Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan says Labor has cut the number of Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions in half - from 20 to just 10, and that a Coalition Government will bring back the full 20 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions permanently, so Australians can get the help they need.Mr Hogan said having affordable mental health support is more important than ever.“With the cost of living going up, many families and individuals are struggling, and the Government’s cuts have left people without the care they need."“By making these cuts, the Government has ignored the needs of Australians who live with long-term mental health issues. This shows they don’t take mental health seriously or see it as a priority.”“We understand how important it is for people with mental health challenges to get the full support their doctors recommend. We will make sure they have access to that care.”Mental health should be a national priority. The Coalition will ensure Australians get the affordable and compassionate care they deserve.

Lismore City Council has advised of the temporary closure of Robert White Bridge on Wilson Street, South Lismore today (Wednesday, 22 January).Essential Energy plans to carry out urgent vegetation management on the southern side of Robert White Bridge today, subject to fine weather conditions.This will require the temporary closure of the bridge and a power outage between 9am and 4pm.As a result, there will be detours.Drivers are asked to use the detour that will be signposted and in place for both light and heavy vehicles during this closure period.

NSW Ambulance is urging people to prepare now with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe heatwave conditions for Lismore and the Northern Rivers from today.The BOM has forecast a top of 35 degrees, with the chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon.Temperatures cool down to 29 degrees for Thursday as a southerly cools conditions somewhat before another rise to 32 degrees on Friday, with more thunderstorm possible.NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director of Emergency Management said people need to plan ahead and prepare now.“With the severe heatwave predicted, it's important that everyone stays hydrated, avoids the heat during peak hours, and checks in on vulnerable people”, Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan said.NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning for this severe heatwave. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.Stay hydrated - make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.Keep cool - seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics. Avoid the heat - schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.Check in on vulnerable people - hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle - leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.  People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000). For further information, updates and advice, go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings, go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website or through the Lismore App: Weather and Weather Radar.

Lismore has a few key social calendar events each year: The Our Kids Winter Ball, the Met Gala and Beyond Venice.The Lismore Friendship Festival is thrilled to announce the return of Beyond Venice for 2025 on Saturday, February 15 at the Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah. This stunning event will transport you to the romance and mystique of Venice’s famous Masquerade Ball.After the success of past events, this year promises an unforgettable night of glamour, music, and Italian charm."The doors open at 6pm, with nibbles and a Prosecco upon arrival, and then enjoy a delectable three-course dinner, live music, and plenty of dancing. Plus, dress to impress for your chance to win prizes for the best-dressed guests," said Festival Manager Aliison Kelly."Join us for a Venetian-inspired evening featuring live music and traditional Italian dance with Domenico and the Latin Mafia Band," "Tickets are $90 per person, with the option to book tables of 8." Beyond Venice is more than a celebration—it’s a vital fundraiser for LisAmore!, our local annual Italian cultural festival, which will be held on the new date of July 6, 2025. Both events aim to bring the community together to celebrate the positive impact Italians have brought to our region.For bookings and inquiries, contact Julie De Nardi at 0403 688 036 or you can book online (a $2.75 booking fee per ticket applies).Mark the date in your calendars, and don’t miss this spectacular celebration of Italian culture and community spirit.

Toilets: They are not the most glamorous of topics, but they are a vital piece of infrastructure that our community needs.Last Friday, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, Mayor Steve Krieg and Sue Edmonds from Friends of the Nimbin Pool for the official first sod turning of the $400,000 toilet block to be built at Peace Park, Nimbin.This project is part of Lismore City Council’s broader effort to maintain and improve public amenities. 23 public toilet upgrades are planned across the LGA and are currently underway.The Peace Park toilet block has been on discussed for a number of years, so is a much-anticipated facility that has been designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of users. The new toilet block will feature:An accessible toilet/change room with shower and single toilet cubicle to service the skate park, playground, Nimbin Rainbow Walking Track and surrounding areas.An accessible toilet/changeroom with shower to service Nimbin Pool users.The facility will be built with resilience and practicality in mind, ensuring it can be easily cleaned and maintained, even after potential flooding or damage.Site fencing is set up to ensure the public can still access and safely use Nimbin Pool during construction, which is expected to be finalised in March.The existing shade sail in the construction area will be relocated to the other end of the pool, to provide further shade for users.Adjoining footpaths, access to drinking water and mural artworks are being considered and will be determined as construction is finalised.The project is funded by the Department of Regional NSW. Council say it will ensure access to clean and comfortable public amenities at local parks and rest stops for our residents and visitors alike.

