On July 30, Lismore City Council unofficially opened the new Lismore Skatepark in the CBD.Construction was completed early, so council offered the first use of the facility to those who played a key role in the project's journey from concept to final design.Once the fence was removed, the new Lismore Skatepark has been a magnet for skaters from all over the Northern Rivers, as well as those who want to use the facility using scooters or pushbikes.Sam James, owner of 36 Chambers skate shop on Molesworth Street and one of the region's premier skateboarders, was one of the people advising council on the design of the skatepark. He raves about the facility.(An aerial view of the new Lismore Skatepark. Photo: Lismore City Council)"The park is phenomenal. It's one of the best parks that I've ever been to. I've been to skate parks all over the country and all over the world, and it's one of the best that I've ever stepped foot on."The Lismore Skatepark has also been good for business. Sam said business has been slow since the 2022 floods, but he has seen an uptick in customers in the last six days. Similar to how the Rail Trail has benefited Harris Cycle, Lismore Skatepark has helped 36 Chambers. It is another Fields of Dreams example: build it and they will come."That's exactly what's happened. If you walk past there early in the morning, you'll see people skating. I've got friends who go on there at 7am and I've been there till 10pm every night. So, it's been well used. And if you go there at 3:30 after school, it is absolute chaos. There's scooter kids and families and stuff everywhere, and just tons of people trying to get a role in."It's just such a good space for everyone, from the complete beginner to the absolute professional. Kids training to be Olympians, alongside someone who's just stepping on the board for the first time, and everyone's enjoying it."For those who have not seen the skatepark yet, it is surrounded by solar lights, so it can be used at all hours of any day. Sam mentioned there are no shadows, so it feels like midday when he is skateboarding.A walk around and a chat on Monday afternoon saw Zeno Murray and his mate Noah Trethowan having their first skate.(Zeno Murray trying out his skills at the new Lismore Skatepark watched by friend Noah Trethowan)Zeno and his mother, Anna, drove down from Pottsville. Zeno is part of a skateboarding academy on the Gold Coast, but now has a world-class facility on which to train in Lismore that is closer and with less traffic hassles. Anna said she and Zeno will more than likely come back every two weeks.Jesse Moore drove up from South Woodburn and was having his first skate at the Lismore Skatepark.(Jesse Moore skateboarding passed the Travis Watson rail)Jesse is back skateboarding after a twenty-year hiatus, now that his two teenage boys have taken it up. He used to drive up to the new Byron Bay Skatepark, but thinks Lismore's is better.In fact, a number of people had been travelling to Byron Bay, and said they will now head to Lismore as it is a better facility. There is not much in it, but Lismore did get the thumbs up over our rich coastal neighbours.SKATING ETIQUETTESafety and skating etiquette have already been an issue at Lismore Skatepark. That is what happens when you put three and four-year-olds on pushbikes using the same facility as an experienced skateboarder who is training or learning new and advanced tricks.Sam and other experienced skaters held a meeting with Lismore Council yesterday afternoon to discuss what rules and etiquette can be put in place to ensure everyone can share and use the space. The communication of those rules will be the key to its success."At peak hour after school. It's not being shared, it's being dominated. It's being dominated by people who didn't actually have anything to do with the planning, with the motivation, with the campaigning, with the designing. So I understand it's a space for everyone in the community to go and utilise and be a part of, but not to dominate it, not to take over, and not to get in other people's way."It's a space that needs to be shared. It's a space that needs to be understood and how to use it properly. So, we're getting to the stage where we need to educate people who don't actually know how to use a skate park if they're going to be part of it. We've got three-year-old girls who ride skateboards, and they've learned how to use the park. They've learned how not to get in other people's way or not be a menace. Whereas, there's a lot of other people who don't care about other people in the space and only care about what they're trying to do."So it's a space that needs to be shared and respected, for sure.HOW SHOULD A SKATEPARK BE USED?Sam explained that the reason Lismore City Council received $3.9 million in funding was that it was going to be a competition-level skatepark. One of the best in the country that will attract riders from all over the state, including Olympic hopefuls, and will hold state and national competitions in the years to come."That's why it is set up the way that it is," Sam said.Sam wants people, skaters and parents to understand the flow of the skatepark. This will lead to fewer accidents and a better shared experience for everyone."It's actually quite straightforward, because it just goes in a straight line from one end to the other end. When you first walk in from where the mini ramp is, you'll see the Trav rail, and then you'll see some ledges on either side, ledge, ledge, rail, rail. And if you go in a straight line, you'll be able to hit all, or as many as you can, depending on your ability."On the way down, there's a quarter pipe at the end. You'll turn around, come back, and you'll be able to do it again on the way back, straight up and down.(A view of the skatepark from end to end, and for parents, what not to do when it's busy)"When you get over to the other section, the bigger sort of more street, leaguey looking section, it's still the same thing. It's all back and forth."If you're going to hit any of those obstacles, you go in a straight line, turn around, and come back. There's no going across the park, which is what every kid on a scooter or pedestrian walking through the park is walking directly across all of these lines, or going around in circles, which is just not how it's designed to be used."I understand these kids aren't trying to do anything at competition level or even hit any of these obstacles, but the reason everyone else is there is to skate all these obstacles. So to have a kid riding around in circles through the middle of four or five different lines of skateboarders, or BMX's, or even even some of the scooter kids that that are doing some wild tricks, they're still using it in the same fashion as us, but the kids who don't understand, they're just running around in circles, crossways across the park, and it's super, super, super dangerous, because they're crossing lines of people.""Everything in this park is high speed to do anything, especially in that bigger section down the bottom, you've got to be cooking it to really get in and out of your trick. So, to be coming down a bank at full speed, and then all of a sudden there's a kid on a scooter right in your path, they're just going to get cleaned up, and they're going to definitely come off second best. Parents are out there too, just standing in the middle, having a chat, having a yarn, enjoying the space, but you're right in the middle of the park.It is hard to knock Sam's logic. He and a number of experienced skateboarders helped design the Lismore Skatepark, so they totally understand how it should be used to keep everyone safe, and for all levels to enjoy the new space.Parents do need to educate their children or grandchildren on the uses of the new Lismore Skatepark, as per Sam's words above. End-to-end is the right way to use the park, NOT across or around in circles.If parents want to move their child from a scooter to a skateboard, Sam is offering a $20 trade-in on any functional scooter when you buy a new complete skateboard.You will find 36 Chambers at 71 Molesworth Street, next to the Sherwood Hotel.Lismore City Council will have an official opening of the new Lismore Skatepark on Saturday, August 16 at 12 noon. There will be more details to come.

