Lismore residents couldn't help feeling snubbed after the Prime Minister made a whirlwind visit to Lennox Head yesterday.Any news watcher would know the 2025 Federal Election campaign is ramping up even though the election has not been formally declared. Australians must go to the polls on or before Saturday, 17 May.As it stands, Labor needs to lose only two seats to lose its majority in the House of Representatives, while the Liberal/National Coalition need to win 19 seats to claim a majority victory.Experts are forecasting a minority government as the likely outcome. This depends on the results of key marginal seats.The NSW Electoral Commission classifies a seat as marginal if it is under 56%. It is considered 'fairly safe' between 56 and 60% and 'safe' above 60%.In the Far North Coast, we have two electorates: Page and Richmond.Page would be considered 'safe' for sitting National Party Member Kevin Hogan, as he achieved 60.74% in the 2022 election two-party preferred, up from 59.45%, while Richmond sits in the 'fairly safe' classification when Labor's Justin Elliot recorded 58% of the two-party preferred result in 2022, up from a marginal 54%.It is easy to argue that both Richmond and Page will not see a lot of money splashed about in their electorates, given their classification.Still, it would be nice to see the Prime Minister or the Opposition Leader in the Page electorate during this campaign. After all, Lismore and the Northern Rivers was hit by the most costly natural disaster in Australia's history.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in Lennox Head yesterday giving $3 million for a North Coast Crime Prevention Action Plan.This included $1 million for Ballina Shire Council, $1 million for Byron Shire Council and $1 million for the Tweed Shire Council to invest in CCTV, lighting, bollards, fencing and landscaping to improve community safety.While the Labor held seat received a visit and the $3 million, the National party seat received nothing.Lismore was not on the agenda, despite the PM last making an appearance in North Lismore in October 2022 to announce the $800 million Resilient Homes Program with then NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet. Lismore, Casino and Kyogle's crime rate has been a community problem for most of the last 12 months and also deserves support.It is that time of the three-year election cycle where politics gets in the way of supporting each community on its merits.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says 39 medical interns have joined the Northern New South Wales Local Health District (LHD), taking up positions in our local public hospitals, including Lismore Base Hospital. “These new graduates starting their internships will be entering a training program with networked hospital throughout the LHD, with both formal and on-the-job training. “They will work with and learn from the LHD’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.”  “These junior doctors play a vital role in our hospitals, and I welcome them to our local health workforce. “I wish them the best, and I hope they enjoy the benefits of working and living in the Northern Rivers region, and I hope some decide to stay. The interns who have completed their medical degree are required to complete a supervised year of practice to become independent practitioners. They then receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional, rural and remote hospitals to ensure a broad experience. They also work across different specialties during their intern years, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine. 

Lismore is in store for a mostly fine weekend according to the Bureau of Meteorology.There is the chance of a possible shower; however, the percentage is around 40% and the prediction is for 1mm at most for both days, so if we do get shower it won't last too long.Monday and Tuesday are more likely to be days with heavier rainfall as the winds tend northeasterly, which is a typical thunderstorm pattern at this time of the year.It is a market weekend in Lismore, with the Farmers Market starting events tomorrow morning from 7:30 at the Lismore Showground (Alexandria Parade, North Lismore).Fresh fruit and vegetables are for sale, including organic, tea & coffee, breakfast, plants, seedlings and more. Live music is from Monkey & the Fish between 8 and 11am.On Sunday, the popular Channon Markets will be run at Coronation Park. It is worth the drive to the hills to see what is on offer at the 220 stalls from 9am to 3pm, plus you can explore the area by taking in a bushwalk (Walks) or visit The Channon pub.Heritage Park and the Rail Trail are worth visiting or riding over the weekend.If you would like to check out some live music over the weekend, soloist Carnage is playing at the Northern Rivers Hotel from 6 tonight, and Dan Grace is on stage on Saturday night from 7pm to 10pm.Forever Olivia - A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John will be the first live concert at the Lismore Workers Club next Saturday night (February 15). You can book tickets here Lismore Workers Club website to hear songs like I Love You, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Physical, A Little Bit More to name a few.Coming up is Reputation - the Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show on Friday, February 21 and the Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show on Friday, March 7.February is also the month when community events kick back into gear.The Legends of Cricket returns to Oakes Oval next Saturday, February 15. Adam "Gilly" Gilchrist's 11 is taking on the Mayor's 11.This year there is not only some of Australia's most popular retired cricketers, like Steve O'Keefe, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Dan Christian, Stuart Clark, Sammy-Jo Johnston, Doug Bollinger and two music legends, Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger) and Pat Davern (Grinspoon).All the costs are being underwritten by Lismore City Council this time, so there is a cost involved ($22 adults, $12 student/concession and $54 for a family of 4). Click here to purchase yours now.For the cricket tragics, you can join legends Adam Gilchrist, Trevor Chappell and Geoff Lawson for the first Sportspersons Breakfast presented by Alder Constructions.Enjoy a fully catered breakfast by The Secret Chef while mingling with cricketing icons and being entertained by Lonnie Pasco at the new Adam Gilchrist Pavilion at Oakes Oval on Saturday, 15 February at 8.30am.Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to enjoy great food, coffee and a lively, insightful exchange with three of the country’s cricketing legends, all in celebration of the spirit of sport. To book your ticket go to: https://lismore-events.bookable.net.au/...Lismore's richest horse race, the Country Championships will be held at the Lismore Turf Club on Saturday, February 22, and the Samson Fitness Challenge starts on Friday, February 28, at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah.Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 178.9 across the board in Lismore, 175.4 at the Nightowl Puma on Johnston Street (37) in Casino, with The Metro and the Mobil on River Street in Ballina cheapest at 170.5.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, Lismore, 177.8 at the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street, Casino, and 172.5 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 188.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.7 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino and 183.9 at the Shell on River Street (273), Ballina.U98 is 196.9 at the Liberty Foodmart on Ballina Road and the Liberty at 113 Union Street, South Lismore, 197.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and The United on Johnston Street, and 191.9 at the Shell on River Street (273).Diesel is 188.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the Caltex on Leycester Street, Lismore, 194.9 at The United and Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street, and the two Liberty's on Centre Street and Hare Street in Casino and 195.5 at The Mobil and Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

