From robots to smart toilets and metallic exoskeletons, Artificial Intelligence and technology have the potential to revolutionise aged care in Australia, because it’s already happening around the world, according to a leading tech expert.That was the message from scientific futurist Dr Catherine Ball, who highlighted the opportunities AI presents in improving care, efficiency, and safety for both residents and staff in aged care.    “As they [new technologies] come into the healthcare industry, you don’t want to be on the back foot of this,” Dr Ball said.  Speaking at Ageing Australia’s recent ITAC conference in Melbourne, Dr Ball pointed to her current work with AI and robotics in the mining sector, where robots are being deployed in deep-ground operations to eliminate the risk of human fatalities.  She suggested that aged care could also benefit from AI-driven innovations in the near future to reduce risks and improve working conditions. Using technologies in this way could quickly become the norm.  "Because the Workplace Health and Safety Act states that if there’s a known and available technology and you didn’t use it, you’re liable,” said Dr Ball, who is also a robotics expert.  One area of promise is the use of AI-powered exoskeletons to help both carers and older people with physically demanding tasks, reducing injury and fatigue.  The wearable external robotic device is taking off in countries like Japan and South Korea. They, too, are facing rapidly ageing populations and are investing significantly in AI and technology to support older people.  Japan has been at the forefront, said Dr Ball, adding that Australia should look to countries in the Asia-Pacific region for inspiration rather than relying on "tech-bros" in Silicon Valley.  "Communities in the Asia-Pacific have so much to teach us," she said.  While aged care remains an incredibly complex sector that is heavily regulated, Dr Ball said that existing frameworks in Australia are not a barrier to adopting new technologies and "regulation and legislation don’t stymy innovation."  Instead, the key challenge is understanding where AI can add the most value. "We don’t know what the problems are in your sector that AI can help with," Dr Ball said.  Also speaking at ITAC, Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said the sector risked being left behind if innovation was ignored.  "AI won’t take your job, but someone who uses it will take your customers," Mr Symondson said, recalling a quote from a recent event.  "Innovation is everywhere. Often the biggest barriers are the ones we impose on ourselves," he said.  He described AI as a powerful tool to support a complex sector run by people who care deeply about the lives of older Australians.  Mr Symondson pointed to Cooma, a regional town in New South Wales, where council-run aged care services are likely to face severe staffing shortages due to their remote location.  "Imagine how much a place like Cooma would benefit from something like AI?" he said.  He pointed to the recent World Ageing Festival in Singapore and the memorandum of understanding signed between Ageing Australia and Ageing Asia as key steps toward fostering greater collaboration and innovation in the sector.  "You can learn things not just from the person down the road, or the person in Perth, or in Cairns, but from the person in Ho Chi Minh, or in Helsinki, or in Boston," he said.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin thanked and recognised nine local seniors and a seniors organisation for their valuable contributions to their communities.Ms Saffin presented certificates of appreciation, co-signed by Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison and herself, to recipients of the Seniors Local Achievement Award during a morning tea at the Lismore City Bowling Club in the CBD.“This is the second year that we’ve run these awards as a way of honouring the many quiet achievers who give their time, experience and considerable skills in the service of others,” Ms Saffin said.“I’d also like to commend work experience students Hamish Bailey and Caleb Scherrer, both in Year 10 at Trinity Catholic College, who collated the award nominations and organised the morning tea. They took on the project with gusto and did an outstanding job.“Cyclone Alfred meant that some NSW Seniors Festival events like this one had to be rescheduled, but it’s great that this year’s award recipients and their invited guests can come together to celebrate what makes our local communities so strong.” Seniors Local Achievement Award recipients for 2025 include:Mrs Lyn Felsch, of Lismore, for volunteer work at the Red Cross Tea Rooms, Lismore.Mrs Norma Blume, of Goonellabah, for volunteer work at the Red Cross Tea Rooms, Lismore.Mr Stephen Darragh, of Kyogle, for volunteer driving work done through HART Services in the Kyogle community for the past two years. The Kyogle Citizen of the Year in 2024 is Vice-President of Kyogle Lions Club and member of Lismore Lions Club.Mr George Stein, of Woodenbong, for volunteer driving work done through HART Services in the Woodenbong community for the past 11 years. The Woodenbong Citizen of the Year in 2020 is President of Woodenbong Golf Club, Treasurer of Woodenbong Progress Association, and Secretary of Woodenbong Football Club.Mrs Heather Goulding, of Tenterfield, for volunteer work done in the Tenterfield community, including the Autumn Festival, Rotary Club of Tenterfield, Rotary-Lions Christmas Carnival, Tenterfield High and Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome (FOTA) Incorporated.Mrs Sharon Tucker JP, of Bonalbo, for contributions to the Bonalbo community for over 44 years, including Teacher-Librarian at Bonalbo Central School, Secretary of the Bonalbo Rural Fire Brigade, fire permit officer, and administrator of local Facebook pages.U3A Northern Rivers (Lismore) Incorporated, founded in 1994 and recognising their home-based committee volunteers.Mr Robert Dingle, of Lismore, for volunteering as a recorder tutor with U3A Northern Rivers (Lismore) Incorporated.Mr Keith Gasteen, of The Channon, for work as a peer leader with the Older Persons Mental Health Mutual Aid group.Ms Susan Stock, of Nimbin, for her work as Co-Editor of The Nimbin Good Times monthly newspaper for the past 21 years. This independent newspaper gives all community members the opportunity to contribute their opinions on local issues.