This week is Dental Health Week (August 4 to 10). New data from an Australian Dental Association (ADA) survey of 25,000 adults shows that 29%, or around one in four parents, believe their child is eligible for free dental treatment under the government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).Yet only 36%, or around one in three families who are eligible for the free treatment, actually use it. Meanwhile, the ADA survey says it has found the scheme is shrouded in confusion and misinformation, with many parents unaware of its existence or unsure of their eligibility, leaving millions of young mouths at risk. In real terms, this dramatic under-utilisation rate means that of the 2,595,862 children who were eligible for the CDBS in 2020-2021, just 1,003,838 children used its services. That means around 1.59 million children are going without the free dental care that’s rightfully theirs.“This leaves millions of eligible Australian families either going without dental care or paying more out of pocket than they need to, when it could so well fund a child’s first dental visit,” said ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro.“It’s a scheme that’s shrouded in mystery and confusion - and with over 1.5m Australian kids missing out, the government urgently needs to better promote it to ensure eligible families can access this care.”For eligible families, typically those in receipt of Family Tax Benefit A, the CDBS provides up to $1,132 over a two-year period for dental services such as examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions for children aged from newborn to 17.Of those who believed they were eligible for the scheme, only 56% have used it for their children, and 38% said they hadn’t, the survey found.Many parents who took part in the survey said they didn’t use the CDBS as it doesn’t cover orthodontics , which is so frequently needed with children. They were also under the incorrect impression that neither restorative nor cosmetic dental care were covered.Other reasons for not using the scheme, according to the ADA survey:The scheme is not well publicised, nor are its details easily understood.The amount, or balance each child has, and when it is to be used by, was unclear, with plenty of parents believing their kids were only entitled to one visit every 2 years.Many were unaware the CDBS could be accessed through a private dentist, assuming, if the government was providing the service, it would only be available through the public dental system.*Around 20-25% said that although they believed their child/children was eligible, they were waiting for confirmation of eligibility from Services Australia.“These results point to a catalogue of confusion, misinformation and lack of clarity around what’s in reality a good scheme that could potentially be meeting the oral health needs of nearly 2.6m kids a year.“We’re keen to work with the government to help clarify the basic elements of the scheme and promote it to patients and parents to ensure millions of kids are getting the dental treatment and care they need to set them up with healthy mouths early in life.”

Showgrounds in NSW are important for preserving rural heritage, providing community gathering spaces, and facilitating agricultural events. Take the Lismore Showground in North Lismore as an example. They were established in 1885 and have played a vital role, serving as a community hub for the last 140 years. Think of the Lismore Show, camping and caravaning, major concerts like From The Heart, Lifeline's community flood shop in 2022, circus events, night markets, vintage car shows, speedway, and the Lismore Farmers Markets, to name a few.Lismore Showground is located on Crown reserves managed by the North Coast National Agricultural and Industrial Society Incorporated as the appointed Crown land manager.The showground is no stranger to regular flooding given its low-lying topography at the southern end, where the cattle yards and Farmers Markets are located. The 2022 big flood saw most of the showground covered in water, which resulted in major damage to nearly all of its buildings.In April 2023, thanks to state and federal funding, a new bar/eating area was built, a new kitchen was built off the main pavilion in the north and retaining walls were replaced.Then in 2024, Norma's Kitchen was refurbished under the main grandstand, and $1.43 million in road repair work was undertaken at Lismore Showground to repair and upgrade about 1.1 kilometres of its internal roads.(The result of the new roads and drainage at the Lismore Showgrounds in 2024)Now, in 2025, a major $4.75 million project is underway to repair the rest of the damage from the 2022 floods and restore the local icon to full community use.The project will involve repairs to a wide range of single and double-storey weatherboard, brick and metal-clad buildings, replacement of roof sheeting, wall and ceiling linings and external weatherboards, cleaning and mould removal, painting and restoration of boundary fencing.Flood-damaged showground assets to undergo work will include:Pavilions, including the Jim Muldoon Poultry Pavilion, William Smith Pavilion, Fine Arts Pavilion, Farmers Market and Pig Pavilion, Cattle Pavilion, Claude Riley Pavilion, and Storage Shed Pigeon Pavilion.Other livestock facilities, including cattle stalls and cattle shed, stable sheds, Dayal Singh Stables, and Animal Nursery Rotunda.Members stand and other spectator stands, woodchop arena and its stand.Auto Club, Arts and Crafts, and Gem Club, and Speedway corporate boxes.Catering facilities, including the Main Bar, Rotary BBQ, Sandys Bar, Two Georges Cattle Bar, BBQ Shelter Bar, and Norco Bar Commentary Box.Various amenities, including the market toilets, other toilet blocks and disabled toilets.Entry ticket office, front office, secretaries office and press box, and various storage sheds and rooms.(The cattle stalls near the Lismore Farmers Markets)Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said, “When Lismore suffered its worst flood in recorded history in 2022, it had a significant impact on the showground, inundating its buildings and leaving them with structural and water damage.“Regional communities rely on their local showgrounds as multi-use community hubs to bring residents together to socialise through a range of events, so I’m very pleased to see this major restoration project underway.”Minister for Recovery and North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “We are committed to restoring our important community assets following the devastating floods of 2022.“The Lismore Showground is an iconic venue for locals and has significant historical meaning, particularly for the local Indigenous community. “It attracts visitors and supports local businesses and tourism, so its restoration is vital for community recovery.“The showground holds significant events, including the North Coast National Show, has markets and recreational and camping facilities, and hosts community gatherings and celebrations.”North Coast National Agricultural and Industrial Society Incorporated Secretary Mark Sollom said, “When the flood came through, about 95 per cent of the buildings here had water go through them, which was unprecedented in living memory.“We are really looking forward to having a shiny new showground to work from, set up a regular maintenance schedule and also open up some new areas for events that we have not been able to use before.”

Any business that survives 25 years is a testament to its daily operations, but for a restaurant to survive 25 years is a testament to the quality of food it delivers each and every day it is open.Indian Mumtaj on Woodlark Street turned 25 in July. A moment that brought a broad smile to the face of owner Jasjit (Jas) Gill. Although in the scheme of history for Jas' family, 25 years is just a drop in the ocean."My great, great grandfather came in 1895 from Punjab in India by boat. They came straight to the Lismore area from Tweed Heads. And then afterwards, he was going back and forth to India, and then gradually his four sons came over."Those four sons are the ones who established themselves in this area. So my great-grandfather was established in Lismore, while his three brothers were in Coffs Harbour, up near Tweed Heads, and the other one was in Lismore with him. They're the ones that kind of started doing the sugar canes and all that sort of work in the area.Jas' mother doesn't have the long Lismore roots, arriving in Lismore in her early teens, after spending some time in Kalgoorlie, 600km east of Perth."Her dad was doing work on the railroads out there, but this was always sort of home for us. She ended up back here at Main Arm. She was going to school out in Mullum, which was in the '60s. And then, as she grew older, Lismore became more home."Jas' love of cooking Indian food came from his memories at the old Rous Hotel, where La Baracca is now."One of my first memories was sitting there with mum and dad in the restaurant, seeing what they were doing. Mum always used to make the samosas and things like that. At home, I'd always be playing in the kitchen, going with dad, learning things, seeing what he was doing, and I guess it kind of grew from that.School didn't provide any passion for Jas; however, cooking did. He worked in his brother's restaurant in Ballina, and since 2007, Jas has been in the kitchen ever since, loving every moment.Indian Mumtaj started in 2000 when Jas' mother found the old Seafood Inn at the back of Eggins Lane was up for lease when he was about 12 or 13 years old."We signed a lease and started in there, and then pretty soon after, there was a flood, which was ironic, because I remember walking from Wyrallah Road all the way to town with my Dad, and when we got there, we saw the water was just lapping the top. So we were like, Oh, great, it's fine. We opened the doors, and then everything's floating inside, because it had come up through the drains. It had all come through the back of the restaurant."Then, Mum opened up on Molesworth Street, and that would have been until 2014. I think we went through a couple of floods over there as well. And then I bought this building back then, and have been here ever since. 11 years and three floods, I think."(Jas Gill inside Indian Mumtaj)It is funny how business owners in Lismore's CBD count their time by how many floods they have been through.As for tips in surviving 25 years in the restaurant business in a flood zone?"It's not easy, but it's definitely the customers. This last flood definitely took us the longest to bounce back from. Partially to do with the loss of one of my close friends. Ever since 2007, he was my handyman. We always built everything together, and he ended up getting quite sick in the first week after the floods. He ended up passing away about a year and a half later, and that was the blessing that flood gave. It gave me that time to actually spend with him. So, that was kind of why it took a little bit longer this time. But it was a silver lining."When we came back, the whole street was empty, so it was hard enough to start being the only thing here after six o'clock at night. Now it's slowly picking up. Things are slowly coming away from Keen Street and focusing back on Woodlark Street and Molesworth Street a bit more. It's gradually becoming a town centre again."While flooding has always provided a setback to the community, COVID provided an opportunity."COVID was something that we actually thrived in. When those sort of things happen, you adapt, or you don't do well. We focused on different communities. We focused on home deliveries. We focused on regional deliveries. And that was actually one of our busiest times we ever had. It took thinking outside of the actual box of what everyone else was doing. We set up our dining room as a sort of Indian spice shop as well."To be in the restaurant business for 25 years is to be celebrated. The bottom line is learning and cooking with love."It's always been mum and dad's recipes, but I guess it's whose hand comes to it that adds that sort of touch. We've taught in the area. Probably out of all the restaurants, 90 per cent of them have spent time being taught by us. So, they've all come through our kitchens, besides probably two restaurants in our whole area, from Byron all the way down to here. They've all got their own touch to it."The spices and everything we've always kept. I still make all the spices by hand. I still do everything. We kind of just show the chefs, the nighttime cooking, not the back background stuff."Jas is in the process of selling his handmade Indian spices."We're in the process of just starting to market them. So as far as like, what you'll be able to get the same sort of stuff, like Chai mixes, syrups, spices, all these sorts of things that we ground ourselves. I'm just waiting on some of the equipment to come through, then we can start packaging it nicely."You should be able to purchase Indian Mumtaj spices by the end of 2025 at local shops. Keep an eye out or ask Jas when you dine at his restaurant at 35 Woodlark Street. If you haven't dined there, click here to check out the menu.Indian Mumtaj, 25 years and going strong in the Lismore CBD. A true Lismore survivor.