The Federal Government has just released its “National Small Business Strategy”. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has called it nothing but spin, offering no new policies or support for Australia’s struggling small businesses.He said that since Labor took office, over 27,000 businesses have gone broke. The December 2024 quarter was the worst for insolvencies on record, with nearly 4,000 closures."A third of the document is filled with cover pages, artwork, and photos—many of which aren’t even Australian businesses, but stock images from the U.S., including a New Jersey bakery and two carpenters that featured in a Bank of America innovation campaign."Mr Hogan said Labor should come clean on how much taxpayer money was wasted on this PR exercise.“My advice to small businesses is don’t bother printing it—it's not worth the paper it’s printed on,” Mr Hogan said.Instead of real action, this “strategy” rehashes existing policies and vague commitments like “continuing meetings” and “working together.” Meanwhile, small businesses face skyrocketing costs, rising insolvencies, and no relief from Labor’s economic failures.“Small businesses deserve better than Labor’s empty gestures and foreign stock photos. It’s time for real policies that actually help the people who keep our economy running.”“A Coalition Government will back small business as the key driver of economic growth and security. We will be unashamedly pro small business, delivering reforms to help the small business sector grow and get back on track.”“This includes reversing the damaging aspects of Labor’s complex industrial relations reforms, cutting red and green tape that is stopping businesses from getting ahead, and delivering cheaper, cleaner and consistent energy.”

Lismore City Council is inviting community members to participate in an upcoming consultation session to help shape its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This session provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, along with the broader public, to share their insights and contribute to meaningful reconciliation efforts.The session will be held at the Lismore Central Shopping Centre on Wednesday, 19 February. Community members are welcome to drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm.Lismore City Council General Manager Jon Gibbons emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping the RAP.“Reconciliation is a shared journey, and we want to ensure that our Reconciliation Action Plan reflects the voices and aspirations of our community. Meaningful engagement with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents is crucial in building strong, respectful relationships and creating positive change,” he said.To support the consultation process, Council has engaged Tim Roberts from East Coast Heritage and Archaeology. Tim will work with the community to gather input that will help shape the new RAP.Currently in the community consultation phase, the RAP will outline practical actions Council will take to strengthen relationships, promote respect and create opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.These consultation sessions will provide an open forum for discussion and valuable feedback to guide the plan’s development.Additionally, a Your Say survey is now open for community contributions. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas by visiting https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

The Lismore Theatre Company (LTC) was ready to perform playwright Daniel Keen's show 'Life Without Me' last August before sickness hit the cast and crew, forcing the show's postponement, which was an enormous disappointment for everyone involved.After some recasting and six additional months of rehearsals, LTC is ready to launch the show again. Life Without Me is a funny, honest and heartwarming story that invites us to question life itself, or at least our own.Set in a 2-star hotel lobby, capturing the emotional truth of the almost absurd characters, from the less-than-competent hotel manager to the slightly obscure guests, Daniel Keene has created a symbolic world of its own. A mix of drifters in search of the concept of happiness, trying to move on whilst simultaneously taking up residence in this unseemly perfect sanctuary for lost souls.(Melissa Adams, set designer for The stage of Life Without Me. Photo: Daniel Cohen DC Sports Photography)This thought-provoking play will leave you inspired to question your place in the world; past, present and future. Somehow, you may be left feeling awkwardly familiar. “My life just seems to go on, but ... without me in it”.The cast for this show is truly amazing and includes:                  Tameika Watts as Nigel, the overworked hotel manager.Isaac Smith as John, the lost man who is desperately trying to escape his life in the city.John Rado as Roy, the sheet salesman in search of that big break.Anna Ludvik as Alice, a spinster just waiting for her new apartment to be finished.Junia Wulf as Mrs Spence, the slightly confused hotel owner.Ruben Garcia as Tom, a married man trying to spice up his life andAmie Gray as Ellen, a woman who doesn't really understand why she has come to the hotel but is hoping to reconnect with her husband. All these characters come together in this run down, ramshackle hotel, in search of something meaningful in their lives. The results are hilarious. If they can't find it they may just end up stuck in the hotel forever.The performances start on Friday 28th February and will run for 3 weekends until the 15th March. It is a 2-hour performance with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $25 each and $20 for concessions and members. There is also a fundraiser night on Saturday 1st March for The Winsome Soup Kitchen, where money from every ticket sold will go towards the great work of The Winsome, providing healthy meals for needy people in the community 365 days a year.Tickets are on sale now https://www.trybooking.com/CSJAW.