The NSW Government has another health fight for wages on its hands as NSW public sector psychiatrists seek a 25% pay rise.The problem is that, unlike the strike action that nurses and midwives take, public psychiatrists have resigned from their positions. That takes effect as of today.Two thirds of the NSW public psychiatry sector workforce has resigned over pay and working conditions. Locally, the Nothern NSW Local Health District has seven (7) staff specialist psychiatrists; out of those, six (6) have tendered their resignation.Dr Matt James is the Acting Director of Training for the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD). He says that really does impact Lismore more than anywhere else."It actually affects our training. Our directors of training, our coordinators of training, me included, have tendered their resignation, so it will impact our trainees. But it is going to affect Lismore significantly in that our most senior inpatient psychiatrist and senior community psychiatrist have both tendered resignations.Dr James says at the moment, the remuneration rates for specialists in the public health system in New South Wales pales in comparison to the equivalent job in other states."Generally between New South Wales and Queensland, and this has been pretty freely documented and released by the AMO, somewhere between 30% in Queensland and upwards of 40 to 50% in places like Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It is significant."Similar to the nurses and midwives of northern NSW, our proximity to the border is causing a great deal of problems.Dr James said the exodus began after 14 months of failed negotiations with the state government over a 25% pay rise. Psychiatrists argue their salaries are significantly lower than those in other states, making it difficult to attract and retain specialists."The system is struggling and at a breaking point. It came to a point last year where a whole bunch basically just said, 'Look, enough is enough, we can't go on.'""All we're asking for is the equivalent of what the emergency department doctors were provided 10 years ago. Which effectively equates to about a 25% increase. And I appreciate for a lot of people, that is a lot of money. For most psychiatrists, it's different because it depends on your level of expertise and your years of experience. That's probably somewhere between $60,000 to $90,000 per annum. And I appreciate that is a lot of money for a lot of people. But when our roles are otherwise being advertised at $3000 a day, my role, my current substantive role, is being advertised at $3000 a day."Dr James highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that the government's reliance on locum psychiatrists, a more expensive alternative, further exacerbates the financial strain on the system. He emphasised that psychiatrists are seeking a pay increase not just for financial gain but to ensure the long-term viability of public mental health services in the region.The situation is particularly acute in Lismore, which heavily relies on locum and visiting psychiatrists. This shortage directly impacts patient care, including reduced access to inpatient and community services."Already for someone on a middle to low income, accessing private services is limited. There are a limited number of private psychiatrists in the Northern Rivers. Those private psychiatrists do offer a valuable service that is needed, but for those that are on middle to low incomes, they generally reliant on the public service, and this is a service that we should be able to provide as a society," James said.While discussions with the state government are ongoing, Dr James warned that the crisis could lead to the closure or at least a reduction of mental health beds and reduced access to vital psychiatric services for the Northern Rivers community."We're already struggling to fill our standard roles, let alone the ones that have tendered resignation. I would be very surprised if those roles are filled. I would say, and if a resolution is found, I would say that Lismore mental health, and this is treating for severe mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar, severe suicidal alterations, those sorts of things, I'd say those beds are going to be closed, or at the very least, some of those beds are going to be closed."Those in the community are not going to have access to the see a psychiatrist that's full time in Lismore and Ballina, and this is incredibly sad for the community, especially when there's, as far as I see it, a cost mutual answer."It's sad for our patients. That is why I reached out to Janelle (Janelle Saffin, Member for Lismore). She's not my MP, but I reached out to her in this context because those suffering ongoing effects of trauma from floods, and those who aren't able to access other private services this is going to impact them significantly. And it's scary and incredibly sad," James said.Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson yesterday said that a 25% pay rise is too costly and the government plans to refer the matter to the state's Industrial Relations Commission.

Lismore City Council today announced that Geoffrey Coombes OAM is the 2025 Australia Day Ambassador. Geoffrey co-founded Tour de Cure, a pioneering Australian charity that has raised over $140 million to fund cancer research, support and prevention programs. The 2025 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will be held at the Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University on Sunday, 26 January, starting at 9am. Mayor Steve Krieg expressed his enthusiasm for having a passionate changemaker as ambassador. "We are honoured to have Geoffrey Coombes as our Australia Day Ambassador, someone dedicated to fighting cancer through Tour de Cure,” he said. “He is truly inspiring, and we look forward to hearing his story and insights on Australia Day." The event will open with a Welcome to Country, followed by the presentation of the Australia Day Awards and a Citizenship Ceremony. Mayor Krieg also highlighted his excitement for the ceremony and awards. "It is a great privilege to honour the remarkable individuals in our community through the Australia Day Awards and to welcome our newest citizens to the Lismore family,” he said. “We will proudly welcome 16 new citizens from 12 countries in the Citizenship Ceremony.”This year, the Australia Day Awards will recognise achievements across seven categories: •   Citizen of the Year•   Volunteer of the Year•   Services in Community (Individual)•   Services in Community (Group)•   Sportsperson of the Year (Junior)•   Sports Team/Organisation•   Arts and CultureAustralia Day is a time to Reflect, Respect and Celebrate all Australians' diverse stories and contributions. The public is invited to join in showing appreciation for the outstanding volunteers and community members who make Lismore a better place and in welcoming our newest citizens. 