Lismore City Council is inviting the community to have their say on a proposed planning change aimed at unlocking new opportunities for cultural, educational and commercial activity in parts of South Lismore’s rail corridor precinct.The Council-led Planning Proposal aims to amend planning controls to allow additional permitted land uses in an identified key growth corridor. The expanded permitted uses include community facilities, entertainment facilities, information and education facilities and retail premises.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the Proposal is part of Council’s ongoing work to revitalise key areas of the city and build a more dynamic local economy.“Council is always looking for ways to unlock new opportunities that benefit our community and local economy,” he said.“By updating the permitted land uses around the rail corridor, we are setting the stage for new community facilities, entertainment spaces and retail options that simply are not possible under the current zoning. “This change means we can attract new investment, activate underused spaces and create more reasons for people to visit, shop and connect in South Lismore. It’s about making sure these key areas evolve to meet the needs of our city and our residents.“We’re keen to hear from locals, businesses and anyone with a stake in Lismore’s future about how this proposal could work best.”The Proposal reflects Council’s vision for the rail corridor to become a vibrant community and visitor precinct, supporting a range of appropriate commercial and cultural activities. Council’s Acting Head of Planning and Environment, Jamie van Iersel, said the change is about matching land use with the area’s potential.“This is about unlocking the potential of land that sits at the heart of our urban area,” she said. “This opens it up for community, entertainment, education and retail uses, meaning the corridor can become a real hub for locals and visitors, while supporting economic growth.”Council has been given authority by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to exercise local plan making functions for this proposal, meaning Council will be the final decision-maker.(The corridor in pink that Lismore City Council wishes to change planning controls in South Lismore)Any developments would still be subject to consent on certain mapped E4 General Industrial zoned land surrounding the rail corridor in South Lismore.Proposed changes in detailThe proposal allows for the following additional permitted uses on mapped E4 General Industrial land near the rail corridor:Community facilities- buildings or places owned by a public authority or non-profit group used for social, cultural, intellectual or welfare developmentEntertainment facilities- venues such as theatres, cinemas, concert or dance halls (excluding pubs or registered clubs)Information and education facilities- spaces for providing information or education to visitors, including art galleries, museums, libraries and visitor information centresRetail premises- buildings or places used for selling, hiring or displaying goods, including shops, food and drink premises, markets, plant nurseries and similar.Council encourages residents, business owners and stakeholders to review the Planning Proposal and provide feedback before it proceeds.To view the full proposal and have your say, visit the ‘Your Say’ page on the Council website at https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/planning-proposal-to-allow-additional-permitted-uses-in-south-lismore .How to make a submission:Online: Use the submission box on the Your Say pageEmail: council@lismore.nsw.gov.auIn writing: Lismore City Council, PO Box 23A, Lismore NSW 2480Submissions close at 4:30pm on Monday, 1 September 2025.For more information, please contact Council’s Planning team via the above channels or call 02 6625 0500.

In a world-first, the NSW Government and international biotechnology leader, Tiba BioTech, have developed a breakthrough foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine that is fast to produce and will see Australia become one of the few nations with the capacity to produce its own vaccine.FMD is a highly infectious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It remains widespread globally and is endemic in many countries, particularly in Africa, Asia and Middle East. The development of this new vaccine is part of the government’s $1 billion biosecurity plan to protect the state’s $8 billion livestock industry and Australia’s food security.Australia is one of the few fortunate countries free of FMD, but if a widespread outbreak were to occur, it would have a catastrophic impact on meat supply and exports, costing the Australian economy up to $80 billion.The aim of the vaccine is to protect our community from the potential dramatic impact of FMD on the supply of meat, milk or lamb into Australian supermarkets due to reducing domestic livestock, disrupted processing and transport, and potential shortages for consumers.As a result of the vaccine’s development, Australia is now one of only a handful of countries with the local capacity to produce an FMD vaccine.Developing this capacity to guard against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the Minns Government to protect our agricultural industries and build a better economy.The vaccine has taken less than 18 months to develop and has cost about $2.5 million. The work is part of a $20 million project funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the NSW Government.This FMD vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, which is unique in that it is fully synthetic, making it safer and much faster to produce.Using this technique, the vaccine can be manufactured without the use of infectious material. This is an important consideration for safely managing an outbreak and the overall response.The vaccine is now undergoing further testing to demonstrate it meets the standards set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) before it can be approved for use in an emergency if there was an FMD incursion into Australia. The project is a consortium of local and international partners with the biotechnology leader, Tiba Biotech, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Meat & Livestock Australia, and the German Friedrich–Loeffler Institut.    Local manufacture of mRNA animal vaccines is supported by the University of NSW’s RNA Institute, who have a demonstrated capacity to manufacture mRNA vaccines. In recent overseas trials, vaccinated cattle exposed to the virus did not contract the disease and, importantly, did not shed the virus to infect others.Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “The delivery of an FMD vaccine is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to safeguarding livestock from key biosecurity threats and ensuring the state’s agriculture industry can thrive. “Developing local manufacturing capacity to produce vaccines against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the Minns Government so that we can protect Australia’s livestock industries, our economy and our food supply. “The Minns Government is determined to build a better agricultural sector and grow our livestock industry, and that is why we have invested a historic $1.05 billion into biosecurity.“We have a plan we are implementing to strengthen our research sector and have funded an additional $100 million into modernising the state’s research and development program so it can keep on delivering world class work like this vaccine.“If diseases like Foot and Mouth were to enter the country, it would cause major disruptions to the livestock industry and catastrophic market impacts across rural Australia, so this breakthrough is greatly received.”Meat & Livestock Australia Managing Director, Michael Crowley, said, “While we hope an FMD vaccine is never needed, the research is a proactive approach to managing biosecurity risk.“FMD is present in nearby countries to Australia and is front of mind for industry in terms of potential biosecurity risks.“Australia is one of a fortunate number of countries with FMD-free status, and an incursion would have serious implications for our industry and trade.“While vaccination may not necessarily be required in the event of an incursion, this research confirms the Australian livestock industry is proactive and prepared.”Tiba Biotech Chief Financial Officer, Peter McGrath, said, “We're proud to contribute to safeguarding Australia’s livestock industry and the future of animal health with this breakthrough next-generation solution.“Unlike current mRNA technologies, our vaccines can be stored long-term at standard refrigeration temperatures and at room temperature for at least one month - a critical advantage in livestock applications.“Our focus now shifts to working closely with regulators to ensure the vaccine meets the highest standards of safety and effectiveness for livestock and consumers.“Livestock mRNA vaccines offer a safe, efficient and effective approach to enhancing animal health, benefiting both the agricultural industry and consumers.”NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Virology Laboratory Manager, Dr Peter Kirkland, said, “This vaccine research investment plays a vital role in protecting Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock industries, safeguarding the communities that depend on them and maintaining access to critical export markets.“There is no mRNA vaccine currently registered for use in livestock in Australia, and delivering the first shows the way for the nation’s research and development sector.“If this mRNA vaccine now moves to being approved by the APVMA, it would offer biosecurity advantages.“It would allow Australia the ability to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals, which could support a speedier return to normal domestic production and international trade in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.”

