check out the rest of the year's live music by clicking here.The major events to write on your calendar or put into your mobile are:Lismore Lantern Parade: Saturday, June 21, andLisAmore! 2025: Saturday and Sunday, July 5 & 6.Fuel prices were stable this week, although Ballina had a slight price reduction in some fuel types. Take a look at E10 at 157.5 versus Lismore at 175.9!Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 175.9 across Lismore, 172.4 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 157.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 169.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road near the Workers Club in Lismore, 174.4 at The United and the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 161.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 185.5 at the two Independents (Brad and Sharon) on Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 173.9 at The Shell at 273 River Street, Ballina.U98 is 193.9 at the Astron and the Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 193.5 at the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street, and the United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 182.5 at The Mobil and Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 177.4 at The United and NightOwl Puma in Casino, and 182.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

As residents of Lismore and the Northern Rivers know only too well after the experiences of the 2022 big flood, the NSW Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts in the midst of severe flooding across the Hunter region, Mid North, and North Coast of New South Wales. As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake fundraising appeals.NSW Fair Trading is reminding the public to take simple precautions to ensure their donations are going to legitimate causes.This includes checking the charity is registered and has a valid fundraising authority, and being cautious of unsolicited donation requests via phone, email, or social media.Scammers often impersonate well-known charities or create fake websites and social media pages to deceive people into giving money.These scams can be particularly convincing in the aftermath of natural disasters, when emotions are high and the desire to help is strong.Consumers are encouraged to:Check the charity’s registration on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) website: https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charitiesLook up the organisation on the NSW Fair Trading Charitable Fundraising Register: https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/home/CharitiesAvoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or emails.Report suspected scams to Scamwatch or contact NSW Fair Trading: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/The NSW Government continues to work closely with local councils and community organisations to support recovery efforts.People looking to donate items such as food or clothing or make a financial contribution are also encouraged to visit the GIVIT website here: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/new-south-wales-floodingGIVIT is a non-profit organisation partnering with the NSW Government to support communities impacted by flooding and ensure support reaches those who need it most.People should not collect, send, or drop off donations in disaster-affected areas.Despite the best intentions, unsolicited goods can overwhelm recovery operations and divert resources away from critical tasks.For NSW Government resources to help you during and after floods, visit: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/publications/natural-disastersFor more information on fundraising for a disaster, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/charitable-fundraising/fundraising-for-a-disasterTo donate through GIVIT, please visit: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/new-south-wales-floodingActing Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Paul Scully said, “The generosity shown by people across NSW in response to the floods has already been extraordinary.“But sadly, we know that scammers are quick to take advantage of these moments.“Before you donate, take a moment to verify the fundraiser at verify.licence.nsw.gov.au, or donate through givit.org.au.“A few simple checks can make all the difference in ensuring your support goes to those who truly need it.“We want to make sure that every dollar donated goes to helping people rebuild their lives and not into the hands of fraudsters.”Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “In the wake of natural disasters, people from all around our state want to lend a hand, but we want to make sure support is reaching those who need it most and not getting in the way of the recovery effort. “Please do not send or drop off donations in disaster-affected areas. We appreciate that people want to help, but often it just gets in the way.“Please consider donating through a reputable charity you feel comfortable with.”