With the Easter school holidays in full swing, parents all around Lismore and the Northern Rivers are riding bikes and playing backyard football. New research from the University of Adelaide says that parents who exercise together with their teenagers are more likely to have kids with better physical and mental health.Conducted in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO RI) and a team of Canadian partners, a study showed that teenagers who exercise more frequently with their families were more likely to: meet physical activity guidelines of 60+ minutes per day (23%) meet recommended screentime guidelines of two hours or less per day (74%) report better mental health (81%) including higher life satisfaction (67%), and lower stress (86%), anxiety (73%) and depression (89%). The study also showed that the more regularly the family exercises together, the better the outcomes. Data from the World Health Organization shows that 80% of teenagers are not getting enough physical activity and that one in five teens play on digital screens for at least four hours when they engage in gaming. Additionally, one in seven teenagers experiences a mental disorder. Dr Justin Lang, Adjunct Professor with UniSA and the Public Health Agency of Canada, says that simple, family-based interventions can make big differences to teenagers’ health and wellbeing. “We know that regular exercise is great for both body and mind. But with more teenagers glued to screens and devices, it’s easy for sedentary habits to take hold,” Dr Lang says. “Getting teenagers up and moving is crucial to reversing the slide into inactivity – and as our study shows, the key may be in getting the whole family involved. “We found that teenagers who exercise daily with their families are twice as likely to meet activity and screen time guidelines – and four times more likely to report stronger mental health and greater life satisfaction. “The message is simple: when parents get active with their teens and lead by example, everyone wins. Teens feel better, move more, and their mental health is stronger.” The study examined the responses of 8213 Canadian teenagers aged 12-17 years, using self-reported data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth. It found that only 11% of teenagers met national guidelines of 60 minutes of medium-to-vigorous physical activity per day; and just over half (56%) of teenagers engaged in less than two hours of recreational screen time per day. Co-researcher, CHEO RI’s Dr. JP Chaput, says parents play a powerful role in influencing behaviours in their children. “Exercising as a family does more than get hearts pumping – it may strengthen bonds, builds confidence, and can have a real impact on teenagers’ mental wellbeing,” Dr. Chaput says. “When parents take an active role in their teens’ physical activity, it can build stronger emotional bonds, improves communication, and helps create a protective buffer against mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression. “So, when families prioritise being active together, they’re not only building healthy habits – they’re also investing in their teenagers’ long-term wellbeing. “Ultimately, it’s a reminder that even small, shared moments of movement can make a big difference.”

With double demerits beginning yesterday, and many people planning trips to spend time with loved ones over the Easter weekend, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is reminding drivers that road safety starts with them. Ms Saffin said that with the combination of school holidays, the Easter long weekend, and BluesFest, there are lots of locals and visitors on our roads. This is a time to slow down, be patient with other road users and make wise decisions so everyone can arrive safely. Whether you are driving across the state or down the road, drivers are urged to remember:Seat belts save lives:Seatbelts double the chance of survival and reduce the risk of injury in a road crash. Drivers and passengers must all be wearing seatbelts correctly.Speeding kills:Speeding is the number one killer on New South Wales roads. Know the road rules and follow them.Never text while driving:Using a mobile phone while driving affects your attention and response time and increases your chance of crashing.Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike:Never drive under the influence of alcoholDrink driving is a major contributor to death on NSW roads..Do not drive if you are fatigued:Fatigue accounts for around 20% of road deaths in New South Wales. Double demerits will be in place from Thursday, 17 April 2025, to Monday, 21 April 2025, inclusive, for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences. A second double demerits period will be in effect from Thursday, 24 April 2025, to Sunday, 27 April 2025, inclusive During this time, NSW Police will have a high-visibility presence targeting risky driver behaviour. In 2025, there have already been 104 fatalities on New South Wales Roads, compared to 99 in the same period this year. Tragically, deaths on regional roads make up approximately two-thirds of all road deaths.

Labor candidate for Page Wendy Backhous, and the Albanese Government are backing a pay rise for low-paid workers in the Northern Rivers to help with the cost of living.The Government has made a submission to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) recommending that it award an economically sustainable real wage increase to workers on award wages.This will help around three million workers across the country, including cleaners, retail workers and early childhood educators.A decision on the 2025 Award is expected in early June 2025, with an operative date of 1 July 2025 for any wage increase granted.Previous recommendations regarding the real wages of low-paid workers have helped secure an increase in the National Minimum Wage by around $7,500 a year.Ms Backhous said, “A sustainable increase to award wages will ensure low-paid workers can get ahead while inflation continues to slow down.“It will be particularly important to people in the Northern Rivers – especially young workers, and workers in the care economy.”“The Federal electorate of Page was rated 144th out of 151 for median household income.“Our region has a high number of people on low incomes, so the cost-of-living crisis is hurting us hard.“That’s why it is so critical for our political representatives to advocate for fair pay rises, and to support flexible work arrangements that allow people to juggle work and family commitments.”

NSW is further expanding and simplifying free access to the Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to ensure residents living in higher risk regional areas are protected, as the mosquito season continues.  Five additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) are now eligible to provide free JE vaccine, including Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Uralla and Glen Innes Severn. The eligibility criteria for free access has also been simplified to make it easier for people to access the vaccine.The full list of 60 eligible LGAs is available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/jev/Pages/vaccination.aspx.Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “People need to take mosquito-borne infections seriously, especially as Japanese encephalitis is expected to continue circulating across the state.”"Now is a great time to vaccinate, not just because the mosquito season continues in warmer areas of NSW, but because the eligibility criteria is now expanded to include more affected regional areas.”Minister for North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “We encourage everyone at risk of mosquito bites in these 60 LGAs to ask their preferred vaccine provider about vaccination."It's important the community continues to protect themselves against mosquito bites because, aside from Japanese encephalitis, mosquitoes carry a range of viruses for which there are no vaccines."In NSW, the JE virus vaccine is available for free for people aged two months or older who live or work (including volunteer deployments) in any of the defined high-risk Local Government Areas and are at risk of mosquito bites.In NSW this year, five people have acquired JE, and sadly, two of these people have died. JE virus is spread by mosquitoes and can infect animals and humans.JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. People should make an appointment and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine, as they may require a few days' notice to order the vaccine. Once vaccinated, protection can take up to two weeks to develop.There is no specific treatment for JE. In some cases, JE can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions, reduced consciousness and death.As many people will enjoy the great outdoors this long weekend and school holiday period, it is important that people throughout the state protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes. Here are some simple actions you can take:Apply repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.Re-apply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply SPF 50+ sunscreen first before applying repellent.Use repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions.Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk.Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas).Cover windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.Remove items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.Protect infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.For further information and ways to protect yourself, visit Mosquito borne diseases.