The Lismore date for the Northern Rivers Resilience and Initiative (NRRI) community visit, run by NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) and the CSIRO as their science partner, saw a strong turnout at the Lismore Workers Club.From opening time at 10am, there were reports of people lined up eager to hear what the CSIRO team had to say about the process and keen to voice their thoughts as to what flood mitigation results they would like to see and what options should be included in the modelled scenarios.CSIRO Lead Scientist Jai Vaze said he has met with seven councils that are part of the Richmond River catchment, with Clarence to be completed on August 19. Each council viewed the implementation model that was released on 30 June 2025, and voiced their opinions as to what options they feel will deliver the best flood mitigation results."They are a good starting point, and we are asking the community what do they want us to do," Mr Vaze told the media today."Once the community meetings have been completed, Kyogle being the last this Friday, the data will be collected and analysed."Whatever the majority wants, we'll then put together the scenario options, which will be a couple of things for Lismore and upstream, some for Kyogle, some for Casino. So, we're looking at the whole Richmond scale flood mitigation. The whole focus is flood mitigation."And so after that, we'll put together, based on the community needs, which makes sense and which can be modelled. Then basically we'll come back again to the councils and the community, show them that this is the preferred one. Are they okay with it? If that's okay, and if it's approved by the Federal Minister, then we run those. The 30th of June, 2026, we will put out a report which will show that for scenario one, what will be the reduction? Scenario two, what will be the reduction?"Mr Vaze stressed that neither he nor his team has promised any flood mitigation results."We haven't promised one centimetre. If the scenario shows, when modelling shows there is no change, that's what we put. If it shows a larger change, we'll show that."The CSIRO job finishes there. After that, it's more policy, so the state and federal agencies and ministers take over from there. We will be providing, still, the scientific advice."As we already know, one scenario will be bundled with a number of options, and there could be two, three, four or five scenarios modelled to get the best result for the entire Richmond River catchment."Quite a lot of them have been retained water, and hold it during the floods and then release it later. Some are about levees. Some are about nature-based solutions. We are listening to everyone. After that, what makes sense for flood mitigation will be put together. As CSIRO has said right from the beginning, nothing is finalised. Every option has equal weight."It is still early days in the community consultation process; however, Mr Vaze said the common message coming through was to reduce the impact of future floods."And then some of them say that, Oh, you are the science organisation, you make the decision and just do it. We don't operate that way. We need to hear from the community what they want. And so everyone basically wants the impact of the floods, large floods to be reduced. That's the common message."Some internal posters in the community meeting room show water retention options for Leycester Creek, Terania Creek, Wilsons River and Richmond River, levee options for Casino, Lismore and Ballina, and the opening of Boundary Creek to the Pacific Ocean.Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, and Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg were present today, asking for one of the scenarios to be modelled, to reduce the impact of a major flood by 1 to 2 metres.Mr Hogan showed Mr Vaze his petition, which has reached over 2,000 signatures, both physically and digitally (online). You can still sign the petition here."I'm not here to tell them what things they should do to do that, and what things they shouldn't do. But obviously, we believe to get one to two metres off a flood, we need both engineering and nature-based solutions to do that.""Why are we asking the CSIRO to take a metre to two metres off a flood? We think it's important for a whole lot of reasons. One is to keep people safe. We don't think nature-based solutions will keep people safe in their homes, keep people safe in their businesses, and do the mitigation that we think needs to happen to happen. So that's the priority, keeping people safe."The other is things like insurance. We're uninsurable at the moment on the flood plain, and we obviously, with flood mitigation, good, proper flood mitigation work, we think will give people insurance, and even credit finance is very difficult to do this."Lismore is one of the few communities we think along the east coast that hasn't had serious flood mitigation work done yet. If you look at a town like Grafton, a community like Grafton had back in the 1960s had a one-in-100-year levy put through. Now, again, this isn't about flood proofing. We can't flood-proof, we know that, but this is about engineering and nature-based solutions that take a reasonable amount of water off our community to make them feel safer. And again, things like insurance and affordability for insurance."Mayor Steve Krieg thanked the CSIRO for their world-first Richmond River catchment model that accurately reflects five of Lismore's recent major floods, including 2022."There's no doubt that I'm not an expert in flood mitigation whatsoever, but what I am is a very passionate Lismore resident. I want to see our business community protected. I want to see our residents protected. I want to see everything that is great about our area looked after and protected, whatever that looks like."I've said it very publicly and very often that I back the science with this. Jai and his team are very trusted and world-renowned in modelling, so it's really great to see our community come out in such force to provide their opinions."Greens spokesperson, Dr Luke Robinson, was also present today."I think it was really good to talk to Jai and his team about what their model was about and how it works, and also to learn about what the limits are on the model and what it can achieve," Dr Robinson said.Dr Robinson was happy to look at the evidence-based science but did have concerns about political interference."We've got serious concerns about how the process could be co-opted by certain political elements that are only focused on doing hard engineering solutions. Our concern with a lot of the hard engineering solutions, and by that I mean things like retention basins and levees and so on, is that they don't guarantee 100% that people will be protected from any flood. The only way we can do that is to get people off the floodplain. That's 100% guaranteed if we get them off a floodplain."Second thing is, we don't know what the costs of those economically are going to be. I imagine if, as Kevin Hogan says, he wants to get one to two meters off the whole catchment, that is going to be extraordinarily expensive. It's going to require massive earthworks, and they will have a lot of big environmental impacts upstream. There'll be places that are flooded; they might be wrecked. They could be sensitive ecological areas. They could be people's farmland, people's properties. Those things have to be brought into account as well, and they're also cultural impacts we'll have to look at as well."It seems to me that the simplest and most guaranteed way of dealing with the impacts of flooding is to get people off the floodplain."Ballina will host the next community forum tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC, Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina, between 10am and 6pm.Wednesday will see the forum move to Woodburn at the Community building, 114 River Street, again between 10am and 6pm.The final community forum will be held this Friday at Kyogle, the Community Centre, 3 Bloore Street, between 10am and 6pm.If you cannot physically get to a venue and still want to have input, click here to lodge an online response.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has congratulated 13 organisations sharing $450,000 in funding under the NSW Government’s 2025 Community Building Partnership Program (CBP).Ms Saffin said the Government was investing in a variety of local infrastructure projects to help deliver much-needed improvements to facilities and build resilience within local communities across our Electorate of Lismore.“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful with their detailed applications and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes on the ground, benefitting users for many years to come,” Ms Saffin said.“For those applicants who missed out in this year’s round, take heart that the CBP 2026 round dates will be announced shortly. All good projects find their time to shine and perhaps some more ambitious ones can be done in stages.”Please check the CBP website www.nsw.gov.au/cbp for more information. You may wish to sign up for alerts about the CBP program to be notified when information about the next round is confirmed. Successful 2025 projects include:Dunoon Preschool -- $90,000 for Collaborative Corner Project: Create a multi-functional space at the preschool to foster collaboration between educators, allied health professionals, and families away from the distraction of the everyday of the preschool. The newly created Collaborative Corner will strengthen community connections and support children’s development.Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome (FOTA) Incorporated -- $70,890 towards improving the aerodrome’s disaster readiness capability: Reconstruction and sealing of the unsealed portion of the aircraft taxiways and parking area to improve suitability for use in emergencies. Project scope includes the installation of aircraft tiedowns.Tweed Shire Council -- $62,206 towards Kunghur Hall building restoration: Restore and upgrade the hall, which hosts a preschool and other community activities, by replacing the rusting roof and gutters, damaged ceiling panels and weatherboards, rotten ramp and panels and stumps. This ensures a safe, functional, and welcoming space, future-proofing this vital community asset.The Numulgi Hall Incorporated – $46,150 for Lifting Up Numulgi, restumping our community hall for a stronger, connected future: Numulgi Memorial Hall, damaged during the 2022 Lismore floods, will be restumped to ensure structural safety and longevity. This essential upgrade will benefit the community by preserving a vital hub for social gatherings, workshops, and support services, strengthening it as a resilient and inclusive space for connection and community-building.Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club Limited -- $31,642 for kitchen refurbishment: The club was severely damaged by the 2022 floods, and this funding will enable the supply and installation of kitchen equipment to support the operation of the club.Rock Valley Hall Incorporated -- $27,019 for kitchen upgrade to support community participation and cohesion, especially in times of an emergency: Upgrading Rock Valley Hall’s kitchen to provide an efficient space with better access, lighting and hygienic food preparation areas. A functioning kitchen is essential in times of emergency. Developing support systems with our community, the Rural Fire Service, Red Cross and State Emergency Services, we are building community resilience.Federal School of Arts Association Incorporated -- $26,100 towards painting the exterior of Federal Hall: Clean and wash down the exterior of the building to remove mould, strip back loose and flaking paint, and fill gaps and minor repair works before repainting the hall. Required to halt the decay of the building.Our Plan C Incorporated, Goonellabah -- $20,497 towards future-proofing communities using Plan C’s emergency toolkit: Plan C seeks funds for UHF radios, portable power stations and laptops for two purposes -- (i) teach our existing training participants how to use them to improve their preparedness to disasters and (ii) ensue our staff and volunteers can quickly support communities during extreme weather or other emergencies.Co-Ordination Co-operative Limited -- $20,000 towards essential roof repairs to the Tuntable Falls Community Hall: The Tuntable Falls Community Hall is a much-loved, well-used historic community facility that needs major roof repairs. Work on the top section of the roof will enable the continued safe use of an iconic and crucial place of social and community connection for thousands of local people.Urbenville & District Bowling Club Limited -- $20,000 towards a kitchen upgrade for community use: Replacement of wall sheeting and re-running electrical cables, gas lines and plumbing. Also, new floor coverings.Mallanganee Public Hall Land Manager -- $14,850 for restoring charm to our heritage hall: Removal of existing roller door at the hall entry and reinstating it with a pair of traditional timber framed vertical jointed doors.Mummulgum Public Hall Reserve -- $11,396 for hall floor restoration: Resurfacing and sealing the hall floor to repair water damage.NSW Rural Fire Service Australia on behalf of Murwillumbah Rural Fire Brigade -- $9,250 for purchasing lockers to store personal protective clothing and helmets: Acquisition of 20 lockers to enable firefighters to store PPC, boots and helmets to allow easy access and safekeeping of PPC.Lismore Electorate-wide total -- $450,000.