Lismore's business owners left last night's meeting with the Australian Taxation Office representatives with a much better understanding of how the taxation system works, but with only a little positive news about the help that the ATO can provide.Business NSW's Jane Laverty went around the room so everyone could introduce themselves and explain their business operation. Lismore Taxi's, AJ Magnay, Furniture Wiz, PJ's Fruit, Scoops and Candy, Horns Gas, were just some of the flood-affected owners in the room.Ms Laverty then introduced two senior-level bureaucrats, Anna Longley, the Acting Deputy Commissioner Deputy Registrar and Emma Tobias, the Assistant Commissioner, who explained their roles within the ATO and what options for help were available.Ms Longley started by saying that the Federal Government does not have a system in place to deal with a disaster situation like Lismore experienced in 2022.The ATO has approximately $48 billion in tax debt to collect, and Lismore's debt was lower than the national average, which was hard to fathom given our experience in the last three years but a testament to our resilience.Communication was the key recommendation from Ms Tobias if business owners were struggling to make the PAYG, GST or Super payments.The options available for business owners included 12-month interest-free payment plans and then payment plans that could run over a three-year period. Years two and three would be charged interest.Hayley Brown from Horns Gas & Plumbing related her position to Ms Longley and Tobias. Hayley and her husband had lost $500,000 in stock and were in debt to the ATO for $191,000, which they were paying back at $6,000 a month since the flood.The interest and/or overdue fees that are being accumulated cannot be waived because current legislation says it must be charged. There are no discretionary powers. And the interest/overdue fees exacerbate the debt problem in what appeared to be an ongoing merry-go-round.Here lies the problem, not just for Lismore business owners, but business owners around Australia. Those in Townsville will experience what Lismore has in the next 2-3 years.The Australian Government would need changes to the taxation legislation to make meaningful change that would help Lismore business owners when the next major disaster hits our city and our region.That is change that, like our rebuild, will take time and involve all three levels of government to strongly advocate for a National Disaster Taxation Plan. One that can be triggered when an area is classified as a National Disaster Zone.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin summarised the night, "The fact that the ATO at very senior level, is listening to our community, first of all, our accountants and financial planners, and then our local businesses having a conversation with us is wonderful."Within their legislative framework, the protocols they operate within, they're looking at how we can respond to disaster-impacted communities. That's clear. A lot of agencies across Australia are doing the same because after 2022, we knew we couldn't go on business as usual. So that's the first thing."The second thing. Yes, some of the things that we're recommending would require legislative change, and that's up to us to put that forward and then advocate. And when I say us, I mean local members, federal members, state member councils, all of us go together.The 28 February 2022 big flood means Lismore has been leading the way for governments to create meaningful community change following a large-scale natural disaster.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has congratulated Beating Hearts of Lismore (auspiced by Northern Rivers Community Gateway) and Tweed Shire Council on securing $30,000 each under the NSW Government’s $840,000 Connecting Seniors Grant Program 2025. Ms Saffin says both grant recipients will use the State funding to support innovative projects that aim to reduce social isolation among older people in the Lismore district and in the Murwillumbah area. “They are among 28 organisations funded in this year’s Connecting Seniors Grant Program across categories including Aboriginal, Multicultural, Creation, Enhancement or Expansion and Local,” Ms Saffin says. “I’m particularly pleased that the wonderful Beating Hearts of Lismore, co-ordinated by Lismore-based Geriatrician Dr Rachel Jones and her volunteers, will be able to enrich the lives of more local seniors.”   Successful local projects are: Northern Rivers Community Gateway will auspice the Beating Hearts of Lismore to expand its weekly volunteer-led singing group, connecting older adults facing social isolation, dementia or Parkinson’s disease, along with their carers. In addition, support the provision of evidence-based dance classes to improve strength, balance and social connection. Tweed Shire Council – Age Well-Connect will combat senior isolation in the Tweed through activities like technology classes, cooking workshops, falls prevention, cognitive health initiatives and a jazz festival. Since its launch in 2020, the Connecting Seniors Grant Program has funded more than 120 projects and engaged over 30,000 seniors across 82 Local Government Areas in NSW. This program supports the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive community and addressing isolation and loneliness. For more information about the grants program and the full list of recipients across the state, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025. 

One of the medium-term issues facing Lismore and Northern Rivers business owners has been around tax payments, for example, the quarterly BAS payments when they were closed for varying time frames—some as long as 12 months.Any business owner who wishes to hear what support options and strategies from the 2022 big flood and future disasters should come along to Invercauld House tonight from 5:30pm.The information and discussion session with leaders from the Australian Taxation Office, Anna Longley, Acting Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Registrar, and Emma Tobias, Assistant Commissioner, and their team is presented by Business NSW and Business Lismore. It has been made possible through the advocacy of Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.The session presents a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the ATO representatives on key topics impacting local businesses in Lismore, and hear about strategies and support options available to help businesses particularly given the impacts of the 2022 weather event on business continuity and recovery. This session is open to all business leaders to learn about specific support available for small business in working with the ATO.Event detailsRoundtable session – Lismore business leaders Date: Thursday, 6 FebruaryVenue: Invercauld House, 163 Invercauld Rd GoonellabahTime: 5.30pm – 7pmRSVP:  https://events.humanitix.com/atobusinessleaderssession.