There is no better news on Good Friday than good news, especially for the Lismore community.Yesterday, Mayor Steve Krieg and Graham Snow, Lismore City Council's Head of Planning and Environment, proudly declared that $46 million worth of development applications (DA's) had been approved in March.To give you an indication of how positive that number is, the mayor said council usually approves $100 million worth of DA's in a year.The announcement was made in the Eastwood Estate in Goonellabah, where council approved 176 new sites for Stage 2. For those who have seen the progress made in the Eastwood Estate, it is worth a drive during the Easter Break as it has already become its own area with hundreds of houses built and more being built."We've also got 1055, Bruxner Highway up there as well, which has been approved by Council, which is another 400 residential sites, light commercial and industrial as well. Lismore is really being seen by these external investors as a place of opportunity, and it is not come by accident. It's through the outstanding work of Graham and his team at Lismore City Council," Mayor Krieg said.."Three or four years ago, we were known as one of the worst councils to deal with, not only in the region but in the state. One hundred eighty (180) days to get a DA approved for a shed just wasn't good enough. Graham has come to Lismore 18 months ago and literally reformed how we do DA's, and we are starting to see the benefits of that work.Graham Snow explained the simple changes made to council's DA approval system, which has seen a basic DA, such as a shed, approved within a week instead of 18 months, and using the same staff."I've spoken about before, about setting up a fast track system so people can get those sheds out in a week instead of, you know, like six months. And what that does to an economy is it actually completely transforms the place where people have that confidence to come in here, and they can go, Great, I can build, and I can deliver."The old system Graham adopted two years ago, when he arrived from Kempsey, comprised the date the DA was lodged. As they came in, they were put at the bottom of the pile of DA's to be assessed.The new system is to triage each DA when it is lodged. The basic shed and retaining wall DA's are looked at and approved within a day if they meet council regulations. The more complex DA's, which were bogging down all other DA's, are assessed separately within the planning team.Other projects of significance that were approved in March, were the controversial North Lismore Plateau development, the Living School's DA in the CBD on Woodlark Street, the $8.5 million worth of office space which will be built by the Diocese of Lismore, along with the $19 million construction of townhouse accommodation on Keen and Orion Street and the $2.7 million redevelopment of the Rekindling the Spirit building on Uralba Street.The larger DA projects were explained in more detail.NORTH LISMORE PLATEAUGraham Snow explained that council worked with the developer for two years to amend the statement of facts and contentions from the Land and Environment Court following its assessment of the 727 site lot. This involved access, geotech, stormwater, and more issues.The updated DA will go to the Land and Environment Court on June 1st. If the technical side is positively assessed, the only obstacle will be a cultural one."There's what you'd call Allura, which people call North Lismore Plateau, and then there's the Winten development, which is the RA (NSW Reconstruction Authority). You can see the lots are carved already for the RA one."Graham is referring to the 80 blocks announced by the RA at the bottom of the North Lismore Plateau.REKINDLING THE SPIRIT The DA was granted for the reconstruction and expansion of the existing community facility.The building will feature a permanent artwork that tells the story of people and place, intricately woven into the design via a perforated screen fabric reflective in the colour of nature's palette.A storytelling façade, positioned away from the main structure, will help mitigate western heat load while symbolically embodying the narrative of the echidna and the vision and purpose of ‘Rekindling.’The curved form of the façade evokes the meandering lines of the river, providing privacy from the street and enhancing the internal environment through thoughtfully designed landscaped planters. In collaboration with Widjabul Wia-bal artists, Indigenous artwork and plantings will be incorporated throughout the façade, interiors, and surrounding landscape. This integration will serve as a catalyst for empowerment and support for everyone who interacts with the development. ST MARY'S BUSINESS PARK OFFICESThe DA says it is the reuse and adaptation of the College and an opportunity to create a vibrant, sustainable and long-term commercial hub for Lismore. A total of 2866 m2 of office space is provided within the development. Substantial facade and streetscape upgrades are provided. The development also took the opportunity to provide connection and interlinkage with adjoining significant heritage sites, which is viewed as a significant urban design contribution to the area.Doyle House, St Carthage’s Cathedral, Presentation House and the subject development will have an interconnected courtyard space to the rear of the cathedral, anticipated to be a space of significant quality from an urban design, historic and architectural perspective.TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT KEEN AND ORION STREETApproved on March 5, the development consists of 29 dwellings on a rare, elevated site within the Lismore CBD. The development is considered significant in relation to its CBD activation potential and replacement of lost housing stock.THE LIVING SCHOOL ON WOODLARK STREETThe significant development of the Living School in the Lismore CBD is in its final stages of approval.The DA has been approved by Lismore City Council planners, and it has now been submitted to the Regional Planning Panel because of its value, which is between $10 and $30 million in regional areas of NSW.Mayor Steve Krieg was delighted that Lismore is on the verge of a construction boom."One of the reasons we put our ticket together originally in 2021 was because these things weren't getting approved. There was no growth in this area, and as a community, we felt really restricted and held back, which is the reason we put our hand up for council in the first place."Now, it's taken us a little bit of time to get to this point. It's about having the right people in the right positions, as Graham said, but getting people like Graham who want to come to Lismore and make a difference is amazing."We've dealt with the flood. We all know the impact that that's had. We've dealt with the cyclone. We've all know the impact that that's had. But to see the work that's gone in behind the scenes, people have said many, many times, what have you actually done to make Lismore a more resilient place, a safer place? Well, you can't do much more than open up some 1600 brand-new, flood-free home sites."But on top of that, the commercial land, the industrial land, the office space, the people who want to come to Lismore to invest their money. We're talking about all sorts of different groups wanting to set up their business in Lismore, and now we can provide the housing for their staff."It's going to reinvigorate. It's going to regenerate. We've been the slowest growing regional centre in New South Wales for two decades, and we're going to leapfrog everyone else and become the fastest growing regional city in New South Wales, with developments like this coming online. So it's really exciting."