Brendan Logan, Lismore City Council's Chief Operating Officer and now Chief Financial Officer, gave an update on the East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant, landslip road repairs, Lismore City Hall and explained his new role in the latest Talking Lismore podcast.The long-term plan for the Sewage Treatment Plan is due for completion by the end of 2027.Global design company GHD has been awarded the contract to not only rebuild the plant but to ensure it can handle an increase in population in the future. The project is awaiting a concept design, which is expected to be finalised by the end of this year before construction begins.The company has set up an office in Lismore to assist with the rebuild, so it will be contributing to the local economy as well.Mr Logan also said Lismore City Council had executed a funding agreement with state agencies should funding costs go over the allocated budget. Something he feels is likely to occur, given the total amount of grant money on offer and the increasing construction costs.The new sewage treatment plant will be out of flood reach, with the critical components 11 to 14 metres above the current level.Mr Logan also confirmed what most of Lismore expected: that the current state of the East Lismore Treatment Plant can not handle even 100 of the 400 homes promised by the state government in its Crawford Road (East Lismore) Resilient Lands project. The project looks likely to be delivered in conjunction with the sewage plant in 2027.The update on the City Hall reconstruction project was positive, as work has recommenced. Mr Logan said that delays were caused by funding constraints and the need to secure a comprehensive funding envelope. "We spent about $1.5 million last year, just on the early works, to make the site safe, dry it out, all those prep works that would have to be done no matter what the future of City Hall was. But after that, we did have to slow down until certain funding envelopes and certain parameters were identified and worked on by us and the state. But I'm pleased to say that's all behind us now. We are turning our eye to that reconstruction."The project is now moving into the reconstruction phase, with a focus on “building back better.”The new City Hall will be a multi-use facility with flood resilience built in. It will include a conference venue with three separate rooms that can accommodate up to 1,000 people, a performing arts space, and a commercial kitchen and bar.He expects the new City Hall to open at the end of this year or early next year.Lismore City Council is also moving forward with plans to repair roads damaged by landslips in the northern part of the catchment, with tenders for the major works expected to be awarded by the end of the fiscal year.Three construction companies have been shortlisted for the project after a competitive tender process. The companies, which are joint ventures of multiple entities, were selected from a pool of 11 companies that submitted bids. The companies will now progress to the second phase of the tender process, which involves site visits and developing detailed bids to win the contract.Mr Logan emphasised the importance of the project for the community, stating that it goes beyond a simple construction project. “This is a community project,” Logan said, highlighting the impact of road closures on residents, particularly school children. He stressed the need for the contractors to understand the community’s needs and to be collaborative during the construction process. He explained that road closures whenever we have 25 to 50mm rain events can cause significant disruptions, adding an extra 40 minutes to school bus routes.Logan said the council expects to have the tenders back by late March. The assessment process for such a large project is complex and will take a month or two. He said the council has probity advisors, and the process must be done in a “very, very succinct way and done the right way.”Rebuilding the two sections of Nimbin Road was geotechnically challenging. They reopened in late 2023 and early 2024. Mr Logan said the rest of the roads are more difficult. “Stony Chute Road, for example, has 11 separate landslips on the one road. It’s really challenging,” Logan said.He said the current package includes about 70 projects like Nimbin Road. “It’s the largest landslide remediation package, I understand, ever in Australia,” Logan said.Mr Logan offered more positive news on the timing front when he said council has improved on the original 2029 completion date by taking work out of the package and doing it now. “It’s been a progressive piece of work, but we’ve always tried to separate into what we call complex and non-complex,” Mr Logan said. “If it’s complex geo technically, it goes into this package. If we can get it down to non-complex, it comes out.”The current strategy is to finish all the straightforward projects. “And, it’s been done quietly, I guess, but we’ve delivered about 20 of those in the last six months, and we’ve got 20 on the go now, just smaller jobs here and there, but we want them out of the way before this big one starts, so the market can handle it,” Logan said. “Because you’ve got cement trucks, you’ve got all these constraints that exist. If you did it all at once, you’d never get it done.”Mr Logan said the council is forecasting a completion date of the fourth quarter of 2028 rather than the original fourth quarter of 2029.To listen to the full podcast with extended details, click on the Talking Lismore podcast button in the News section.