As students head back to school for 2025 this week, one Lismore institution begins celebrating a milestone in its history.It has been 40 years since St Mary's College and St Joseph's College combined to form what has been known since as Trinity Catholic College Lismore.The Presentation Sisters founded St Mary’s College for Girls in 1886, and the Marist Brothers opened St Joseph’s High School for Boys in 1911.After some years of senior co-instruction, the two schools formally amalgamated to form Trinity Catholic College Lismore in 1985 under the leadership of Sister Mary Cannane pbvm.In late 1984 the students and staff from both St Mary’s and St Joseph’s attended a Mass in St Carthage’s Cathedral. The two schools entered the Cathedral as separate entities under their own school banners. In a ritual handing over, the Captains of both St Mary’s and St Joseph’s handed over their banners to Fr Frank.(The handing over of the banners in late 1984. Photo: supplied)With the banners handed over, the students and staff left the Cathedral as one school community under the “Trinity Catholic College Lismore” banner. The motto for the newly amalgamated school, as suggested and endorsed by the students and staff at the time, was Deeds not Words. In the past 40 years, thousands of students have been educated in the best traditions of the Presentation Sisters and Marist Brothers. These students have now moved into the world and have made a positive contribution in a variety of different fields. Sr Mary Cannane pbvm served as the Foundation Principal until 1992, after which five Marist Brothers served as Principal until 2022 when Mr Jesse Smith, the first lay Principal, was appointed.The Marist Brothers maintain a presence on staff and in the Lismore community. The Presentation Sisters of Lismore maintained a presence on staff until the end of 2018, but remain active in the Lismore community. Both Orders have a strong and ongoing relationship with the College, and the charismatic traditions of Venerable Nano Nagle and Saint Marcellin Champagnat continue to inspire current students and staff in the same way they have since 1886 and 1911, respectively.Principle Jesse Smith said, “We have much to celebrate over the past 40 years, particularly given the tumult of the past few years. "Our College is much older than the anniversary we celebrate this year. We trace our heritage back to 1886 when the Presentation Sisters started St Mary’s. Next year, we will celebrate 140 years since that moment in our history. "This year’s celebrations will focus on the past 40 years in particular and all that was achieved and accomplished through the amalgamation of St Mary’s and St Joseph’s. "I know that the Class of 1985 recently gathered on the Australia Day long weekend here in Lismore, but we hope to see them back with us in the second half of the year to celebrate with as many of our alumni as possible."We are asking those interested in joining us to register their details via our College website. We will post updates to this group as the year progresses."2025 is also a Jubilee Year for the Universal Church - a year in which we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope. My hope is that we can give thanks to all who have gone before us and to celebrate the positive contributions of so many.” This year, Trinity Catholic College will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of its amalgamation. Alumni and former staff are encouraged to register their interest via Trinity's website - www.trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au. Register your Interest in our 40th Anniversary Celebrations - https://trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au/form/5Details regarding events and celebrations will be announced in due course. Trinity is planning a celebration dinner in Lismore in August 2025.You can read more about Trinity's history by clicking https://trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au/about/our-history.

A program tailored for businesses and not-for-profits in the Northern Rivers to prepare for future disasters, continue to trade during tough times and develop strategies to recover following a disaster has been announced by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).The Business Beyond Disasters program provides participants with access to weekly learning modules and check-ins to develop business plans for disasters, build essential business continuity capabilities, and work together to overcome future challenges.The RA has engaged experts from Resilient Ready, an organisation specialising in business and community risk reduction and resilience, to develop and roll out the program, which is free for all Northern Rivers businesses.The programs will run for 10 weeks, starting from March 17 to May 2025 and businesses can also access the online learning modules until December 2025.Information sessions are scheduled in February 2025 in each Northern Rivers Local Government Area for local businesses to learn about the program, sign up and connect with key support agencies such as NSW SES and the Australian Red Cross.Participants can choose one of five specific business programs that best align to their specific area of business, including:Retail, professional services and educationAgribusiness and aqua businessTourismHealth and social servicesConstruction, trade and manufacturing.   Participants will be able to access eLearning modules that cover topics such as operating through disasters, financial viability, understanding insurance, evacuation triggers, and how disasters can bring opportunities.Course participants will have the chance to exchange experiences and discover the resilience initiatives implemented by other businesspeople in the region.Business Beyond Disasters is part of a broader project funded under Round One of the Disaster Ready Fund called the Northern Rivers Disaster Readiness Program (previously known as the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Project - Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation). The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government.  Northern Rivers businesses are encouraged to attend a local information session in February 2025 to find out more – book your spot here: https://collections.humanitix.com/business-beyond-disasters-information-sessions.The Business Beyond Disaster schedule is:Wednesday, 19 February (3:30pm - 5pm) - MullumbimbyThursday, 20 February (8:30am - 10am) - KyogleThursday, 20 February (3:30pm - 5pm) - LismoreFriday, 21 February (7:30am - 9am) - BallinaTuesday, 25 February (4pm - 5:30pm) - MurwillumbahWednesday, 26 February (8:30am - 10am) - GraftonWednesday, 26 February (3:30pm - 5pm) - CasinoThursday, 27 February (1pm - 1:30pm) - On LineFederal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said, “Supporting small businesses and not-for-profit organisations is crucial for the resilience of our regional communities, especially during and after disasters.“These online courses and information sessions will equip participants with actionable strategies to face future challenges head-on and emerge even stronger after disasters.“The Australian Government remains committed to the recovery and resilience of all regions affected by disasters.”NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “One of the Reconstruction Authority’s clear mandates is to reduce exposure to risk and better prepare businesses for the next disaster.“The Minns Government’s State Disaster Mitigation Plan sets out clear action items to foster risk reduction and improve resilience from future disasters, including the “Get Ready” campaign. This program will assist businesses and communities to be better prepared for the types of hazards that affect their local area.NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “We have been working with the community to support recovery in the Northern Rivers, and this initiative is a great example of how we are working with businesses to improve their resilience.”“This program has been designed to provide tools and information across a range of industries to help businesses prepare themselves for the next time disaster strikes.”Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “This is a useful free offer to local businesses and not-for-profit organisations to build a better understanding of how to best prepare for and respond to natural disasters.“It’s another good way of supporting our business sector and something that has been raised with me in the community as the recovery from the 2022 floods continues.”Resilient Ready CEO Renae Hanvin said, “Back in 2021, we co-designed and piloted our business community resilience micro-learning program with a number of NSW businesses recovering from the bushfires. Pilot participants from the Northern Rivers region told us the learnings helped them recover better and prepare for the impacts from COVID and floods.