As you would expect, the four-day Easter Weekend is not inundated with local events. It is more about family, friends, holidays and, hopefully, good weather.The Bureau of Meteorology is confident about the good weather, with sunny blue skies forecast for Good Friday and Saturday, a mostly sunny Sunday and a partly cloudy Easter Monday.We are starting to feel some cool mornings, with minimums down to 13 degrees, followed by perfect autumn maximums between 25 and 28 degrees.As I mentioned at the top, it is more a case of what is not on than on over Easter.The Lismore Regional Art Gallery will be closed from Good Friday until Tuesday, April 22. It will reopen on Wednesday, April 23. The Lismore Library will reopen on Tuesday, April 22.For those thinking of getting stuck into the garden as it dries out with the forecast sunshine, the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre will be closed until 8:30am on Tuesday, April 22. The Nimbin Transfer Station will be closed for the same period, reopening at 8am on Tuesday, April 22.GSAC will be closed on Friday, 18 April, Sunday, 20 April and Monday, 21 April. GSAC will be open on Saturday, 19 April, while the Lismore Memorial Baths will be closed on Friday, 18 April only.The Lismore Farmers Markets will be on Easter Saturday morning. Unlike last week, they will be in glorious sunshine, so get to the Lismore Showgrounds between 7:30 and 11:30am for fresh fruit & veg, breakfast, coffee/tea and Easter treats like organic homemade chocolate and Easter-themed cakes & cookies.Live music on Saturday is the laid-back, soulful sounds of Mish Songsmith.There are plenty of beautiful bushwalks to do over Easter, including Rocky Creek Dam, Minyon Falls, Protestor Falls and the new Gidjuum Gulganyi 4-day walk in the hinterlands. Check them out here Walks.Gidjuum Gulganyi starts at Manns Road track head in the Mount Jerusalem National Park, northwest of Mullumbimby, then heads south, ending at Minyon Falls in the Nightcap National Park. This is a 42km Grade 4 bushwalk.You can read all about the bushwalk by clicking https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/gidjuum-gulganyi-walk-camping-self-guided#day-4:-weeun-weeun-campground-to-minyon-falls-lookout.Put the bikes in or on the car and take a ride on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail between Lismore and Casino. You can find out more information here NRs Rail Trail.With April a quiet month for events due to Easter, ANZAC Day and the school holidays, May and June are when the major events kick in, so make a note for:Nimbin Mardi Grass 2, 3 and 4 MayGemfest 17 and 18 MayPrimex 15, 16 and 17 MayBeef Week 24 May to 1 JuneLismore Lantern Parade 21 JuneFuel prices have remained steady, which is surprising, leading into Easter. Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 175.9 across Lismore, 172.8 at NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 164.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 177.9 across most service stations in Lismore, 175.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 186.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro (323 River Street) in Ballina.U98 is 194.9 at the two Liberty's on Ballina Road and Union Street, South Lismore, 195.9 at Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 186.5 at The Metro in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 188.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Easter Funnies.....

As Mayor Steve Krieg said first thing this morning, "This is probably the biggest news story of 2025," and he is not wrong. The Lismore community has been waiting patiently for news about the cinema on Keen Street.BCC Cinema Lismore is no more. The building has been sold to Luke Mackey and will be renamed the Lismore Cinema.As if that was not exciting enough, Luke has set a goal to reopen the Lismore Cinema after a multi-million dollar refurbishment before Christmas this year.The good news was delivered by Mayor Krieg, Councillors Andrew Bing, Electra Jensen and Gianpiero Battista, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.The million-dollar deal only settled at 3pm yesterday, such was the excitement to let the community know that a much-loved form of entertainment was to return after three years of travelling to Ballina or Kyogle to see a movie.(From left: councillor Electra Jensen, Giapiero Battista, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, Mayor Steve Krieg, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Lismore Cinema owner Luke Mackey.)Janelle Saffin said she let out a loud scream in her office when she heard the news. "I can't wait to go back," she said, "It also means a significant milestone in our recovery."Kevin Hogan said this deal means there is confidence returning to our community. "I'm thanking you for the confidence that you're showing in our community that this is a safe place to live, invest, and grow a business in. So thank you."When Luke stepped up to the microphones, he didn't lay all his plans out on the table. "I want to build some anticipation," Luke said with a smile, "I think we'll drip-feed some of the exciting things we've got planned over the next six months because I love teasing people."Luke is no stranger to the cinema industry, having been the national Director of Entertainment for Event Cinemas."When I left last year, it was always a passion project for me. If it came back up, would they sell it to me? We had to go through expressions of interest, and luckily, I was successful. So, very exciting."Luke understands the risk he is undertaking by refurbishing and reopening the cinema in the same spot."I've always been inspired by the community that you get in this area, particularly, and the resilience. When I came back up here to have a look at the town, I am flabbergasted by how amazing the recovery has been. I'm hoping that my little contribution, having the cinema reopen and making it something special for people to come to, will be something that everyone will support. I'm just excited to get started."Luke will be starting with a clean slate because the cinema damage from the 2022 big flood was worse than expected, so the interior is back to a base concrete building with no seats and no ceilings."Which is a great opportunity for me to start fresh and achieve some of the design things I want to bring to the location.""We're taking a design approach that is making it so that if there is, God forbid, any other floods, we will be able to recover really quickly. And we're also looking at flood barriers and all the things that would help us not get impacted to start off with, but if we are, then we'll have the ability to be back up and running very quickly.(An artists impression of the newly refurbished Lismore Cinema)"And I've taken a lot of advice from locals because everyone's like, No, you just do this and do this. And I'm like, Okay, you guys, just take it in your stride. I can do that too. Let's do it."Luke assured people that he would have no problem getting blockbuster movies, arthouse films, or special event films into his new Lismore Cinema. He will also consider having wine available for date nights as a teaser for what may be on offer once the doors reopen.As for the "before Christmas timing", Luke said, "We need a lot of things to go our way, but I know, hearing all the support this morning, we'll get there. I am going to put a lot of pressure on the builders and all the people who are part of it to make sure we will get there."Today, we saw the removal of the old signage, and very soon, we will see a hive of activity as the multi-million dollar refurbishment begins.Happy Easter Lismore!