Parents, carers and children across NSW will benefit from a new hospital initiative aimed at better supporting parents to raise concerns about their child’s condition if they feel it is getting worse.The new tool will require healthcare workers to regularly ask families: “Are you worried they are getting worse?” to help capture important changes in their child’s condition.The question will be embedded in paediatric and neonatal observation charts in emergency departments and inpatient units across the state.The potentially life-saving tool , Worried they’re getting worse, is based on new research from Monash Health and developed by the Clinical Excellence Commission, and recognises parents, families, and carers know their children best.The question recognises that parents and carers are often able to detect early changes or deterioration in their child’s behaviour or temperament that could signal a clinical concern.If parents or caregivers indicate they believe their child is getting worse or deteriorating, it will trigger a review by a senior healthcare worker.All NSW public hospitals will implement the tool by October 2025, and the program will be extended into maternity and adult wards in early 2026.The tool was first trialled at Hunter New England Local Health District in March 2025 and began its statewide rollout at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network on 21 July 2025. Separately, the REACH program is also available for parents and carers when they have concerns that their child is becoming seriously unwell. A REACH call prompts an urgent patient review by a senior health worker. This program continues to be accessible in all NSW hospitals, with work underway to strengthen this safety net.NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said, “When you bring your child into our hospitals, we know that you know them best.“Parents and carers can recognise small changes in a child’s condition sometimes before healthcare workers can observe changes in things like heart rate or breathing.“Feedback from parents and carers is critical in capturing information about a child who is becoming seriously unwell.“When your doctor or nurse asks: 'Are you worried they’re getting worse?' we need you to tell us even if it is something small, because if you’re worried, we’re worried.”Secretary of NSW Health, Susan Pearce AM said, “We know staff right across the NSW public health system work incredibly hard to deliver the highest quality of care for patients, and we need to ensure the right systems are in place that support them to continue to do so.“Really listening to parents, carers and family members is critical when caring for children in hospital and this new initiative recognises the vital role they play in their child’s care alongside our excellent healthcare professionals.“By working together, we can strengthen patient safety for children and babies and provide an environment where parents and carers are encouraged and empowered to raise concerns.”

Lismore City Council will be rolling out a range of safety and amenity upgrades across the CBD, starting Monday (4 August), that will cause some traffic delays. However, that will be minimised, as the work is undertaken at night.Works include line marking, new bollards, updated tactile indicators and roundabout fencing to improve safety and accessibility.Line Marking Works (Overnight 7pm to 4am)Night 1 – Monday, 4 AugustConway Street – 40km/h markings and pedestrian crossing.Molesworth and Keen Streets – Pedestrian crossing markings.Night 2 – Tuesday, 5 AugustMolesworth, Woodlark and Keen Streets – Pedestrian crossing marking.Temporary traffic control and intermittent road closures will be in place. Please avoid parking on affected streets from 6pm both nights.Other CBD Upgrades:Tactile ground indicator upgrades and stainless-steel bollard replacements on Woodlark, Molesworth and Keen Streets (minimal traffic impacts; some footpath access may be restricted).Continued installation of black safety fencing at the Molesworth/Magellan roundabout to enhance visibility and pedestrian safety.Council asks that you follow signage and directions from traffic controllers.