With most school children going back to the classroom tomorrow, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan says the cost for parents is too high.In a statement released yesterday, Mr Hogan said that new inflation data confirms what parents already know - the cost of sending kids back to school is out of control.From school supplies and uniforms to lunchbox staples and after-school snacks, families are being hit with shocking double-digit price hikes.Families are struggling to keep up, with many forced to cut back on essential expenses just to make ends meet.“Parents are telling me they will need to cut out sport, dance classes, and excursions just so they can afford the basics,” Mr Hogan said.“But it’s not just extracurricular activities that families are struggling with; it’s the everyday essentials like a healthy breakfast and lunchbox.”With the cost of packing a school lunch up by more than 20% in some cases, food charities are reporting record levels of demand from hardworking Australian families.“The fact that parents in a country like Australia are turning to food charities just to ensure their kids have breakfast is simply not good enough.”“Labor has no plan to fix this historic collapse in Australians’ living standards. Families cannot afford another three years of Labor.”This year, families will be forced to pay an average of $2,761 per primary school student and $5,043 per secondary student - putting enormous strain on household budgets.Key price increases under Labor (March 2022 – December 2024):Back to School Essentials:Education: +12%Sports participation: +17%Stationery: +16%Technology: +17%Kids’ clothing: +9%Haircuts: +18%Healthy Breakfast Costs:Cereal: +21%Milk: +18%Bread: +25%Spreads: +12%Eggs: +36%Juice: +15%Healthy Lunchbox Costs:Drinks (water, juice, soft drinks): +15%Fruit: +16%Cheese: +20%Ham (pork): +10%Chicken (poultry): +12%Cakes & biscuits: +22%Mr Hogan said only a Coalition Government will fight cost-of-living pressures, build a stronger economy, and get Australia back on track.“Labor’s failure to manage inflation means every trip to the supermarket, every school fee invoice, and every extracurricular activity comes with more pain for families,” he said.“The Coalition understands that parents are stretched to their limit. We are committed to delivering real relief for Australian families.”

With just over three weeks until the third anniversary of the February 28 2022 big flood ripped through Lismore and the Northern Rivers, one annual event will continue and is open to any local business.The third "All In The Same Boat" Barefoot Bowls Challenge pits business against business in a fun game of barefoot lawn bowls at the Lismore City Bowling Club.The challenge happens over three Wednesdays:February 19February 26March 5This year, Sharon Pepper has made the event more inclusive, so it can involve any Northern Rivers business, not just those from Lismore."Everyone was affected by the 2022 flood in some way, even if they weren't directly involved, like those in Goonellabah, so we're inviting all businesses because it is a community event."Three Wednesdays from about 5:30, with kick-off about 6pm. It will run till about. 7:15."The beauty of the Barefoot Bowls Challenge is that you don't need any experience."If you can make a bowling action and want to have some fun with lots of other business owners, managers and employees, then you should register and come along. It's a really great three Wednesday afternoons, I reckon."If you can't make the three consecutive Wednesdays, you can register for one or two. The other benefit is that you get paired against another business randomly, so people can get to know each other at a time that has emotions running deep for most of the community."We are all tied in one respect to that 2022 flood. It's not that we're in there having a moan and groan about the flood. We're enjoying each other, and we survived it and have come out the other end."The cost is a very reasonable $20 per team, which includes a free sausage sizzle, weekly prizes and a $500 prize for the business that scores the most points over the three weeks.To register call Sharon Pepper on 0416 282 247 Bob Thomson on 0419 607 748.