Lismore City Council is temporarily closing Harold Fredericks carpark for upgrades from today (Monday, 20 January 2025), to 11pm on Wednesday, 22 January 2025. The carpark will reopen as usual on Thursday, 23 January 2025.Council will be making asphalt repairs to fix surface damage to improve pedestrian, driving and parking conditions, then spraying new line marking to enhance visibility and safety for all users.The Harold Fredericks carpark was identified by the community as one of the key sites for improvement through the Transport for NSW Safer Cities: Her Way program, which funds initiatives to create safer, more welcoming community spaces for women and girls.Council says these upgrades go beyond basic infrastructure improvements; they address key factors that contribute to safer, more accessible spaces. Repairs like asphalt resurfacing reduce trip hazards and provide a smoother surface for pedestrians, while fresh line markings enhance visibility and safer movement within the carpark, making it easier and more secure for everyone to navigate the area.

Lismore's only surviving World War II serviceman, Jack Donohue, turned 100 on the 6th of January. A milestone worthy of a story in the Lismore App.Jack celebrated the day at the Lismore Workers Club."It was kept to a family reunion," Jack explained, "There were about 25 of us. It was lovely."When asked what advice Jack had for others if they wanted to live to be 100, Jack replied, "I have no idea. I never thought I'd live to be a hundred."Jack was born John Donohue in his South Lismore home on January 6 1925. Life was tough for the Donohues in Jack's younger years as the Great Depression gripped the nation from 1929.Lismore's population was just under 10,000."There was nothing in Lismore in those days. We didn't have enough money to go to the CBD. We bought all our groceries at Mewings."Jack joined the Royal Australian Air Force in Lismore on the 2nd of March 1943 as a Leading Aircraftman. That was two days after his 18th birthday.(131484 AC JOHN (JACK) DONOHUE ON ENLISTMENT IN THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE 2 MARCH 1943. Photo: supplied)In his Record of Service document, Jack’s movement around Australia was quite extensive.His documents show that at the time of enlistment, he was a member of The  RAAF Air Training Corps. Jack's training was in Sydney.After recruit training he was then posted to No. 3 Aircraft Depot at Amberley, Qld, on 4 April. After three months at Amberley, he was sent to No. 3 School of Technical Training at Altimo in Sydney, where he undertook a course as a Vulcaniser. He graduated from this course with a Distinguished (Distinction) pass.Following graduation, he was posted to No. 2 Aircraft Depot at Richmond, NSW, where he worked until the 3rd of August, when he was sent to No. 14 Repair and Salvage unit. He remained at 14 RSU at various locations until 4th of January 1945 when he went to No. 1 Reserve Personnel Pool before being posted overseas on the 4th of March.Jack went to Biak in West Papua for more training before being sent to Morotai in Indonesia and Labuan in Borneo.(All Jack’s postings outside Australia were with No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron. Photo: supplied)Jack was trained as a vulcaniser, so he specialised in RAF aeroplane tyres during his time in the war.(Jack with his mate Gordon Davey from 2 ACS at Morotai Island 1945. Photo: supplied) (Jack Donohue's war medals. L to R: The 1939-45 Star; The Pacific Star; The War Medal 1939-45; The Australian Service Medal 1939-45; The Australian Service Medal 1945-75. Photo: supplied)When Jack returned to Lismore after the war he worked at the Pratten car dealership for nearly 30 years before running the South Lismore Post Office until he retired at 65.He was married to Irene for 45 years (Irene passed away in 1997), and has two children.Jack doesn't walk in the ANZAC Day march up Molesworth Street anymore, but he does participate with his good mate, Dr Graeme Nicholson, helping him attend the service. Jack also attends Remembrance Day.

Police are appealing for public assistance after a man was hit by a car in south of Lismore this morning.Just after 3.20am today (Saturday, 18 January 2025), emergency services were called to the Bruxner Highway at Loftville, about 5km south of Lismore CBD, after a man was found injured.The 33-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition.The man has told officers attached to Richmond Police District he was hit by a white sedan that continued south along the Bruxner Highway without stopping.A crime scene has been established, and an investigation into the incident has commenced.The Bruxner Highway was closed to traffic in both directions with diversions in place and reopened at about 8:22am.Anyone with information about this incident or a dashcam footage is urged to contact Lismore Police or 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.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomes Minister for Social Services of Australia Amanda Rishworth’s release this week of the first National Autism Strategy, a landmark announcement she has been eagerly waiting for and for which she has always advocated.“This strategy, together with its first action plan, means I now will be able to better encourage a comprehensive response at a regional and state level,” Ms Saffin said.“There are some telling statistics here; people with autism die sooner, experience mental health problems, and are disadvantaged by massively high figures for unemployment.“I acknowledge the Founder and Chair of the Northern Rivers Autism Association Limited (NRAA) Micheal Lynch, who with Business NSW’s Regional Director Northern Rivers Jane Laverty, drove local consultations which helped to inform the national strategy.“Like me, Micheal is very keen to see the first NSW Autism Strategy become a reality.”You can listen to Micheal Lynch's Talking Lismore podcast discussing the new National Autism Strategy.