The clock is ticking for former students and staff of Trinity Catholic College to purchase tickets to its 40 Year celebrations. Saturday, August 16, at the Lismore Workers Club is the date and venue, less than two weeks away.Trinity's Principal Jesse Smith told the Lismore App that many people are using the celebrations to organise school reunions."It will be a great celebration on the 16th to bring some of those people, particularly people from the class of '85. I would imagine that would have been a pretty unique experience for them to try and create something new. But some of them will be back, and it'll be a great celebration."We're certainly saying to all of our past students, past staff, etc, that they're most welcome to come along. Some groups within that 40-year bracket are treating it as a reunion. So people are getting tables together, and you know, there might be 20 people from the class of 1985 coming, and there might be a group of people from another class that are coming. So yeah, for different groups, they are treating it as a reunion."We see it as a big community celebration, and we hope to see as many people as possible.The 40 Year celebration will involve a meal and live entertainment by the Cath Simes Band. Many people understand Trinity's history, but are confused about the 40 Year celebration. Jesse Smith took the Lismore App through a quick history lesson."The presentation sisters established St Mary's Girls School in 1886, and that continued all the way through to the amalgamation point, which was 1985."The Marist Brothers came to Lismore in 1911 and established Marist Brothers Boys' High School."And then in 1966, there was a period of co-instruction where senior students would actually be taught by either brothers or sisters in specific subjects. So there was, I guess, some mingling across subjects at that point. And then the process of actually bringing the two schools together was a discussion through the early 1980s, and then obviously ramped up in 1984.(Signing articles of association in 1984 for the formation of Trinity Catholic College) "At the end of 1984, they appointed Sister Mary Cannane pbvm, after whom Cannane House was named, one of our 10 houses at Trinity. She was appointed the foundation principal. And at the end of that year, in December, there was a mass in the cathedral, and both of the schools entered the cathedral, and the captains of St Mary's and Marist Brothers handed their school banners back to the parish priest at the time, Father Frank.(The handing over of the banners in late 1984. Photo: supplied)"The whole essence of that ritual was that the two schools entered the cathedral as separate entities, and then they left as a combined force, so to speak. So, 1985 rolls around, we have Trinity Catholic College, and Sister Mary was the foundation principal, and she was here until 1992. The rest is history, as they say."There has been a line of Marist Brothers up until this point, who've led the college until me (Jesse Smith was the first lay principal of Trinity, appointed in 2022). Across that time, we have students who have gone out into the world and done all sorts of remarkable things. Some of them are back here, teaching or on staff, me included."As for what Trinity Catholic College has experienced in the last 40 years?"I don't know that I'm qualified to make a comment. For me, certainly, the events of the last couple of years have been.....the term unprecedented is thrown around, but you know, I don't imagine in 1985 we would have expected some of the realities that we had to face in recent years, and even coming down to the actual physical relocation of the campus because of the 2022 natural disaster."But I think what has rung true throughout all of that is that sense of community and the fact that all over the world now, there are people who benefited from their education here in Lismore, and whether they're working in trades or running their own small business or nursing or teaching or working in academia or the law, whatever it is, it's been a place that's been able to, I guess, be a launching pad for so many different contributions. I think that's something for us to be really proud of."To purchase your tickets to Trinity Ctholic College's 40 Year Celebration, click here.

The $880 million Resilient Homes Program (RHP) is scheduled to run until June 2027, five years after the 14.4 metre flood ripped through Lismore and the Northern Rivers.From October 2022 to 25 July 2025:653 buybacks have been approved for Lismore, with 497 settled.5 grants for Resilient Measures have been approved, including:4 for raising (includes raise, rebuild).1 for retrofit.One question that has been raised since the RHP was launched and house buybacks were approved and settled is whether a person who uses the money to purchase another property in the flood zone will be eligible for more government financial aid when the next big flood hits.An anonymous Lismore App reader has emailed their concern. Let's call them John.John lives in South Lismore and was not eligible for a buyback.John's neighbour received a buyback due to extenuating circumstances; elderly and mental health were two reasons according to the email."No hard feelings, happy they have their ticket out. Until I learn, they buy again with their buyback money in South Lismore 2+ streets away, same flood zone, same risk."Is it not mind-boggling that you get a buyback for extenuating circumstances but are allowed to buy back into the flood zone, same circumstances, same risk? I'm sure in future flooding events, they will then receive future government assistance in future flood events, even though you have been given an out?"Is this not counterintuitive and a ridiculous use of government money? Why is there not a clause that excludes you from purchasing in another, let alone same flood zone, using buyback money?John wanted to make it clear that this situation is not to create a feud with his former neighbour, but to highlight the circumstances and see regulation changes made to contracts by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.Unfortunately for John and others who believe changes should be made, the solution lies with the NSW Government."That's probably premature, the guidelines as they are at the moment are really focused on ensuring that we can assist people who are in the highest risk areas to move away from flood-prone land," CEO of the NSWRA Mal Lanyon, told the Lismore App."That's really what the Resilient Homeless Program has been around. There is nothing, and there's certainly nothing that the RA can do if someone has undertaken, under the Resilient Homes Program, to buy a house in another area nearby. Whether a person would subsequently be eligible, should there be another disaster, is something that future guidelines would take into consideration."What I would say is the Resilient Homes Program is really focusing on providing the opportunity to safely move away from where they are flood-prone. I would certainly ask people who have participated in the Resilient Homes Program to really think carefully about where they are choosing to live after that. We're trying to provide an opportunity for people to live safely, and that's what we're really focused on."It would appear the bureaucrats involved in the NSW Government Resilient Homes Program guidelines did not consider a scenario where a person's financial opportunity was stronger than the opportunity for personal safety, given they were given a buyback because of extenuating circumstances.There is nothing illegal about what John's neighbour has done. But the question remains, should they receive more government help in the future?

For those travelling to the Gold Coast in the next two days, you are advised that the Tugun Bypass Tunnel on the Pacific Motorway will be temporarily closed on 3-4 August and from 17- 21 August for essential maintenance work.To minimise impacts to motorists, work will be carried out at night. The first closure will take place from 7pm on Sunday, 3 August to 5am on Monday, 4 August and from 7pm on Monday, 4 August to 5am on Tuesday, 5 August. The second closure will be from 7pm to 5am on each of the nights from Sunday, 17 to Thursday 21 August, reopening at 5am on Friday, 22 August.During the night closures, detours are available and suitable for all vehicle types.From 7pm on Wednesday, 20 August to 5am on Thursday, 21 August and from 7pm on Thursday, 21 August to 5am on Friday, 22 August, northbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway via the Kennedy Drive exit, take Sugarwood Drive to Gold Coast Highway, then take Tugun Currumbin Road and rejoin the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Stewart Road on-ramp.Southbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway at Tugun Currumbin Road (Exit 95) and follow to the Gold Coast Highway, then Cordyline Drive to re-join the M1 Pacific Motorway at Kennedy Drive on-ramp.All other nights, northbound traffic will be diverted at the Gold Coast Highway (Tugun exit) onto Tugun Currumbin Road, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Currumbin. Southbound traffic will be diverted at Tugun Currumbin Road (exit 95) onto Gold Coast Highway, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads West (Gold Coast Highway on-ramp).Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.Routine maintenance of the tunnel is carried out every three months, including 17-21 August and involves a range of measures such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.Additional closures will be required to update the operating system between August and October 2025 as follows:Wednesday 3 SeptemberWednesday 10 September and Thursday 11 September Sunday 14 SeptemberTuesday 7 October and Wednesday 8 October.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience while essential maintenance work is carried out.For more information on this work visit livetraffic.com/incident-details/233663, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701.To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Tugun Bypass Tunnel’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