A question often asked on the street and social media pages regarding the illegal squatters in Pine Street, North Lismore, is why the police and Lismore City Council are not aiding the NSW Reconstruction Authority in their removal so the houses can be assessed for relocation.The Lismore App asked specific questions to both organisations and received very evasive answers.Why don't NSW Police remove or arrest the squatters for trespassing?The NSW Police statement said:Officers from Richmond Police District are assisting the NSW Reconstruction Authority to liaise with those living in flood-affected homes, which were purchased by the NSW Government under the Resilient Homes program. Key issues include safety concerns and legalities around living in these homes.A key part of this strategy is connecting those living in flood-affected homes to the Department of Communities and Justice where options of safe accommodation can be explored.As we know from the NSWRA, the assistance offered to the few locals who are claiming to need a roof over their heads has been rejected.The land in front of each NSWRA-owned home, as is the case for any home, is owned by council. The question to Lismore City Council was what actions will they take for Pine Street being a campground as there are a large number of backpackers living in their vans on the side of the street.Lismore City GM Jon Gibbons said, "Media enquiries about squatters should continue to be referred to NSWRA, police or the NSW government. The Government owned the homes and the land through their buyback, and the issue of social housing and homelessness is not local government issues."The issues Mr Gibbons mentioned are not local government issues; however, camping on the roadside in an urban area does fall under council regulations.Under Illegal Camping on the NSW Planning website, it states:Roadside rest areasCamping in a roadside rest area may be permitted, unless a ‘no camping’ or ‘no overnight stays’ sign has been placed there by a council or the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) (or other relevant authority). Enquiries about the use of rest areas along roads administered by the RTA may be made to that agency.Pine Street cannot be considered a designated 'Roadside Rest Area'. Anyone who has driven along the M1 understands that definition. Imagine if any resident invited their family to live outside their house for two years. Would council allow this?Lismore City Council did allow people to live in temporary accommodation for two years following the February 2022 flood; however, that was for 'people who have been displaced as a result of the flood'.If a number of caravans, campervans or tents are camping, then this needs a Development Application, which requires the consent of council. This is the case for temporary camping grounds or caravan parks.Under the Local Government Regulation 2005:A temporary caravan park or camping ground operated for a period of 6 weeks or less, solely in connection with use of the land for a sporting, recreation or cultural event, does not have to be designed, constructed, maintained and operated in accordance with Subdivisions 1-8 of Division 3 of Part 3 of the Regulation. Squatting would not be considered a sporting, recreational or cultural event.Under 'Problems caused by illegal camping':Councils are encouraged to be proactive in preventing illegal camping. The reasons for this include:If inadequate facilities are provided or the standard of operation is unsatisfactory, the health and safety of campers will not be assured. This may be especially so in relation to fire safety;This point becomes very relevant when the water is permanently disconnected to the Pine Street houses. With no running water, sanitation is going to pose a considerable problem, and the safety of the houses and squatters because of a potential fire becomes a real risk.Both NSW Police and Lismore City Council have referred all potential solutions to the NSWRA, washing their hands of a delicate, controversial situation that Lismore, as a recovering city, does not need.

The likelihood of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announcing an interest rate cut at the next meeting in two weeks (Tuesday, February 18) is above 90% as underlying inflation sits at 2.7%, near the mid-point of the RBA's 2-3% range, and the big four banks confident of a positive result.In Lismore and the Northern Rivers, a 0.25 basis point reduction would mean an owner/occupier paying principal and interest on a $500,000 mortgage on the average variable rate of 6.33 per cent over 25 years would pay $77 less each month.While that amount looks small, it is more money in the pockets of families. That amount may double if further interest rate decreases occur in the next three months.Will that lead to our local businesses benefitting from an increase in-store visits and purchases?The Lismore App approached owners and managers across varied sectors to gauge their response.Alan Magnay from AJ Magnay's Building Materials and Hardware on Macaulay Street, North Lismore, joked, "Absolutely, they'll be swarming in here in droves," but then went on, "I don't think it's going to make that much difference at the end of the day until interest rates have considerable drops, or consecutive drops."Two, maybe three, will be needed so people feel safe and have more dollars in their pocket. Just about every industry I talked to is struggling at the moment, especially hospitality. They're really struggling to try and get people through the door."Me and Anna went out the other day, it was $100 for the pair of us, and we had two main meals, an entree and a drink each. That's 100 bucks. You might do that once a month or something."I can see where they're coming from with their prices. They've got to lift the prices because everything else has gone up. The wages have gone up, insurance has gone up and turnovers down. How else do you get enough money to keep going?"I think the interest rate decrease will put a bit of confidence back into the market."Ethan Lim from Uncle Lim's Chinese Restaurant on Keen Street told the Lismore App his business has not really been effected."We have had consistent customers in the last twelve months. Sure, we are not sold out every night, but we do have people dining with us or doing takeaway.""I don't think a drop in interest rates will affect our restaurant very much."Matthew Healy from Daleys Homewares & Monogramming shares Alan's opinion."I'm not sure that it will have a dramatic impact on people. People are stressed at the moment, so I'm actually expecting people to just be a little bit more relaxed about things. So it's more a sigh of relief rather than opening their wallets.I think it's incredibly unlikely there'll be a second one before May. Easter is in the road. That's not really likely in the schedule of the Reserve Bank meetings. So, it'd have to be a fairly dramatic change in the economy for the reserve to take something so out of character.Matt thinks the federal election, which has to happen before the middle of May, will have a negative impact on business until June."I think in the lead-up to a federal election, people are going to start shutting down again. People usually stop spending in the lead-up to an election. So assuming there's a rate cut in a couple of weeks' time, and assuming there's a clear outcome on the election, I think we won't have any sort of real recovery until probably June or even into the next financial year.Deb Ray from Music Bizarre on Magellan Street saw more of the same thinking."On my business, it's not really going to affect me. It's going to affect me on my home loan, but my mortgage on this building is to my mum, so she's not going to be changing her rates."I think (the rate drop) will be great. I mean, they've been talking we'll maybe get a rate cut, and it would be really fabulous to see it. I think that the Labor government have done a brilliant job of keeping inflation down, getting it to go down. I think they've done incredibly well with their cost of living strategies that they've used, and I think that has been a real and very significant change for people, particularly on lower incomes. So I hope to see that reflected in mortgages, house mortgages and rents and stuff like that too. It'd be nice to see them actually drop the rate.As for how many rate drops it would take to see an upturn in her business?"Oh, goodness knows. For a long time, I've thought that people don't have much money around here. You need to have things that are really reasonably priced. And then someone comes in with amazing vintage clothing for hundreds of dollars, and teenagers buy it without blinking. And I'm like, Oh, really. It's all perception. The perception of value in things and what people value."Obviously, the younger generations have grown up with all the chain stores having the same stuff. So if you've got something that's in good condition from the 70s or even the 90s, they call it vintage now, which is funny for an oldie like me, but they want that because it's different. It's completely unique. And so the value, and how much people will part with for various things, is always a bit of a mystery and a bit random to me."Elton Cummings, owner of Bi-Rite Home Appliances and Furniture Court Lismore, said the home appliance part of the business has been strong, while the furniture side could have performed better."If your washing machine breaks down or your TV stops working, people will replace it straight away. However, if it's a bed or a lounge, they are items that can be purchased later."I think a drop in interest rates will give people confidence, but it won't necessarily lead to people spending more money straight away. We would need two or three rate drops to see a change in spending habits. Plus, we have a federal election coming up, and that makes people uncertain."Mayumi Okamura from Paul Meccanico on Keen Street said she doesn't think an interest rate cut will make any difference to her store."The look of the CBD isn't good; it hasn't bounced back from the flood. Beautifying the CBD would lead to more foot traffic and more items being sold."While a reduction in interest rates of 0.25% will benefit households, the consensus was that will not flow through to the tills for Lismore retailers and hospitality.