A senior leader from community service organisation Social Futures is representing the Northern Rivers at a major national housing and homelessness forum this week in Sydney. Martelle Geurts, General Manager of Housing and Homelessness at Social Futures, will speak at the  7th National Housing and Homelessness Forum, which brings together more than 300 delegates, 45 speakers and 50 sessions over four days. Ms Geurts will join a conference stream focused on prioritising homelessness solutions that foster long-term stability and resilience. Her presentation, Supporting a Path Back into Permanent Housing Through Temporary Accommodation Innovation, explores evolving ways to help people at risk of or experiencing homelessness transition to stable long-term housing. “With housing pressures continuing to grow in regional communities, we need to keep innovating—temporary accommodation should not just be a stopgap, but a supported step toward lasting stability,” Ms Geurts said. With Social Futures head office based in Lismore and their Housing and Homelessness teams active across seven local government areas in the Northern Rivers, Ms Geurts’ insights are grounded in the real challenges regional communities face, including some of the highest rates of rough sleeping in the state. In FY2024–25, Social Futures has so far helped house 550 people through its Specialist Homelessness Services, either by helping them sustain their tenancy or supporting them into permanent housing, and a further 453 were supported into temporary accommodation. Earlier this year, Social Futures opened the Northern Rivers’ largest supported temporary accommodation site in the Tweed Shire, offering onsite wraparound supports that help participants improve wellbeing, develop skills, and build capacity for independent living. “This forum is an opportunity to share what we’ve learned locally, and to hear from others doing important work across the country—it’s encouraging to see collaboration remain a strong focus,” Ms Geurts said. Those experiencing homelessness and in need of emergency accommodation should contact Link2home, a phone line available 24 hours a day on 1800 152 152.  People at risk of or experiencing homelessness are also encouraged to contact Social Futures on 1800 719 625. A range of support services are available, in addition to seeking accommodation via Link2home. 

This week is National Volunteer Week (May 19-25), Lifeline Northern NSW is recognising the individual and collective contributions of all the volunteers who ensure that every Australian has access to hope and connection all day, every day. Volunteers, like local Maureen Fletcher.Michael Were, Executive Director of Supporter Engagement, said that demand for services continues to be high, underlining the importance of every volunteer who donates their time, skills, and passion to support the community. “Every call, every message, every person helped — it all begins with our amazing volunteers,” Michael said. “Their dedication, compassion, and unwavering presence power every conversation, every moment of support, and every life changed. Lifeline wouldn’t be Lifeline without them.” “Every one of our volunteers provides genuine connection for people looking for help, hope or just someone to listen without judgement. It is their profound dedication and expertise in delivering specialist support which keeps so many people safe.” Our beloved stores in Lismore, Casino, Byron Bay and Ballina rely on the generosity of volunteers. Every dollar raised through the sale of donated goods goes directly back into allowing Lifeline Northern NSW to continue training and supporting Crisis Supporters locally. Helping us create safer, healthier communities for everyone.” While Lifeline Northern NSW supports and acknowledges the efforts of each and every volunteer year-round, National Volunteer Week is a timely reminder to reflect on their individual and collective impact.“At the heart of Lifeline is a simple truth, it is the volunteers who make everything possible. Lifeline volunteers show up — with empathy, strength, and hope, day after day, making sure we can be there for anyone who needs support,” added Michael.  Marueen is a local Crisis Supporter Volunteer that this week is being recognized for reaching 15 years of service with Lifeline Northen NSW. Maureen shares, “While the calls can sometimes be challenging, I’ve learned that it’s never about having any answers. Those few minutes of deep listening can be the most important part of someone’s day”.“People often say to me, “I couldn’t do that,” but I always explain that it’s not about being strong or knowing all the right things. It’s about being willing, and Lifeline’s exceptional training and support systems mean that no volunteer ever walks this path alone”, she said.You can speak to a Lifeline Crisis Supporter over the phone on 13 11 14, via text on 0477 131 114, chat online at lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat or self-manage what you’re going through with our Support Toolkit at toolkit.lifeline.org.au. All services are available 24/7. 