CEO, Artistic Director and Founder of Lightnup Inc, the organisation that puts on the Lismore Lantern Parade, released some exciting news to the Lismore App yesterday: the 2025 Lismore Lantern Parade will return to Oakes Oval for the first time since 2018.For the last two years, the Fiery Finale has been held at Riverside Park, down by Wilsons River under Ballina Bridge. In 2021, it was held at the Lismore Showground following COVID-19 and 2022 was on the levee bank.The reason was thanks to another flood event, albeit smaller in scale, Tropical Cyclone Alfred."When Alfie came through, we had a flood down at Riverside Park, and he left behind centimetres of sludge that can't be removed or cleaned out."Jyllie said everything was already in place; the application was completed, the traffic management plan was ticked off, and then she had to "pirouette"."It's a whole different ball game now. Yes, it's going to be such a big space to have to manage and make it work for people."I think because we've always looked after the ground, wherever we've done it, council staff have been very impressed. They know we will look after Oakes Oval. We will be very careful."The 2024 Lantern Parade had an estimated 32,000 people who enjoyed Lismore's largest single-day event. Last year's Fiery Finale was a crowded affair, with many missing out on seeing the spectacular ending due to the topography.(Part of the 2024 Fiery Finale at Riverside Park)Oakes Oval provides newly built grandstands and a large flat viewing area for families to sit and view the finale.Naturally, there will be some changes for this year's Lantern Parade because of a new venue.The grandstands hold approximately 1,000 people and will be ticketed in 2025. The price is yet to be finalised; however, it is likely to be $10 per seat. Sitting on the grass area in front of the stands will be free.People should feel free to bring blankets and pillows for comfort, but camping chairs will need to be at the back of the grassed area so everyone can see and protect the Oakes Oval grass."We have a special accessible area for people with mobility requirements, and also, we've been doing a wonderful project with people who are visually impaired. They will have access, and their support workers and families will be in the right-hand side pavilion, which will be looked after by Social Futures," Jyllie explained.The parade route will now start on Victoria Street, behind Heritage Park."Then we come up Molesworth Street, through the market delight (on Magellan Street) and then turn left along Keen Street, and then down the back lanes (Larkin Lane) past the Met, and across Dawson Street into Oakes Oval.With thousands of parade participants and different classifications of watchers, there will be plenty of signage to make it easy to get to your designated area.The lanterns will pass by the Oakes Oval stands and move around to the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion, where they will be stored, and participants will make their way around to the viewing area.The size of the Fiery Finale depends on how much sponsorship money is raised. If you have a business that would like to be involved for $1,000 or $5,000, get in touch with Jyllie Jackson at the Lismore Lantern Parade.For 2025, Lightnup Inc. is now a registered charity. This means that all donations are tax-deductible. Rather than relying on the buckets collecting coins or notes from people on the side of the street, you can donate whenever you wish and get the benefit of reducing your tax bill. Click on the link to donate https://www.givenow.com.au/30yearsoflanterns. You will receive your receipt as soon as the donation is complete."We have to cut our coat according to our cloth," Jyllie said, "But it will be really fun. We'll have some fireworks, a little bit of fireworks, not a big ten-minute wham bam, thank you, ma'am type of thing, but there will be a little bit of fireworks and quite a lot of fire in a different sort of way," Jyllie said, leaving the details for another time.Jyllie praised Lismore City Council staff for helping her organise the 2025 Lismore Lantern Parade."It's just been lovely, particularly the Parks and Open Spaces people and the events team. They have been awesome."For now, mark Saturday, June 21, on your calendars or schedule the date on your mobile phone.

Transport for NSW is encouraging motorists travelling north into Queensland on the Pacific Motorway to plan their trip and allow extra travel time during the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, with high traffic volumes and delays expected. Northbound traffic on the Pacific Motorway at Tugun is expected to be the busiest on Monday, 21 April, with delays of 25 minutes anticipated, while there will also be delays on Tuesday, 22 April of up to 10 minutes.With motorists expected to head home from holidays before the start of the school term, there will be a second wave of return traffic during the last weekend of the school holidays, from Friday, 25 April. The busiest day northbound will be Sunday, 27 April with expected delays up to 20 minutes.Drivers are reminded the M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades in Queensland could also cause significant traffic delays north of the NSW border.NSW Police will enforce double demerit points for speeding, motorcycle helmet, seatbelt and mobile phone offences from Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April and Thursday, 24 April to Sunday, 27 April 2025.  Please allow extra travel time and use driver navigation apps to assist you on your journey.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For more details about predicted delays on the North Coast and other known holiday traffic pinch points, see the NSW Holiday and Journey planning website.For more information, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/230842, or download the Live Traffic NSW app. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for “Tugun Bypass Tunnel” in your Live Traffic app, select the holiday traffic pin (blue and white star) and click ‘Follow’. You can also refer to qldtraffic.qld.gov.au for up-to-date information.

This news story is not from Lismore or the Northern Rivers, but it is Crazy But True, so it is worth reading.A woman has been charged – and her vehicle confiscated – after she was allegedly detected speeding in the state’s south three times on the same day.Police were called to the Hume Highway, Gunning, about 45km east of Yass, following multiple calls relating to alleged dangerous driving.Officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a 19-year-old woman about 10.40am, after allegedly she was detected travelling in excess of the 110km/h speed limit. She was issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 20km/h.About 11.45am on the same day, officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were patrolling the Hume Highway, Tumblong, about 14.5km southeast of Gundagai, when they detected a P-plate driver allegedly travelling at 215km/hr in a 110km/hr zone.The same 19-year-old female driver was stopped and issued with a court attendance notice for drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and P2 driver exceed speed by more than 45 km/h. Her P2 licence was suspended and her vehicle licence plates confiscated for three months.She will appear in Gundagai Local Court on Friday, 13 June 2025.About 2.10pm on the same day, the same driver was allegedly detected travelling at 201km/h in a 110km/h zone on the Hume Highway, Table Top, 16km north-east of Albury. She was stopped and arrested, before being taken to Albury Police Station where she was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, class A motor vehicle exceed speed by more than 45 km/h, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, operate vehicle during number-plate confiscation period, and tamper with etc number-plate confiscation notice.She was granted conditional bail to appear in Albury Local Court on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.Crazy But True.