Deborah Mills (M.A.Honours in Dance-Theatre) and Lismore Theatre Company have completed Terms 1 & 2 of their innovative 12-month community theatre project Embodied Theatre: Workshops-to-Stage. Together, they have been engaging in creative play, collaboratively devising scenes that are gradually developing into a full-length work that places the human body at the heart of the narrative. Inspired by an apocalyptic fairytale which explores universal themes of fear and freedom, the project will culminate in a full-length production staged in February 2026 at the Rochdale Theatre, entitled: FREEFALL.The creative process includes physical improvisation and experimentation using the stimulus of text, music and props to create what Mills terms, moving metaphors.In Term 3, the group will learn and explore the technique of body syncing, where the text and movement are developed independently so that the audience sees the text and hears the movement. The Lismore Theatre Company is inviting new members to join their group in weekly workshops. "If you are curious, creative, playful and have an interest or experience in improvisation, movement exploration, experimentation with props, script development or performance – then come and join us!" LTC President Sharon Brodie said."You will find a safe space where the working principles and process give permission to experiment and explore freely without inhibition or fear of being wrong – where together we will make discoveries and have fun." Workshops are held every Tuesday night at The Rochdale Theatre, Goonellabah from 6pm to 9pm. Term 3 starts Tuesday, 5th August and concludes Tuesday, 30th September. Also (or alternatively), Term 3 includes three all-day Sunday workshops from 10am – 4pm on 7th August and 7th & 21st September at the Uniting Church Hall, 80 Keen St, Lismore Cost is $75 per term ($50 for LTC members. Membership $15, offering reduced prices to productions).To book a place or make enquiries, contact admin@lismoretheatrecompany.org.au or call 0406399842.Bookings through Humanitix at https://events.humanitix.com/embodied-theatre-workshops-term-3.

As winter sets in and respiratory illnesses surge across Australia, pharmaceutical experts at the University of South Australia are sounding the alarm over the growing misuse of antibiotics – a risky practice that is fuelling the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that have become resistant to the medicines that are designed to kill them, potentially leading to millions of preventable deaths each year. In 2021 alone, an estimated 4.7 million deaths were linked to bacterial antimicrobial resistance, with more than one million directly attributed to it – a clear warning of the growing global threat. Now, as cases of flu and RSV soar, UniSA experts are urging families to better understand when and how to use medicines safely, to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and curb the threat of superbugs. Dr Tien Bui, a registered pharmacist and Research Fellow at UniSA’s Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, says education is key to preventing antibiotic-resistant infections. “Superbugs emerge when microorganisms – such as bacteria and viruses – adapt, developing mutations that allow them to survive even the strongest of medicines,” Dr Bui says. “This often happens when people use antibiotics when they’re not needed, or fail to complete their prescribed course of antibiotics, which speeds up the process of resistance. “When antibiotic resistance takes hold, standard treatments become ineffective, making infections harder – or even impossible – to treat, increasing the risk of disease, severe illness and death. “To combat antibiotic resistance, we must take collective responsibility – from better hygiene to smarter medicine use. “To tackle antibiotic resistance, we need to lift our game – practising good hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, and only using antibiotics when they’re truly needed. “Using antibiotics wisely, by taking the right one, at the right dose, for the right duration, is essential if we want to slow the spread of superbugs.” Over the past 30 years, medicine use in children has skyrocketed. With prescription rates rising, Dr Bui says it’s more important than ever for families to understand safe and appropriate medicine use, including antibiotics. 

Lismore Bundjalarms Netball Club has secured a win in Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Indigenous Community Funding Round, with funding set to support a range of initiatives designed to bring families together and break down barriers to participation in sport. As a community club, Bundjalarms is focused on supporting players and their families both on and off the court. The funding will go towards a variety of activities that encourage connection, improve health outcomes, and increase access to netball across the region. One of the key ideas in development is a NAIDOC Netball Cup, with plans to run the event during the next school holidays as a celebration of culture, community and sport. Bundjalarms Netball Club President Ajay Harrington said the funding would help bring several community-focused initiatives to life. “This funding helps us bring more of the community together through netball,” Mr Harrington said. “We’ll be able to support families, get more kids on court, and create opportunities like the NAIDOC Netball Cup to celebrate culture and connection in a way that feels local and meaningful.” Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Regional Manager Scott McCluskey said the Bundjalarms’ strong focus on inclusion and wellbeing made them a standout in this year’s Indigenous Round. “Bundjalarms are building something really special. They are creating a club that brings people together, keeps kids active, and opens up opportunities well beyond the court. It’s a privilege to support them,” Mr McCluskey said. Announced during NAIDOC Week, the funding also reflects NGM Group’s ongoing commitment to building strong, meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as outlined in its Reconciliation Action Plan. Supporting grassroots initiatives like this is one way the Group aims to foster greater economic opportunity, social inclusion and financial wellbeing. To learn more about the Greater Bank Community Funding Program or vote in upcoming rounds, visit https://www.greater.com.au/greaternorthernrivers.

More expectant mothers are accessing antenatal care, according to new data and long-term trends that paint a picture of the health and birth outcomes of mothers and babies in Australia. ‘In 2023, 79% of women who gave birth accessed antenatal care in the first trimester of their pregnancy – an increase from 61% a decade ago in 2013,’ AIHW spokesperson Louise Catanzariti said. Released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Australia’s mothers and babies also shows the average age of women who gave birth has increased over time. ‘Our latest data shows that mothers are continuing to give birth later in life, with the average age of women who gave birth steadily increasing from 28.9 years in 1998 to 31.3 years in 2023,’ Ms Catanzariti said. ‘Over time, the proportion of women giving birth aged 35 and over has increased from 23% in 2010 to 28% in 2023, while the proportion aged under 25 has decreased from 18% to 11%.’ In 2023, there were 285,305 babies born, and the birth rate was 52 per 1,000 women. This is the lowest birth rate in the period from 1998, when AIHW started reporting this statistic, and continues a generally decreasing trend since 2007, when the birth rate was 66 per 1,000 women. In 2023, almost all births in Australia took place in hospitals (97%). Of these, 3 in 4 mothers gave birth in a public hospital. A small number of births took place in birth centres (1.5%), at home (0.7%), or in other settings (0.7%). ‘The data we collect and publish, provided by both public and private hospitals as well as other birth attendants across the country, give us insights on the birth outcomes for mothers and babies, including how factors like maternal age, method of birth, and birthweight have changed over time,’ Ms Catanzariti said. Pregnancy and birth The rate of women giving birth by caesarean section rose every year from 2004 (29%) to 2023 (41%). The report also contains new data from Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia on the types of maternity care women use. Public hospital maternity care was the most common model of care, used by 45% of women who gave birth. Around 1 in 9 women (11%) had the same midwife throughout their care using a midwifery group practice model, while 24% had continuity of carer through other models, mostly private obstetrician care. Health of babies The data also shows outcomes for a baby after birth, including gestational age, birthweight, Apgar score at 5 minutes after birth, resuscitation, baby’s hospital length of stay and admission to special care nurseries or neonatal intensive care units in 2023. The median gestational age – the duration of pregnancy in completed weeks – was 39 weeks, which has been stable since 2004. Most babies (91%) in Australia were born at term (37–41 weeks), with 31% born at early term (37 or 38 weeks) and 60% at full term (39–41 weeks). ‘Less than 1 in 10 babies (8.4%) were born pre-term, and of these, the majority were born between 32 and 36 completed weeks’, Ms Catanzariti said. ‘More than 9 in 10 (92%) liveborn babies were born with a normal birthweight. This proportion has been similar since 2010, ranging between 92% in 2010 and 93% in 2021. ‘Behind the data are real experiences, including those of families who may face complex or distressing outcomes. These experiences are deeply personal and often carry lasting impacts.’ According to data from the National Perinatal Data collection (NPDC), the perinatal mortality rate in 2023 was 11.0 deaths per 1,000 births. Of these deaths, 4 in 5 were stillbirths (8.7 deaths per 1,000 births), and the remainder were neonatal deaths (2.3 deaths per 1,000 live births). The neonatal death rate has remained relatively stable in recent years, ranging between 2.2 and 2.9 per 1,000 live births since 2010. The stillbirth rate in 2023, at 8.7 per 1,000 births, is a continuation of increasing stillbirth rates observed in recent years. Factors contributing to the increase in the stillbirth rate may include a true increase in the number of stillbirths, and legislative changes leading to both better visibility of perinatal deaths and expanded access to terminations that are in scope of the NPDC. The AIHW is working with jurisdictions to investigate these trends and will conduct further exploration and analysis once more detailed data from the National Perinatal Mortality Data Collection (NPMDC) are available, later this year. Helplines Sands and Red Nose- external site opens in new window on 1300 308 307 for peer support, grief counselling, online forums, and resources for parents and families who have experienced stillbirth, miscarriage, or newborn death.Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support- external site opens in new window on 1300 11 4673 for counselling, support groups, early loss support, and care packages to families experiencing loss.Stillbirth Foundation Australia - external site opens in new windowPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)- external site opens in new window on 1300 726 306 for support with mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.