Police urge motorists to drive safely after three people died and a man remains missing in floodwaters as severe weather continues to impact the Mid North Coast.Yesterday (Wednesday 21 May 2025), a woman was travelling between Sydney and Coffs Harbour when she stopped west of Dorrigo about 7pm and spoke to a Traffic and Highway Patrol officer.Both left, driving along Coramba Road towards Coffs Harbour before stopping at Wild Cattle Creek Bridge, as they came across water over the roadway. The officer, driving a BMW sedan, checked the water level, which was ankle deep, and spoke to the woman, advising her he would turn around.The woman continued driving in a Holden 4WD towards Coffs Harbour, as the officer told her to be careful, and exchanged his phone number with her.About 30 minutes later, the officer received a call that the woman was in trouble near Morora Road, Brooklana, about 30km west of Coffs Harbour.Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District and NSW SES attended and searched the area; however, they were unable to locate the woman or her vehicle.The multi-agency search was suspended overnight before resuming this morning (Thursday, 22 May 2025) with the assistance of NSW SES.During the search, the woman’s vehicle was located in floodwaters at Brooklana.NSW SES operators worked to access the vehicle, and the body of a woman was recovered from the vehicle about 2pm today (Thursday, 22 May 2025).While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing woman, aged in her 60s.In separate incidents, the body of a 63-year-old man was found in a residence impacted by flooding at a Moto property, and the body of a 34-year-old man was located near Rosewood; while a third man, aged 49, remains missing at Nymboida, about 40km south of Grafton.As severe weather continues to impact the NSW Mid-North Coast, all non-essential travel during the flood event should be avoided.Police urge the public to adhere to all safety messaging and not to travel onto flooded roadways.Members of the public in flood-affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations or check the websites listed below.If seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.NSW Police remind people in flood-affected areas to register their movements using the Register, Find, Reunite website – https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/about-register-find-reunite/ – which is a National system managed and operated by Australian Red Cross.It is a service which registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones after an Emergency. It allows people to:Register to let people know they are safeFind people who may be affected by an Emergency and know they are safeReunite through a matching process which enables Police, with consent, to share details of family and friends with each other.For the latest weather warnings, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website: http://www.bom.gov.au/ or through the Lismore App Weather.In life-threatening situations and emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).

Lismore City Council has surpassed a $10 million investment in water infrastructure upgrades since 2020, as part of a long-term program to maintain a safe and reliable water supply for the community.Through its Capital Works Water Pipeline Renewal program, Council has renewed more than 20.4 kilometres of water mains, 5.8 kilometres of service lines and installed 680 new water and fire service meters across the Lismore Local Government Area. These works have been largely delivered by Council’s own Water and Wastewater team, with support from local contractors where required.Mayor Steve Krieg said the project forms part of a commitment to ongoing investment in our capital works program.“This is a great example of rates at work,” Mayor Krieg said.“It’s not always visible, but it’s vital. These renewals are about keeping our water network safe, reliable and ready for the future.“And this is just the tip of the iceberg,” he added.“In the current Draft Council budget for the 2025/26 financial year, which is now on public exhibition, Council is investing over $240 million in its planned capital works program. “That means the community will start to see more projects like this—not just in our water network, but right across our essential infrastructure, services and local priorities. This will continue annually, which means planned capital works will be an ongoing investment for years to come.“Lismore’s Water and Wastewater team continue to deliver high-quality upgrades right across our city, using modern materials and new technology to get the job done with minimal disruption.”Manager of Water and Wastewater, Tom Lloyd, said the CBD renewal demonstrated the scale and technical challenges involved in modern infrastructure replacement.“We’re standardising on high-performance polyethylene and PVC mains that meet current design codes and offer a service life of 80 to 100 years,” Mr Lloyd said.“Our goal is to reduce unplanned maintenance by targeting known weak points in the network and delivering permanent upgrades, not temporary fixes.”The broader works include pipeline renewals ranging from 100mm to 280mm in diameter, using the same durable materials and trenchless methods wherever possible. Contractors have also contributed, delivering a further 3.5 kilometres of main upgrades, bringing the total to more than 23.9 kilometres of upgraded water infrastructure since 2020.One of the largest projects completed under the program was the contractor-delivered 2024 renewal of 1.7 kilometres of ageing cast iron water mains in the Lismore CBD. That $3.4 million upgrade involved the installation of a fully welded polyethylene system, securing the city’s central water supply for the next 100 years. Mr Lloyd also said the complex project required precision planning, directional drilling and staged works to minimise disruption to local businesses and residents.“We’ve adopted trenchless techniques where ground conditions and alignment allow,” Mr Lloyd said.“It enables faster installations, fewer disruptions to traffic and residents and in many cases, reduced environmental impact compared to traditional open-cut excavation.”All new installations undergo pressure testing and are assessed to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, with water quality confirmed through certified chemical and bacterial testing.This $10 million investment is a critical step in ensuring Lismore’s water network remains safe, strong and ready for the future.