Police are urging motorists to take extra care during these school holidays following an increase in fatalities on the state’s roads.Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said the number of lives lost on our roads this year has already reached an alarming level, with 39 crashes resulting in 41 people killed in March, the highest in a month since 2019.“Last year in NSW, there were 85 murders; however, four times as many people – 338 – died on our roads: that is a senseless loss of life,” Deputy Commissioner Pisanos said.“The only way to stop the carnage is for drivers to step up and stick to the rules; it’s just not worth your life. One wrong move behind the wheel, and you’re dead.“With the death last night of a man in Muswellbrook, 103 people have now died on NSW roads this year; that’s far too many families left without a son, father, daughter or mother, the road toll rips lives apart,” he said.Of those fatalities, 19 were aged 26 to 35, 18 were aged 76 to 95, followed by 17 aged between 18 to 25. The young man who died last night is awaiting formal identification.Of these, 45 were drivers, 17 passengers, 27 motorcyclists, nine pedestrians and five cyclists.Regional roads account for the deadliest roads for fatalities this year, with six people killed on the Princes Highway, six people killed on the Hume Highway, and four on the Pacific Highway.NSW Police will have a high-visibility presence across the state during Operation Easter 2025 and Operation ANZAC Day 2025 to coincide with a higher number of motorists travelling across the state.Double demerits will be in place from Thursday, 17 April 2025, until Monday, 21 April 2025, inclusive for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.A second double demerits period will be in effect from Thursday, 24 April 2025, until Sunday, 27 April 2025.The police operations will occur during the NSW school holidays, where a large number of families will be travelling to and from destinations across the state.Officers will be targeting risky driver behaviour, including the Four Ds: drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving, as well as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and mobile phone use.This year, there have been more than 51,100 speeding offences detected by police, along with 3,350 drunk-driving offences and more than 5,200 illegal mobile phone offences.The high-visibility policing operation is a statewide operation and will involve general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command.Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to dangerous driving behaviour, just as they do every day of the year.“We know this is an exciting time – everyone’s eager to get where they’re going and be with family and friends, but we want you to get there safely. This means slowing down, driving to the conditions and making smart choices every time you get behind the wheel,” Minister Catley said.“Don’t make this a holiday to remember for all the wrong reasons. No one wants their long weekend story to end with flashing lights, a court date, or worse, a knock on the door that no family should ever receive.“If you speed, drive under the influence, use your phone, or push through fatigue – you’re putting lives at risk. Don’t do it. Slow down, switch off, and stop if you’re tired. It’s that simple.”Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, reminded motorists to drive to the conditions, anticipate delays and respect all other road users.“Drivers need to take responsibility and know that with the extra police presence on our roads that they will be held to account for their actions,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.“Drivers are reminded that if they are travelling with luggage, the additional weight means cars will take longer to stop. Therefore, leave plenty of space between other vehicles.“We need every road user – whether they’re a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist, or pedestrian – to follow the road rules, not become complacent and to make smart choices.“That includes sticking to the speed limit, wearing a seatbelt, never driving when tired, not using a mobile phone while driving and do not drive if affected by drugs or alcohol.“Drivers are reminded to take regular breaks and be patient and calm in holiday traffic.”Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray is urging everyone travelling on NSW’s roads this Easter to put safety first.“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. I’m urging all drivers to be alert, patient and considerate – especially with more people expected on our roads across the next two weeks of long weekends,” Mr Murray said.“Tragically, too many lives have already been lost in crashes in NSW this year. These aren’t statistics: they're young lives full of promise, best friends, mums and dads who won’t make it home to waiting families.“We all share the road – and share the responsibility. Drive so others survive.“Let’s make sure everyone gets to their destination safely and enjoys their Easter and Anzac weeks.“And to the frontline staff working through the long weekends – thank you. Your efforts keep the network moving and our communities safe.”

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has held his annual School Leaders event in Lismore with over 300 students, parents, and teachers. The event recognises the important role of school leaders in our local school communities.“This is a great opportunity to celebrate the leadership, responsibility and pride our young people show in their schools,” Mr Hogan said.This year’s guest speaker was Norm Black, co-founder of travel company TripADeal. Mr Hogan said Norm’s story of perseverance and vision struck a chord with the audience.“Norm’s journey—from humble beginnings to building a successful international business—was incredibly inspiring. His message about resilience, taking chances, and backing yourself really resonated with the students.”“I want to acknowledge the teachers, mums, dads, carers, and grandparents who took time to come along and support these young leaders. Our community is stronger because of the encouragement and guidance they provide.”“The future is in good hands.”Each school across the region received an invitation to pass on to their Student Representative Councils and elected student leaders.

Small business owners are facing concerning rates of mental ill-health, prompting calls for greater investment in tailored mental health supports.The Wellbeing and Prevention Coalition in Mental Health, together with the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), has released its latest policy brief, ‘Promoting Small Business Owner Mental Health.’  The latest data shows that small business owners (SBOs) continue to experience significantly higher rates of stress, depression, and anxiety compared to the general population. Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said people are struggling, and there are significant knock-on effects to the economy. “Poor mental health impacts productivity and costs the Australian economy up to $220 billion annually,” Ms Harman said.   “Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, and they should be looked after. We owe it to them, their families, their employees, and their communities. “Solutions must focus on prevention and early support to decrease the prevalenceand impact of mental illness within the small business sector, so that people don’t reach crisis point with their business or their mental health.” COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat said small businesses make up 97% of all businesses in Australia. “Small businesses employ almost half the private sector workforce, yet they operate in a unique and often challenging context, facing financial pressures, isolation, and long working hours. “These factors, combined with limited access to resources and mental health support, create a perfect storm for mental ill-health. “Many SBOs find mental health support difficult to find and afford and are generally unaware of the programs and services available, so more work is needed to ensure these programs are visible, accessible, and useful to small business – including through their trusted and familiar channels.  “We need to meet them where they are,” he said. Everymind Director Dr Jaelea Skehan OAM said the policy brief aims to put the spotlight on what is currently missing.  “Policy, legislation and support strategies are often targeted towards large businesses, leaving small businesses behind in taking effective action on mental health in the workplace,” she said. “We need to continue to actively involve small business owners to ensure they have fit-for-purpose advice and support to prevent and respond to the psychosocial risks involved in owning and running a small business. Decisions need to be made with SBOs, not for them.”  The Wellbeing and Prevention Coalition in Mental Health is urging governments at all levels to prioritise the mental health of SBOs by: Embedding the voices of SBOs: ensure programs and policies are tailored with input from small business owners.  Protecting and promoting mental health: increase funding for evidence-based programs that support SBO wellbeing.  Addressing distress drivers: ensure programs understand and address the unique risk factors faced by SBOs.  Increasing awareness, access, and uptake: utilising trusted channels to promote available support.  Ensuring national consistency: co-ordinating and sustainably funding a national approach consistent with the National Workplace Initiative.  Supporting risk management: help SBOs identify and mitigate psychological health risks through the workplace health and safety framework.  Building the knowledge base: investing in research to better understand and address SBO mental health.  New South Wales business owner Jeremy Suggett said the mental health challenges facing the sector are being ignored.  “Small businesses need more accessible, flexible support systems – ones that recognise our distinct pressures and can help us create healthier work environments for ourselves and our staff,” he said. “We have different needs – even if we aren’t feeling mentally well, we still need to turn up, answer the phone/emails, send out stock, pay the staff and keep the business going – the buck stops with us.” Last year, Mr Suggett was stressed about the future of his business. “I felt very exposed, I lost clarity, I lost interest in sleeping and eating, and everything became stressful. I didn't have the option of taking time off, but needed help suitable to my situation. “We need more policies that recognise the struggles we face, that reflect our voice and support that fits the reality of small businesses,” he said. The report highlighted the success of existing programs like Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO), and Everymind’s Ahead for Business. NASBO is a free and confidential program that’s proven to stop mental health issues from snowballing and provides people with practical support to manage their mental health. Everymind’s Ahead for Business, a tailored mental health program, specifically designed for SBOs, has also had users report increased ability and confidence to manage their mental health and wellbeing. Read the Policy Brief: Promoting Small Business Owner Mental Health here: https://bit.ly/42bOmHz. Beyond Blue Support Service available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au/getsupport National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 or ndh.org.au/financial-counselling/find-a-financial-counsellor/ Small Business Debt Helpline 1800 413 828 or sbdh.org.au 