Lismore's illegal squatter situation looks to be moving in a direction that will force an outcome in the first half of 2025.The Lismore App first reported squatters were living in some of the houses on Pine Street, North Lismore, in May 2024. They had been occupying homes since late 2023.We ran a follow-up story about who the occupants were in October 2024. You can read that by clicking here.The Lismore App understands that more than 20 Resilient Homes Program (RHP) houses purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) have been illegally occupied.Most of the occupants are overseas backpackers travelling along the east coast. They stay a few days and move on.However, there is a core group of people who are more permanent occupants of the RHP houses. Their belief is that Lismore has so many vacant houses that are vacant, so why not use one to put a roof over their head.“I need somewhere to live. I can't afford to rent right now. And yeah, that was a bit stressful for some time, but it just made sense to utilise these empty houses. And then slowly, it made sense to more people,” one of the residents told the Lismore App in October 2024.When asked for a response to Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan's comments about the illegal squatters yesterday (Labor Governments are creating a ghetto in our community), a NSW Reconstruction Authority spokesperson said;(One of the Pine Street houses in North Lismore. Photo: Kevin Hogan Facebook page)"The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is leading the Resilient Homes Program, which involves offers and acceptance of buybacks for a large number of homes on the basis they were directly impacted by the catastrophic flooding events in 2022 and pose the greatest risk to life in most floods. "As part of the buyback process, services including power and water were disconnected and fencing erected at each premises to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the houses and to ensure public safety. "The RA is aware that several people are illegally residing in houses bought back under the RHP. "The unauthorised use of the properties without services, provides a risk to the health and safety of those persons, including an increased risk from fire and sanitation issues as well as the impact of mould. "The RA has been working with Homes NSW, Social Futures, NSW Police and illegal occupants to find alternative accommodation, with some moving voluntarily.  "The RA is also working with NSW Police and within the appropriate legislation to have illegal occupants removed where they do not leave voluntarily." The problem for the NSWRA is the squatters are refusing to leave, and the flood-affected houses need to be assessed to see if they are suitable for relocation. This cannot be done while they are occupied.The Lismore App understands the appropriate legislation includes a visit to the Supreme Court so papers can be served to the squatters by the sheriff. The approximate cost per house is $40,000, so with five houses occupied by more permanent occupants, the cost to the NSWRA could well be $200,000.That is $200,000 that will be diverted away from the RHP because of illegal occupation.Buyback house relocation assessments started in 2024. Four flood-affected houses have been relocated to the Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah, while 31 more homes have been identified as suitable to be relocated.The NSWRA asked for expressions of interest from people to purchase a relocatable house at the end of December last year. So far, they have received over 100 enquiries.As we start 2025, the NSWRA is moving forward with its plans to assess all RHP buyback homes as the flood recovery continues. Is it time the illegal squatters voluntarily ended their occupancy and moved on as well?

Police have conducted a four-day high-visibility operation focused on preventing and disrupting crime in the state’s north this week.Between Monday 13 and Thursday 16 January 2025, officers attached to Richmond Police District – assisted by Northern Region Operations teams, Highway Patrol, the Dog Unit, Police Rescue and PolAir – saturated the Richmond Police District under Operation Surge to target and reduce crime.As a result of the operation, police arrested and charged 10 people with a combined 53 offences.Police also conducted 28 AVO compliance checks, and executed four search warrants, and four firearms prohibition order compliance checks.Incidents of note include:About 8.30am on Monday, 13 January 2025, officers from the North Coast DV High Risk Offenders Team and Ballina Child Abuse Squad attended a hotel in Lismore following an extensive investigation into alleged sexual assault and drug supply offences. A 46-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with five counts of supply prohibited drug (small quantity to small child by adult), three counts of aggravated sexual assault - victim under the age of 16 years, three counts of have sexual intercourse with child, intentionally sexually touch child, and procure child for unlawful sexual activity. He appeared before Lismore Local Court on Monday, 13 January 2025, and was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday, 12 March 2025.About 2pm on Monday 13 January 2025, officers attended a home on Boronia Avenue, Casino, to conduct a Firearms Prohibition Order search and to make inquiries as part of an ongoing investigation into stolen vehicles. A 31-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charge with drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period. He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday, 3 March 2025.About 8.40am on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, Lismore Detectives - assisted by the AFP Dog Unit - executed a search warrant at a home in Girards Hill in relation to an investigation into child abuse material. Several electronic devices were seized and will undergo forensic examination. An amount of cannabis and heroin was also located and seized. A 53-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug, use carriage service to access child abuse material, possess child abuse material, and self-administer/attempt self-administer prohibited drug. He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, where he was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Wednesday, 12 March 2025.About 9.40am on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, police attended a home on Oak Avenue, Casino, where they arrested a 20-year-old man following an investigation into alleged break and enter, drug and traffic offences. He was taken to Casino Police Station where he was charged with 26 offences. He appeared before Lismore Local Court on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, and was formally refused bail to appear before Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday 11 March 2025.About 11.40pm on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, police attended a home in Goonellabah as part of an investigation into property and traffic offences. Two males - aged 14 and 19 - were arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station. The younger boy was charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear before a children's court yesterday (Thursday, 16 January 2025), where he was granted conditional bail to appear before the same court on Friday, 7 February 2025. The older boy was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, unlicensed for class, and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court yesterday (Thursday, 16 January 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.Further surge operations are expected across the Northern Region.