During a confidential session during last week's Lismore City Council May meeting, councillors voted to explore lease options of a parcel of land at 97 Caniaba Street, South Lismore.Later, Mayor Steve Krieg, in his video summary of the council meeting, said this was "potentially a really exciting business opportunity, which is a company that wants to come to Lismore, who recycle not only construction waste but demolition waste from houses. They're an established company on the mid-north coast already."It is actually above the one in 100 flood height, so it is a suitable commercial and industrial zone piece of land, but this business wants to come to Lismore. They want to set up a really great pathway for employment and opportunity for our people here. But not only that, they're a really great partner to work with houses that sadly have been bought back by the Reconstruction Authority, and rather than getting demolished and shipped off to a waste facility either on the far north coast or possibly into Queensland, we can process those homes right here in our own backyard and recover the materials that are able to be recovered and repurpose those other materials into, saleable assets."A quick bit of research led the Lismore App to the only company that appears capable of achieving the above outcomes at scale, the Legacy Solutions Group.The Legacy Solutions Group (LSG) is a family-owned and operated business based in Kempsey, three and a half hours south of Lismore. They say they are committed to 'Environmental Sustainability' and are Resource Recovery and Waste management specialists.LSG's Vision is to reduce the amount of waste by promoting individual and corporate responsibility. To recover waste for its highest and best use while balancing rates and services. To transform our country from burying waste to utilising waste as a resource.With Lismore's landfill site, Cell 2B, severely damaged in the 2022 big flood, our waste has been shipped to Queensland for the last three years. Council was exploring other landfill options when it was discovered that Cell 2B had a lower lifespan than expected. If LSG can recycle over 90% of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, as it claims, this may extend Cell 2B's life while longer-term solutions are found, like Blakebrook Quarry.In a video, LSG states that the mid-north coast produces about 250,000 tonnes of C&D waste every year.Due to those volumes, LSG has created Legacy Park in Kempsey with the intention of reducing the landfill footprint. There is a Resource Recovery Centre in place, and LSG is expanding its Park to 'create a better future for our environment and our generations to come by processing as much reusable product as possible to avoid landfill'.Lismore City Council has often spoken about creating a circular economy through waste, but has failed to deliver it in a financially sustainable way. Maybe a private company can succeed where council has failed. It certainly costs them nothing to try, apart from leasing the land and believing in the concept.Legacy Park works with six councils on the Mid-North Coast in the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Recovery space. Their goal is to reduce the amount of landfill by as much as 90%. So, there is the possibility of Legacy creating a regional C&D solution, for not only Lismore, but the other seven council's Northern Rivers. With the amount of demolition and construction that is going to occur, especially in Lismore, over the next five years, you can understand council's interest in bringing Legacy to South Lismore.Legacy Park is 60 acres, which is enough room to build individual product lines, which are then turned into new products for use in the region, creating jobs.Materials that are recycled include treated timber, natural timber, gyprock, steel, bricks, hardware, various types of plastic (buckets), minus 10 bedding, sand and minus 40 aggregate or road base.The recycled material then goes on sale to the public, building companies and council's as gypsum (construction and agriculture), road base material, drainage rock, site fill and reclaimed bricks.While nothing is confirmed at this point in time, it is easy to see council's excitement for Legacy to come to Lismore.

UPDATE 12:54PM Thursday May 22A woman missing from Lismore has been located.The 33-year-old was last seen in Lismore on Friday, 16 May 2025.Police issued an appeal in the Lismore, Cobar, Bourke, and Broken Hill areas.Following inquiries, she was located today (Thursday, 22 May 2025).Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.ORIGINAL STORYPolice are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from Lismore, who might have travelled to the Cobar, Bourke or Broken Hill areas.Samantha Ford, aged 33, was last seen in Lismore on Friday, 16 May 2025.When she could not be located or contacted, officers from Richmond Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.There are concerns for Samantha's welfare as her disappearance is out of character.Samantha is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and blue eyes.She is known to frequent the Lismore and surrounding area; however, may have travelled to the Cobar, Bourke and Broken Hill areas.She was last seen driving a grey 2012 Nissan X-Trail with QLD registration 612TUB.Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference E100921728.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.