Health outcomes for Indigenous people could be drastically improved by increasing access to cultural medicines through Medicare and the PBS, says Southern Cross University researcher and proud Truwulway woman, Dr Alana Gall.New research led by Dr Alana Gall and published today in First Nations Health and Wellbeing – The Lowitja Journal highlights the need to decolonise healthcare by including cultural medicines (also called bush medicines) in Australia’s mainstream healthcare.The findings are based on expert policy reviews conducted with colleagues from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Aboriginal Elders, and public health institutes.“My community at large is either using or wants to use our cultural medicines, but access is low. Cultural medicines can include specific foods or plants as medicine, Traditional Healers, ceremonial or spiritual practices, or spending time on and connecting with Country,” said Dr Gall, who is also a National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Fellow.“Our culture is the oldest continuous culture on the planet, so our cultural medicines are the oldest continually practised medicine as well. Our cultural medicines connect us back to our culture from the beginning of time, having clear impact on the cultural determinants of health. We need to look at increasing our access to it.”The study examined 52 national health policies that guide the practice of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered health professionals, Aboriginal Health Workers and Indigenous Liaison Officers.Dr Gall said the Australian healthcare system adheres to biomedical approaches to health, which has seen cultural medicines largely and conspicuously absent from policies that guide practice.“A lack of national leadership and of clear definitions mean there is also a disproportionate onus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare workers to be the keepers of knowledge about cultural medicines. This is often not practical nor appropriate,” she said.“Our studies show although over 90 per cent of Indigenous people would like access to cultural medicines, many have difficulty doing so.“We need better training and information on this issue for all healthcare professionals on a national level. By including cultural medicines in Medicare and even the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), we could empower both Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals while also protecting the Indigenous Knowledge associated with the medicines.”Dr Gall’s previous research has investigated the documentation and protection of Indigenous Knowledge in natural medicines and healthcare. In several instances Indigenous Knowledge has been appropriated for commercial gain, a practice known as biopiracy where little or no benefit is returned to the community where the knowledge is traditionally held. “I see it as decolonising healthcare but we need to do things in the right order. We need cultural medicines to be integrated into mainstream healthcare but we also need to put the work into defining, understanding and protecting the knowledge associated with them,” Dr Gall said. Co-author, Pharmacist and Director of Medicines Policy and Program at the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Mike Stephens said both policy and practice needed to change. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the first doctors and pharmacists of this country. The healing and wellbeing that can be derived from these practices and medicines should not be understated or forgone in conversations around health care. “While our National Medicines Policy now specifically recognises cultural medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, more needs to be done to bring this to life and truly integrate this medicine into our national systems. “Only through listening and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health knowledge – such as greater incorporation of cultural medicines into national policy – can we stand to Close the Gap,” said Stephens. Professor Catherine Chamberlain, Co-Editor-in-Chief of First Nations Health and Wellbeing – The Lowitja Journal, said the journal was proud to publish important First Nations-led research. “This research, in turn, highlights opportunities to improve outcomes for Indigenous people in Australia and overseas. “We congratulate Dr Alana Gall and her colleagues on drawing attention to Australia’s national health policies lacking effective approaches to cultural medicine use. Dr Gall’s peer-reviewed article is an excellent example of The Lowitja Journal’s commitment to providing an accessible, global platform for First Nations health and wellbeing perspectives,” she said. Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fnhli.2025.100046.