Despite final touches still being made to the Lismore Library rebuild and refurbishment after the devastating 2022 floods, the beloved landmark on Magellan Street is now open to the public. This will result in the Lismore Pop-up Library on Molesworth Street and the Lismore Children’s Library in Lismore Central Shopping Centre permanently closing and relocating to their regular locations in this renowned building.The Lismore Library is currently undergoing an extensive upgrade to make it sturdier and more flood-resilient. Despite the continuing repair work, including the installation of a new lift, it was important to respond to public demand and open doors as soon as possible.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg is excited to see the building operational again, recalling the iconic images of the sodden pile of library books that circulated globally and signified the devastation of one of the worst natural disasters in Australian history.“Like many people, I vividly remember the disturbing picture of the large pile of water-soaked books outside the library reaching up to the second story. In total, 30,000 books were lost,” he said.“While we are not quite there in terms of the rebuild, the public is keen to return to their treasured library, as is the staff.” Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said having the library back home is wonderful.“I know how much the local community has been looking forward to Lismore Library returning to this site because they kept asking about it!” she said.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the reopening of Lismore Library is a powerful symbol of our community’s rebuild.“Almost three years on, and today we see not just a restoration of what was lost, but a transformation that ensures this space is stronger and better prepared for the future,” Mr Hogan said.For Michael Lewis, Lismore Area Librarian, who experienced the devastation first-hand and is leading the internal re-design, the move back into the space is an exciting milestone for his team and the community.“We know how important the library is to our community, which is why we decided to welcome them back despite the final works yet to be finalised.”“With the elevator still not operational, we have temporarily relocated a selection of services from the higher levels to the ground floor.”Once the rebuild and refurbishment have been completed, the Lismore Library will be officially opened to celebrate this major achievement. One of the key features being prepared for the official opening is a public art installation recognising the substantial contribution and support received by the Australian public.The $5.6 million flood-resilient restoration of the Lismore Library is being funded by significant investments, including:Flood Restoration funds shared between State and Federal Governments – $4.5 millionNSW Government’s 2022 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Arts and Cultural Priority Needs Program – $135,8212023 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – $494,400State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grants – $325,427Lismore City Council – $222,000.The Lismore Central Shopping Centre community book swap will continue to operate. 

A critical incident investigation has been declared as inquiries continue into an alleged pursuit and crash in the state's north late last month.Between 1am and 3.30am on Saturday, 25 January 2025, a unit on Barker Street, Casino, was allegedly broken into, and a Honda hatchback was taken from the home.About 4.10am on Saturday, 25 January 2025, police attempted to stop the hatchback in Casino.When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated and continued to West Street where the hatchback crashed into a motorhome.The driver – a 16-year-old boy – was taken to Lismore Base Hospital, while the passenger – a 13-year-old boy – was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.A crime scene was established, and an investigation into the incident commenced by Richmond Police District and the Crash Investigation Unit.The driver was charged and remains before the courts.On Friday, 31 January 2025, police received further details on the 13-year-old passenger’s condition and injuries, and as a result, a critical incident investigation was subsequently declared.A critical incident investigation team from Tweed/Byron Police District will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