Another wet weekend is on the cards as the southerly moves into the Northern Rivers, bringing rain and the chance of thunderstorms.Saturday will be the wettest of the two days, with 7 to 40mm predicted at the time of writing. On Sunday, the winds will increase to 25-35 km/h, and the forecast rain falls to 1 to 10mm.Monday returns to mostly sunny weather. Temperatures across the weekend should hit 26 degrees.As you would expect, with school holidays in full swing and families still on holiday, there is not a lot going on around town, which may be a good thing given the weather forecast.Rain, hail or shine, the Lismore Farmers Markets will be at the Lismore Showground tomorrow morning, with the gates open from 7:30.From fresh fruit and veg to plants, orchids, coffee/tea and breakfast plus live music from Bruce Worrall until 11:30am.The Lismore Free Market will be held on Sunday at the Lismore Community Garden at 50 Brewster Street in the CBD between 9am and 11am.The Free Market is a gathering of people who want to give away goods and services for free, devoid of any money, bartering or trading.Other options for the weekend include the Rail Trail, bush walks, rollerskating and Heritage Park. Check out Things To Do.Events in February to make a note of:Legends of Cricket - Saturday, February 15 at Oakes Oval andCountry Championships at the Lismore Turf Club featuring Lismore's richest race on Saturday, February 22.If you are in the mood for some live music this weekend, head to the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore.Tonight from 7pm, The Hillbilly Skank will hit the stage.The Lismore Workers Club live entertainment kicks off for 2025 with Forever Olivia - A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John on Saturday, February 15, Reputation - the Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show on Friday, February 21 and the Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show on Friday, March 7.Check out all the live music in 2025 at the Lismore Workers Club website.Fuel prices have stabilised with a 1 cent a litre reduction on some types, apart from diesel, which has seen an increase in prices in the last week.Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 178.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, 176.4 at the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, with The Metro and the Mobil on River Street in Ballina cheapest at 167.5.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, Lismore, 178.8 at the NightOwl Puma, and 169.5 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 188.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 194.7 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino and 182.5 at the Metro and Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 196.9 at the Liberty Foodmart on Ballina Road and the Liberty at 113 Union Street, South Lismore, 198.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 190.5 at the Metro and Mobil in Ballina.Diesel is 180.9 at the BP Lismore at 131 Dawson Street, 194.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street, the Casino Roadhouse and The United on Johnston Street in Casino and 187.5 at The Mobil and Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!