It's the weekend, and you know what that means? Yes, more rain.The developing low-pressure system off the NSW coast will bring wind, rain and damaging surf this weekend.While the mid-north coast will feel the brunt of the weather system, Lismore and the Northern Rivers are likely to get wet once again.Ballina, Byron and other coastal towns will receive the most rainfall over the weekend, but Lismore will still cop its fair share with 1mm to 15mm expected on Saturday, and 5mm to 25mm on Sunday.The big event this weekend is not in Lismore but in Casino.The 2025 Casino Truck Show will attract a crowd in excess of 30,000 people as they admire 550 highly polished, high-horsepower heavy vehicles that keep Australia moving.Saturday's activities kick off at 10am with the legendary Dawsons Haulage truck parade along Johnston and Centre Streets, before the CBD transforms into a vibrant festival precinct.Expect a massive line-up of live entertainment from Country Mud Band and Pink Zinc Band, plus food stalls, industry displays, kids' amusement rides and of course, the prestigious trophy presentation at 3pm.You can check out the road closures by reading our earlier story.Wet weather is always good for viewing art exhibitions, and there is plenty to see in the Lismore LGA.The Through the Heart photographic exhibition runs for another week, ending on Sunday, August 10 at the Lismore Regional Gallery.Over 100 of Jacklyn Wagner's photographs capture the emotion and heartache of the 2022 floods. The gallery is open 10am to 4pm both days.The 2024 Archibald Prize is also on exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.This is only the second time the Archibald has made its way to Lismore. You have until the end of August to view the works of the 57 finalists.The highly respected Bentley Art Prize celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend.The inaugural event was in 1985, and 40 years later, it is stronger than ever.The Bentley Art prize gets underway tonight from 7pm with wine and nibbles and finishes on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.There will be market stalls and live music all weekend. Viewing times are:Friday, August 1: 7pm to 9pmSaturday, August 2: 9am to 5pmSunday, August 3: 9am to 2pm.Another art club celebrating a milestone in August is the Lismore Art Club.The club was formed in 1960, so 65 years of creativity, support and nurturing of local artists.The 65th anniversary will be celebrated at Flourish Art Gallery, 15 Casino Street, South Lismore. Opening night is tonight between 5pm and 9pm. The exhibition runs until Friday, August 22.The Lismore Farmers Market will have everything on offer tomorrow (Saturday) from 7:30 at the Lismore Showground. Fresh fruit & veg, hot coffee and tea, plants, seedlings, meat, desert and more. The Lismore Floodwater Revival Band will play covers from the '60s and '70s to keep you entertained.The Rock Valley Emergency Preparedness Day was postponed in July and is now happening this Sunday (August 3) between 10am and 3:30pm at the Rock Valley Hall.The Reconstruction Authority Big Map will be there, as will information stalls for the Red Cross, Local Land Services, RFS, SES, Resilient Lismore and DPI.Food and coffee will be available, and live music by Luke Vassella.The second-ever Rap 2 the Rescue is raising funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service on Saturday night from 7:30pm.The idea was inspired by the popular Rock to the Rescue fundraising concert a month ago. Seven (7) local rappers will take to the stage at the South Lismore Bowling Club (25 Wilson Street), they are:D.A.S.H.Thirsty MaczFTTOMDJ MudcrabEric FluSaxBardiIt is only $10 at the door, with profit to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Organiser Jordan McMahon said his goal was to raise $1,500 this year.The Lismore Jaz Club is back in August with De Ziah & Date at the Lismore City Bowling Club from 2pm on Sunday.Go and see De Ziah & Date take the cello and guitar on a musical journey. Entry is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Cash at the door.Next Tuesday (August 5) is NATSIC Day (National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children's Day).You can help celebrate NATSIC Day at GSAC between 11am and 1:30pm. Food and drinks will be provided, as will tea and coffee for elders. This is a free event.We have had jazz and rap music mentioned this weekend, and there is more live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel, with Hello Ray Duo tonight from 6pm and Katie Brooke for the Sunday Session between 1:30pm and 4:30pm.August is a busy month at the Lismore Workers Club. Coming up:Herman's Hermits: the English group are on a 60th Anniversary World Tour, appearing at the Workers Club next Friday, August 8. Tickets are $59 each.Fleetwood Max: Thursday, August 14, is when you can sing-along to the many hits of Fleetwood Mac. Tickets are $49.The Everly Brothers - Morning Melodies: on Wednesday, August 20. This is a lunchtime show where you will learn about the beautiful harmonies of Phil and Don Everly and hear their hits, like Bird Dog and Cathy's Clown.Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 174.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street in Lismore, 175.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 177.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the Astron and Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 197.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 across Casino, and 189.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Around 30,000 people will visit Casino tomorrow (Saturday) for the annual Truck Show. Trucking enthusiasts, industry leaders, and exhibitors from across the country will celebrate innovation and horsepower, as 550 trucks will be on display as well as live entertainment, trade exhibits, street eats and family-friendly attractions.There is more than $60,000 in cash prizes and vouchers up for grabs. This year’s Rig of the Show winner will receive a $5000 voucher, courtesy of RTE Custom Trucks, and $1500 cash.As you would expect, there will be road closures on the Bruxner Highway and Summerland Way in Casino.Centre Street (Bruxner Highway) will be closed southbound from 9.30am to 4pm between Johnson Street and Richmond Street. Speed restrictions will be in place on Johnston Street at the Cassino Drive intersection, with traffic control stoppages for up to five minutes at a time to allow the parade to proceed between 10am and 12pm.Summerland Way traffic from Fairy Hill or Kyogle heading towards Grafton or Mallanganee will detour via Farley, Colches, and Richmond streets.Bruxner Highway traffic from Lismore heading towards Grafton or Mallanganee will detour via West and Richmond streets.Motorists needing to travel during the closure should allow extra travel time and follow the directions of police and traffic controllers on site.For the safety of motorists and event participants, various local roads will also be closed during the event.For times and details about all road closures associated with the truck show, visit livetraffic.com/incident-details/242823, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone about traffic changes for this event, search for ‘Casino’ in your Live Traffic NSW app, select the special event pin and click ‘Follow’.