Thousands more children will now have a qualified teacher in front of them when school returns this year with new data released today showing teacher vacancies falling to a four-year low. There are now 1,294 vacancies in NSW public schools – a 40 per cent reduction since the same time in 2023, the lowest number of vacancies at the start of a school year since 2021. State Member for Lismore Janelle says reducing teacher vacancies is really important as our kids’ education is paramount, and if some things have to be tightened up by governments to achieve this, it is a small price to pay.“Education changes lives, or as some say, makes a life. It did for me,” Ms Saffin says.The NSW government admits there is more work to do to improve teacher retention and recruitment. It is continuing work to rebuild public education, which had 3,311 teacher vacancies in 2022. Pay and larger classroom sizes were attributed to the vacancy rate. The NSW Government says it has delivered: Delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to all of NSW’s public school teachers.Making over 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent.Expanding the Department’s Priority Recruitment Support model from 79 to 110 schools, giving them targeted support to fill vacancies. Banning mobile phones in all public schools, minimising classroom distractions.Addressing workload by allowing additional time to roll out a new curriculum, improving mandatory training and professional learning requirements, providing access to AI assistance, providing additional administrative support in schools. Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said, “It’s hard to measure the impact that public school teachers have, but I think almost everyone has a teacher they can point to as being an incredible, positive influence on their lives.  “We respect teachers, and we want them at the front of our classrooms doing what they do best. That is what we committed to before the election and that is what we are continuing work to deliver. “We know there’s more to do, but it’s brilliant that thousands more kids will return this year to a qualified teacher at the front of their classroom.” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, "“Labor was elected to rebuild essential services after a decade of neglect under the former Liberal National government and I am proud the Minns Labor Government is delivering. "We inherited a teacher shortage crisis from the former Liberal National Government that was leading to thousands of collapsed and merged classes every day. That's thousands of lost teaching hours every day. “The massive fall in teacher vacancies shows what you can achieve when you actually listen to our dedicated and hardworking teachers and value the life-changing work they do. “Having a qualified teacher at the front of every classroom is vital to delivering improved academic outcomes for our students. “These figures show that the uplift in teachers’ pay – opposed by the Liberal and National Parties – means so many more of our students now have a teacher in their classroom, which can only lead to better outcomes. “The drop in resignations and retirements shows teachers are hearing that we value their work and they feel supported to focus on the job of delivering quality teaching and learning.”

It is nearly fourteen days since the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) issued the illegal squatters on Pine Street a Notice to Vacate.The notice was issued on January 21, giving the illegal squatters seven days to vacate, which was midday on January 28.When you drive into Pine Street in North Lismore, it is clear to see that the squatters have ignored the notice. Last Friday, there were approximately sixteen cars or vans parked along the street, with more in driveways. If anything, there looked to be more cars than a month ago, not less.The Lismore App understands that earlier last week, there were fourteen parked cars and vans on Pine Street. Of those fourteen, half (50%) were registered to international backpackers, five (5) to people from within the Northern Rivers, and two (2) had local registrations.Leaning against the hedge of the first house on the right is a 'Welcome to Pine Street. This is an intentional community in liberated space' sign, and another further along the frontage that says 'Housing is a human right'.As warned previously by the NSWRA, if the illegal squatters did not leave the property, they would proceed with plans to disconnect the water and initiate costly legal action.The NSWRA's Kristie Clarke has confirmed the wheels are in motion.If we take a step back to when the homes were first purchased by the NSWRA as part of the Resilient Homes Program, each house was fenced off, and wooden panels were put over the windows and doors to secure the properties. This was to make sure there was no public safety liability for NSWRA. At the same time, services like electricity, water and gas, if necessary, were disconnected."The illegal occupants who are now in these properties have broken through locked fences, disassembled fencing, reconnected water services that were previously disconnected and are living in these homes that aren't safe for occupation, that are in the highest flood risk areas and that are also living in unhygienic conditions. They have set up gas cookers and burners. They're lighting fires around the properties, and we don't see the conditions as suitable for ongoing occupation."The living conditions have been witnessed firsthand by people from the NSWRA and officers from the Richmond Police District, as well as pictures published on community Facebook pages."After visiting the area with local police, the majority of the residents are backpackers from out of the region and out of the country, and they're not flood-impacted residents who are residing in the properties.'I don't believe there to be any flood-affected residents based on my experience. We have had Homes New South Wales and Social Futures visit the properties several times over the last six months and offer housing support, all of which has been denied. Those residents are predominantly out of the area, which is why they're not eligible for assistance under the Homes of NSW flood housing programs."What we're trying to do is get access to the property so we can do an assessment to determine how they can be reused. But if we get access to them, and they're in such a poor condition, well, then we're not going to be able to reuse them."They're claiming that they're trying to support this cause of housing for the region, but their actions could actually remove this housing stock from our ability to reuse it. We are now going to have to get additional checks done on those properties now, and depending on the results, it could wipe out a property for reuse and relocation. That would be such a waste."The Lismore App spoke to one of the international squatters last Friday.Boris is a Frenchman trying to get residency in Australia. He said he has been in the country for seven years and has been living on Pine Street for seven months doing some seasonal work, including macadamias and lemon picking. He mentioned the positive for Lismore was the money being spent in the city.Boris said the group will find a way to react whenever they are communicated to by the NSWRA and the Police. He also said the group wants to work peacefully with the RA, including vacating the premises on the day so they can do the necessary assessments and take photos for the houses to be relocated.Boris said the group would vacate the properties peacefully towards the end of the house assessment and relocation period.This obviously does not suit the NSWRA, as they look to assess and relocate the homes that are permanently vacant.The next steps will involve disconnecting the water on a permanent basis and the start of legal action to remove the squatters from the nine (9) properties. The Lismore App story two weeks ago mentioned eight (8) houses occupied by squatters. A house in Mullumbimby has had illegal squatters break into a buyback house since then.The non-technical explanation for water disconnection is to drill down to the water pipes beneath the ground. The previous procedures were above the ground, which was easily reversed by the squatters."The issue that we've got is there's a remaining property in the street, so we need to ensure that there is still a water connection for that property," Kristie said."And because they haven't left voluntarily, we've been left with no option other than to go to the Supreme Court for a writ of possession to remove them from the properties.As previously reported, the cost to the NSWRA, and taxpayers, is approximately $40,000 per house. The extra $360,000 would be a huge cost to the Resilient Homes Program, and one that diverts resources away from true flood recovery support for the region.