The 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival gets underway today, with hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to take the walk down Peel Street over the next 10 days.The Tamworth Country Music Festival is Australia’s largest music festival, with a program featuring 700 artists and more than 1800 events, across 10 days, including some of Australia’s most celebrated names in country music including; Lee Kernaghan OAM, John Williamson, Troy Cassar-Daley, Graeme Connors, Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Colin Buchanan, James Johnston, Amber Lawrence, Aleyce Simmonds, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Fanny Lumsden, Shane Nicholson, Tania Kernaghan & Jason Owen, Travis Collins, Kasey Chambers, Ashleigh Dallas, Max Jackson and Andrew Swift, just to name a few.More than 450 buskers have also registered to be a part of the largest and longest-running country music festival in the southern hemisphere.For those making the five-and-a-half journey to Tamworth, a reminder that police have launched a high-visibility operation for this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival.Operation Tamworth Country Music Festival 2025 will be in place for the duration of the iconic event, which starts today (Friday, 17 January 2025) and runs until Sunday, 26 January 2025.General duties officers from Oxley Police District and across Western Region will be assisted by specialist police from the Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland APM, said police will be out in force, with an unwavering focus on road safety, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.“Tamworth Country Music Festival attracts huge crowd numbers each year, and although the vast majority of attendees respect the rules, please be assured police will not tolerate unlawful behaviour,” Assistant Commissioner Holland said.“Everyone should be able to enjoy the event in Tamworth safely, but not at the expense of other people’s safety.“Our officers don’t want to rain on your parade – but I can assure you they will be firmly focused on acting swiftly towards those who choose to do the wrong thing.”Assistant Commissioner Holland pointed out that police will not tolerate any form of dangerous or criminal behaviour, noting that alcohol-free zones in the CBD will be enforced.“We urge people to use the Festival Express bus service where possible to get around Tamworth, particularly if you are planning to drink alcohol,” Assistant Commissioner Holland said.Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed to ensure country-music fans and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.Attendees are also reminded that there will be a number of alcohol-free zones throughout the Tamworth CBD for the safety and security of all festival-goers and the wider community.Police offer the following safety and security tips for campers:• Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking;• Get to know your surrounding campers;• In large crowds, be mindful of your own safety and security as well as that of people around you;• Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight; • Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended; • Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent;• Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or camper;• Plan for changes in weather conditions; • Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles;• Report any suspicious behaviour to police.For comprehensive event details, visit the official festival website: www.tcmf.com.auSpecial-event traffic information can be found at: www.livetraffic.com.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has slammed the Labor Government for failing to address the illegal squatters in vacant buyback homes."They are mostly out-of-towners and backpackers, and have moved into these homes without permission, creating serious concerns for our community," Mr Hogan said. “The Labor Government should have acted long before now. Residents of North and South Lismore have told me this is a health and safety issue that needs urgent attention.""If the Government continues to sit on its hands, our community risks becoming a socioeconomic ghetto.”"As these homes have been bought back by the State Government, it is their responsibility. For the Police to act, they would need to be asked by the owner, which is the State Government."Mr Hogan emphasised the broader safety concerns affecting the flood recovery, including the discovery of an alleged drug lab in a pod village last week.“This is another example of the Government’s inaction on critical safety and social issues,” Mr. Hogan said.“It’s not fair on the residents who are paying their rates and trying to live in a safe and secure community. They shouldn’t have to feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.”“Our community deserves better. The Government needs to step up, act decisively, and prioritise the wellbeing of our residents.”

The National Autism Strategy was released this week by the Honourable Amanda Rishworth MP.The Strategy’s commitments are built on three pillars: Social inclusionEconomic inclusion Diagnosis, services and supportsMs Rishworth said in the document, "These three pillars reflect our commitment to contribute to a society where all Autistic people in Australia are included in all aspects of life, with equitable access to opportunities, and appropriate and neurodiversity-affirming supports that recognise their needs, strengths and aspirations. "A fourth pillar, incorporating commitments and actions to improve the health and mental health of Autistic people, will be covered by the National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People – being led by the Minister for Health and Aged Care. "This Strategy emphasises the important role that each and every one of us has to play to bring about positive and lasting change, through contributing to inclusive workplaces and societies, building robust services and supports and increasing our understanding and appreciation of autism and Autistic people."The Lismore App sat down with the Founder and Chair of the Northern Rivers Autism Association (NRAA), Micheal Lynch, to discuss the strategy and its impacts on a regional centre such as Lismore.(Micheal Lynch outside of Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin's office)Micheal expressed cautious optimism; however, he was concerned about the strategy’s effectiveness, particularly in regional areas.Micheal, sees the strategy as a step toward positive change for autistic individuals in Australia. He highlights the Senate inquiry’s findings, which underscored the significant challenges faced by autistic people, particularly in education, employment, and health care. He is hopeful that, in his lifetime, the strategy will lead to positive changes, and that he will be able to say he is happy and content with the outcomes.“I'm proud, as an autistic person, to finally see that in my lifetime there's going to be some changes, and I'm hoping by the end of it, I'll be able to say, great. I'm happy. I'm content. There are things to prepare, but everything needs to be scrutinised and reviewed. So, thankfully, the government is open, on both sides, to always listen to the autistic voice on critique. "There will always be an autistic review, as they call it. The Senate inquiry reported there was resounding evidence that autistic people in Australia are significantly impacted, such as in education areas, unemployment, and also in health and general mental health. And, seeing the government starting to action new strategies to help people with autism to transition them for their life is a positive sign,” Micheal added.“There are some things which are promising; however, the areas of concern are there won't be enough regional focus in terms of better education, support and better access to meaningful employment. The big challenge for any strategy organisation is how to change the minds and hearts of non-autistic people in regional areas, because we do take a little bit longer to catch up with the bigger cities when it comes to change and difference.”Micheal explained the missed opportunity in education and questioned the $19.9 million that will be spent on communication to potential employers.EDUCATIONMicheal would love to see continuity of support throughout an autistic person's school life. His own experience involved a very positive primary school environment before an awful high school experience and a mixed university outcome (two bad/one good). The lack of understanding about the support needed for an autistic child's educational needs must change to achieve the strategy's goal.GOALThe goal of the Strategy is to improve the quality of life for all Autistic people in a way that is meaningful to them.COMMUNICATIONMicheal would like the NRAA to be granted part of the $19.9 million set aside for communication for a grassroots campaign direct to employers to change understanding and stereotypes rather than a mainstream advertising campaign.To hear all of Micheal Lynch's thoughts on the National Autistic Strategy, listen to the Talking Lismore podcast.