A growing focus and expansion of clinical research and the benefits it delivers patients is at the centre of activities to mark International Clinical Trials Day in the Northern NSW Local Health District.Celebrated across the world, International Clinical Trials Day provides an opportunity to explain the importance of medical research and how it contributes to global efforts to improve health care.More than a dozen cancer clinical trials are underway or starting up across the district with a strong focus on expanding access to the latest in cancer care. Additional trials have just started, including new studies in melanoma, leukaemia, and breast cancer. Special drop-in tables are set up at Lismore Base Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital, providing information to both patients, their carers and staff, as part of plans to expand research culture.Northern NSW Local Health District Clinical Trials Manager Associate Professor Adrian Bootes said clinical trials offered new hope and possibilities for local patients. “At the heart of this research and every breakthrough we make are the patients who generously volunteer to take part in clinical trials. Currently, we have around 200 patients in our care in trials in Northern NSW Local Health District, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions and participation,” Associate Professor Bootes said.“We also want to shine a light on the incredible staff across NSW Health who make these trials possible. From planning and coordination to day-to-day operations, their hard work and commitment ensure every trial is run safely, ethically, and with care.“Our patients and staff understand these trials are essential for advancing medical knowledge, developing new treatments, and improving how we prevent, diagnose, and manage a wide range of health conditions.”“Most big advancements in medicine must be proven by a clinical trial in a large group across multiple research sites, otherwise we risk dealing with opinions and experiences in only a few patients.”“We are learning more about cancer and its treatment every day. Clinical trials provide tangible evidence of what works and what doesn’t.”At Northern NSW Local Health District, clinicians take part in global research initiated by pharmaceutical companies, as well as in collaborative efforts initiated by Australian researchers keen to better understand specific treatments.To find out more about clinical trials, visit  Northern NSW Local Health District’s Cancer clinical trials webpage or visit Cancer Institute NSW.

Twice a year, volunteer citizen scientists from across the Richmond River catchment head out to their local creeks and rivers to gather water quality data.  This data feeds into a catchment-wide scorecard that tells us about the health of these waterways and how that health is changing over time. Previous scorecards can be viewed here: https://richmondriver.org.au/report-cardRichmond Landcare Inc are holding three citizen science events in May and June in Tuntable and Terania creeks upstream from the Channon, which is the focus area of their Nature-based Solutions project.If you’re a budding scientist or are interested in learning about water health, they welcome you to join them to contribute to the collective understanding of the health of our Richmond River catchment.Richmond Landcare Inc is a non-profit community-led Landcare network formed in 1998 to support landcare in the Richmond River catchment.​The aim is to provide support to new and established Landcare groups and the wider community through partnerships with local environmental organisations and councils in the Richmond Catchment.These events are an opportunity for people to take part in data collection on the health of our creeks, which feed into a catchment-wide scorecard on how our Richmond River health is tracking.The three field day events at 53 Terania Street, The Channon:Thursday 22nd May, 8.30 - 11.30 amTuesday 27th May, 8.30 to 11.30 amThursday 12th June, 8.30 to 1 pmGo along to one or all of these events and contribute to this innovative citizen science program. No experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome.This project received funding from the Australian Government.To find out more and to register to come along, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/catchment-health-citizen-science-autumn-2025.