Property values in Lismore and the Northern Rivers had a solid 2024, as did most capital cities across Australia, especially Perth (up 19%), Adelaide (13%) and Brisbane 11%).Locally, according to CoreLogic (to the end of November 2024), Lismore house values increased by 13% with a median value of $537,799, while Ballina increased 5.2% with a median price of $979,489.Rents increased 8.3% to a median price of $573 per week, while Ballina increased 6.1% to $759 per week.The Lismore figure of 13% is inflated, given the number of house buybacks during the year. Neil Scott from Ray White Lismore said he felt a more realistic market figure was 5-10% growth for 2024."A better indication of the market would be to use a suburb like Goonellabah. That's where 40% of our transactions happen, and that is obviously an unaffected market from a flood perspective."I would think that the prices there are probably 5 to 10% up over the last 12 months. We ended the year with some really good results up there, you know, in the $1.2 million range. We did a couple of deals in the $900,000 to a million as well, which is a little bit back from the heady heights, but you know what, better than they would have been 12 months prior."Neil felt that a 5-10% increase could be achieved in 2025 as well.Andrew Gordon from R Gordon & Son was also optimistic about the Lismore housing market, but with some unknown factors to occur."The market in 2025 will always be a combination of factors. It's almost the stars are aligning type process. Now, what influences change? Maybe a change of government, pressure on the RBA, or perhaps a different policy as far as immigration is concerned. Perhaps a change there will lead to less pressure on housing. Interest rates, of course, once again depending on which way that goes with inflation and those ideals. "I guess the most important factor, at any one time, is supply. Will there be sufficient supply to create competition? You know, in the perfect world, you would have a scenario where you have three developers developing land at one time. They all have a requirement to finalise the subdivision sale. So they start competing with each other. "We've seen it before, and there's no reason why we can't see it again. When you have supply in lots of 10 or 20 at a time, it's not enough to create influence or change that is positive for the market or the purchaser. What we need to see is development on a larger scale at several times, so we see developers competing. "That'd be a wonderful scenario, where we could buy a block of land with $250, 000, that would be fantastic. Of course, that has consequences on the secondhand market. Once you have supply and you have pricing under control or in an affordable fashion, well then you'll see pressure come back onto the existing market. But if you have the luxury, like a lot of people in our generation are seeing, 100% growth in the market when they bought back in the day, and then if you lose 10% of that and it's only relevant, really, at point of sale, then you've lost nothing. You really haven't. Andrew said he would like to see planning approvals help housing supply to get the great Aussie dream back in reach of all buyers."I'd now like to see planning used as a tool to provide housing for those who want it. Every person wants to put a roof over the head of their family. And I think that idea or that dream that was affordable when we were kids, is slowly slipping away from this generation and the next. I'd like to see that restored. And I think Lismore has the collective goodwill to see that happen. Robbie Pruess from Raine & Horne Lismore feels Lismore and the Northern Rivers is still a popular and attractive place to live. "The Northern Rivers continues to be a popular place for lifestyle-driven relocations, with many people leaving larger cities for the more relaxed pace of life in towns like Byron Bay, Lismore, Ballina, and Mullumbimby. This trend is being driven by people seeking a better work-life balance, especially with remote work opportunities still prevalent post-pandemic. Consequently, demand for properties in the local area will still remain strong."Neil Scott thinks 2025 will be a period of continued stability."We've seen the last 12 months of a reasonably stable market with some good results at the end of the year, providing a good little bit of momentum that appears to be rolling into this year. There's a reasonable level of stock coming in the pipeline."There's the highly and long anticipated drop in interest rates that the media are talking up now. When that is going to happen, who can really tell at this point in time. I think we will see some confidence coming into the market from a buyer's perspective once we do see some sort of rate drop. I think one would be a little sigh of relief, and two would show some positivity, in my opinion."There is some confidence in the Lismore housing market from three real estate agents, with a lot of unknowns. We can throw in Trump's global impact on top of interest rates, a federal election, and less impact from housebacks in 2025.