Our Kids is delighted to announce O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing will be the official naming partner for the highly anticipated Our Kids Winter Ball, set to take place at Lismore Turf Club next Saturday, 31 May.Set in the beautifully transformed gardens of the Turf Club, guests will enjoy a magical evening under fairy-lit marquees and boardwalks constructed by Greg Jeromson and the We Hire team. A hallmark of the Northern Rivers social calendar, the Winter Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and our renowned generous community spirit.Dressed in black tie and glamorous gowns, attendees will be treated to a gourmet dining experience curated by The Secret Chef, with service from volunteers from Trinity Catholic College and the Lismore Lions Club. The evening will culminate in dancing to the live sounds of the much-loved Cath Simes Band.Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, Rebekka Battista, was looking forward to the gala event.“The support for the Winter Ball is just beautiful,” Ms Battista said.“We are so grateful to O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing and our early sponsors for their commitment to helping local children and families.”All proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing lifesaving paediatric equipment for the Children’s Ward and Special Care Nursery at Lismore Base Hospital, as well as hospitals across the Northern Rivers region.Event details:Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025Time: From 5:30pmVenue: Lismore Turf Club, 9A Woodlawn Rd, North LismoreDress code: Black Tie and Glamorous Gowns Entertainment: Cath Simes BandTickets: $165 per person or $1,650 for a table of 10Tickets are now on sale. Our Kids is also calling for donations of prizes or experience packages to support fundraising efforts on the night.Our Kids extends heartfelt thanks to its early supporters, including:O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing, Mountain Blue, Joel Jenson Constructions, Katrina Beohm Real Estate, Richmond Sand and Gravel, Beach Suites Byron Bay, Lismore Jewel Centre, Lismore Turf Club, Deborah Marks Weddings, The Garden Florist, Horn’s Gas & Plumbing, George Gooley Menswear, We Hire, Cath Simes Band, and The Secret Chef.To purchase tickets, donate, or get involved, please contact the Our Kids team at info@ourkids.org.au or Rebekka Battista on 0438 417 085.

Local community service provider Social Futures lodged a development application (DA) with Lismore City Council in February 2024 to build 18 new one —and two-bedroom units in Goonellabah.Social Futures is also a Tier 3 registered Community Housing Provider and purchased the property in March 2023.The current Phillip Street/McDermott Avenue development has seven (7) existing units built in the 1970s. The units are considered to be rundown and at the end of their asset lifecycle.The plan is to demolish these units and replace them with 18 units that will be a 50/50 mix of social and affordable housing. The nine (9) affordable housing units will look to house essential workers such as health, education, construction, police, and Fire and Rescue.The original plans were to create 12 x 2-bedroom and 6 x 1-bedroom units on the second and third floors of the new building.The modified approved DA doesn't specify the details of the new mix of 2- and 1-bedroom units; it simply says, "a reduction in the number of 2-bedroom units and replacement with additional 1-bedroom units.There will be design changes to the unit types, as well as the removal of the courtyard, landscaping design and other minor design amendments.Social Futures Chief Financial Officer, Michael Carter, told the Lismore App that the building DA required an amendment to its facade and sizing on the land.(The original submitted plans) The need for more social, affordable and medium-density housing in the Lismore LGA has been well-publicised, something that the February 2022 big flood only exacerbated.Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said there is a shortage of local, small-scale housing close to essential services like shops, employment, education, and public transport. Phillip Street and McDermott Avenue are close to the Goonellabah Shopping Centre, GSAC and the Rous Road shops.As a community, we are all acutely aware of the current housing crisis and the shortage of social and affordable housing. We are also aware that the DA's for Phillip Street/McDermott Avenue in Goonellabah, Bristol Circuit in Goonellabah, Cynthia Wilson Drive, East Lismore, and the 50 Build-To-Rent apartments on the corner of Crawford Road and Military Road, East Lismore were announced, with some approved in 2024, and still there has been no signs of any construction.CFO Michael Carter says demolition of the existing building will not start until all residents have transitioned to alternative accommodation and the building is vacant.As for a construction start time, Social Futures says there is potential for a June or July start, with apartments ready for occupancy from December 2026.

The Lismore Golf Course has not seen much action over the last six weeks. The much-loved course is too wet to play after hundreds of millimetres of rain have fallen in Lismore frustrating many hundreds of keen golfers.Hopefully, by the end of July, the weather will be fine and the Lismore Golf Course will see more high-quality golf than it has ever seen before, after today's announcement that it has secured a key qualifying tournament for the prestigious NSW Open Golf Championship in both 2025 and 2026, placing the city firmly on the map for major regional events.The 36-hole Pro-Am tournament, scheduled for 27–29 July 2025, will be a notable milestone in the region's sporting calendar. The Teven Valley Golf Course kicks off the Regional Qualifying Series from 24-26 July before Lismore has its shot of hosting for the first time. Luke Woods, Regional Manager for Golf New South Wales and Jack Newton Junior Golf North Coast, said Lismore is going to see some of Australia's best golfers playing in Lismore over that weekend.(Luke Woods (left), with Mayor Steve Krieg, Luke Ryan (back left), Sam Brazel (back middle) and members of the Lismore Golf Club at today's announcement)"You're going to get the majority of Australasian tour players that will come and play these 36-hole Pro-Ams. It's a $50,000 purse. Basically, you're going to get the best golfers that are in the country at the present time to come and play these events." Luke said that international superstars like Cam Smith and Lucas Herbert have been involved during the series last year, so hopefully, there will be some big announcements over the next few months leading into the Lismore qualifying series.As for our hot local golfers playing in the series?"It would be hard to tell. Me knowing the Northern Rivers in the area, growing up here, there are going to be a ton of local, either pros and elite amateurs, that will try and enter this event, and then also others as well," Luke explained.There will be a field of 100, with 80 from the 2025/26 National Pro-Am Tournament Exemption Categories & 20 Amateurs as ranked by Golf NSW.Entries for professionals will be handled by the PGA of Australia, while amateurs can enter via the link for Lismore or Teven.There will be a local Pro-Am to showcase the Lismore Golf Club on Sunday July 27 before the two days of competition.Mayor Steve Krieg said the announcement was another step forward in Council’s commitment to positioning Lismore as a booming hub for major events and economic renewal. An event like this is projected to stimulate $351,192 of economic impact to the local economy during the three-day event.“Lismore is proud to be hosting a tournament of this calibre,” he said. “Our golf course is one of the best regional courses in the state, and this event is a chance to show that off to a broader audience,” Mayor Krieg said.“Not only will this tournament boost tourism and provide a welcome injection for local businesses, but it also sends a strong message that Lismore is open, capable and ready to host high-quality events.”Mayor Krieg also said hosting the tournament offered long-term value beyond the game itself.“Events like this bring dollars into our economy, fill local cafés, hotels and shops and help change the conversation about Lismore,” he said.“We are more than just a city recovering — we are a city rising.”When asked about the recent bad weather, and if he has ordered a fine, sunny few weeks leading into the qualifying series, Mayor Krieg said, "I just wanted to upset the golf pro when he took over, but we're going to have a good run leading up to spring. It's been an absolutely shithouse May, let's be honest, but June, July are looking good. We'll have a nice, dry winter and a beautiful spring. And before you know it, the speedos will be on, and we'll be getting those cans going."The mayor was referring to the new local Lismore Golf Club pro Luke Ryan. Luke left Lismore at 18 to pursue his dream of being a golf pro before turning full circle and taking over from Peter Jaeger after a 32 year career in Lismore.One of the golfers you are likely to see in Lismore is professional golfer Sam Brazel. Sam has been living here for the last 20 years and was the winner of the 2016 UBS Hong Kong Open and long-time competitor on the Asian and European Tours.Lismore City Council is proudly supporting the event, alongside additional backing from Destination NSW and Golf NSW.Further event details will be announced in the lead-up to July.

A man has died following a two-vehicle crash at Woodburn earlier today.About 9.10am (Tuesday, 20 May 2025), emergency services were called to Coraki Woodburn Road, Woodburn, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.At the scene, police were told an SUV and a sedan had collided.The driver of the sedan was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter doctor; however, he was unable to be revived.While yet to be formally identified, he is believed to be aged in his 80s.The driver of the SUV, an 80-year-old man, was treated at the scene before being taken to Lismore Hospital in a serious but stable condition.A crime scene was established, and inquiries into the crash are underway by police attached to Richmond Police District.As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.A report will be prepared for the Coroner.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.

A teenage boy has been charged following an alleged robbery at Goonellabah last week.About 12.15pm on Monday 12 May 2025, police were called to a shopping village at Goonellabah following reports of a robbery.At the scene, police were told a male allegedly threatened to harm a man and demanded they withdraw $500 from an ATM.The man withdrew the money where it was allegedly taken by the male.Following extensive inquiries by police, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in Casino on Saturday, 17 May 2025.At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly in possession of a large kitchen knife.He was taken to the Casino Police Station where he was charged with robbery, and custody of knife in public place.He was refused bail to appear before a children's court yesterday (Sunday, 18 May 2025), where he was granted conditional bail to appear before a children's court on Friday, 30 May 2025.