The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) is officially open and treating its first patients —marking a historic moment for native animal care across the region.Located on Crown Land on Lindendale Road in Wollongbar, a short drive from Lismore and Ballina, the facility is the first dedicated “bricks-and-mortar” wildlife hospital in the Northern Rivers. It is purpose-built to provide urgent, specialised care for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife. The hospital is expected to treat around 5,000 animals each year, brought in from all seven local government areas. “This is a dream come true for the region — and for every injured animal that now has a better chance of survival,” said NRWH Chair Madeleine Faught.“It’s taken years of vision and community determination to reach this point. We’re incredibly proud to open our doors and start providing care — but there’s still a lot of work ahead.”Already Saving LivesEven before opening, the NRWH team had begun treating wildlife in collaboration with Vitality Vetcare, operating out of a temporary clinical space in Bangalow. Over the past fortnight, they’ve cared for more than 40 native animals, including two rose-crowned fruit doves (a threatened species), a noisy pitta, a golden whistler, a white-faced heron, rainbow lorikeets, white-headed pigeons, tawny frogmouths, an eastern long-necked turtle, a blue-tongued skink, coastal carpet pythons, a ringtail possum, a mountain brushtail possum, black flying foxes and grey-headed flying foxes.(NRWH staff preparing to take an x-ray. Photo: supplied)With final Council approvals secured, the new hospital is now fully operational and accepting wildlife cases directly from carers, rescue groups, and members of the public — with treatment offered free of charge.“We’re proud to offer this vital service at no cost to the people rescuing wildlife — but it will only be possible if we’re supported by local donations and all levels of government,” said Founding Director Dr Megan Kearney. “As we approach an election, we encourage the community to let their local representatives know how much they value this service — and want to see it well-funded now and into the future.”The hospital also eases pressure on local vets, who often treat wildlife pro bono, and on wildlife rescue groups already stretched by a record number of calls for help.A Regional Resource for All WildlifeThe facility is equipped to care for all species of native wildlife — from marsupials and reptiles to birds and flying foxes — and was developed in close consultation with wildlife carers and organisations. The NRWH will work in collaboration with other members of the Northern Rivers Wildlife Network and is designed to complement and support existing services, including local veterinary clinics and volunteer rescue groups.As a community-owned, not-for-profit charity, the hospital is powered by volunteers, fundraising, and grants. Support to date has included:Federal Government Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant NSW Regional Koala Support GrantNSW Primary Industries Institute - WollongbarCrown lands NSWFunding from local philanthropic donors and private foundations Support from the World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF) Individual donations from community membersLooking Ahead – Building Stage TwoSo far, fundraising has allowed for the completion of Stage One, but the next phase is crucial. Stage Two includes the development of a dedicated animal pathology and diagnostic lab, vital for managing emerging threats like avian influenza (bird flu) and koala retrovirus.The hospital also needs to secure funding for outdoor enclosures for animals requiring intermediate care and rehabilitation. “This hospital isn’t just about treatment — it’s about research and regional resilience. Our pathology centre will help identify and respond to the illnesses threatening some of Australia’s most iconic species,” explained Dr Megan Kearney.The hospital will officially celebrate its opening with a community event in the coming weeks, inviting supporters, carers, and the public to tour the facility and learn more.

Nimbin’s 33rd MardiGrass program is on the way to the printer and up on the website now, says Michael Balderstone, president of the MardiGrass Organising Body, better known as the MOB.“There’s absolutely first-class speakers on all aspects of the cannabis plant and, in fact, on many other entheogenic plants as well this year. The term comes from the Greek words “en” (in) and “Theos” (god), meaning “god within”, Michael said.“Albo’s called the election for the same weekend, and we recommended voters use a prepoll before they come to Nimbin rather than crushing the polling booth at Nimbin on the Saturday.”The clash of the two events has created a highlight in the MardiGrass program with Jeremy "Joe" Buckingham, the NSW Legalise Cannabis MP, bringing his increasingly famous “Into The Weeds” podcast to town to join Antony Greenout in our very own Mardigrass Tally-Ho Room.There’s always plenty of comedy at MardiGrass, and this year is the 30th Hemp Olympix, and by popular demand, the Growers Iron Person Event is on again. The Joint Rolling contests and Bong Throw and Yell are crowd favourites, as well as Correct Weight, where contestants have to guess an ounce, or the Dealer's Nightmare, which tests your cool in a police raid.It looks like a record-breaking lineup for the Kombi Konvoy on election day which culminates in the 420 Stoner Blaze protest. Everyone is encouraged to dress up and enjoy the main event, the Rally for Cannabis Law Reform is on Sunday afternoon.There are weed movies running all weekend at the Bush Theatre and six stages for speakers and performers. They’re all listed in the program on the website along with the musicians, including Hussy Hicks, The Hoochers, Black Bird Hum, and Lionheart Rebellion, the Oz Hip Hop Showcase, and the massive High Vibes program, which includes Elektropanda, Whompus, Creten, Organic Distortion and Coneheadz.Special speakers who have never been to MardiGrass before, include Dr Michael White, flying up from Adelaide, who is Australia's expert on the dreaded RDT, Roadside Drug Testing. Dr Patrick Keyser, fresh from touring America, Emily Rigby founder of Australian Cannabis Cultivators, a crew from Cymra, our local legal cannabis farm that specialises growing organically in the ground, another big crew from Entheogenesis Australis, and still more. With hundreds of new people signing up for legal medical cannabis every day now, there is a resurgence of interest in cannabis and MardiGrass is a real grassroots opportunity for people to learn from those with experience who gather in Nimbin once a year. The cannabis plant itself is the real teacher, but the array of doctors and healers, growers and medicine makers, scientists, and professors lined up to talk this year make the weekend a knowledge fest. And if you need a rest, the sport, the stalls, the stoned chess and pot poets, the food court, and endless music will keep you entertained.Cannabis may be legal through a doctor now, but we still cannot grow our own, and we cannot drive without fear of losing our licence, so please support our cause. Tickets are on sale now at nimbinmardigrass.com and still the same price for years now: $150 for a full weekend pass to all events plus 3 nights camping at the Nimbin Showgrounds with excellent facilities. Keep an eye on the website for program updates until the big weed weekend on May 2-4. ”It really is time to legalise cannabis…the drug against wars!”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, joined the Talking Lismore podcast to talk openly about issues that are affecting the Lismore community, such as house demolitions and the Pine Street squatters.We started by talking about the community's preparedness for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, attributing it to the lessons learned from the devastating 2022 floods."We were so prepared. It was a joy to me to see it unfold," Ms Saffin said. She emphasised the proactive approach taken by authorities, including the SES, RFS, and local government, in ensuring community safety. Residents were kept informed through regular briefings, and the evacuation orders were issued based on detailed modelling and local knowledge. They were necessary to mitigate potential risks from downed power lines and trees.The community's preparedness was evident in the way residents proactively packed up and secured their belongings, a stark contrast to the reliance on external guidance observed in previous years. Ms Saffin praised the Lismore Business Chamber for its role in promoting flood preparedness among local businesses.When asked who interprets the data and makes evacuation decisions. Ms Saffin explained that is ultimately made by the SES, who analyse BOM modelling and consult with community leaders. The SES also incorporates local knowledge, drawing on the expertise of local residents within the organisation.Ms Saffin didn't shy away from discussing the NSW Reconstruction Authority's house buyback demolitions. She acknowledged that while the demolitions were always planned, there could have been better communication around the process. Ms Saffin emphasised the need for compassion and understanding as the community continues to heal from the trauma of the floods. She urged against politicising the issue, as it is important to tread gently and avoid using people as pawns in political campaigns."Demolitions were always going to happen, and that was made absolutely clear, even by David Witherdin and the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation. Relocatable's were going to happen. His words 'by exception', meaning that people who wanted to relocate their house could choose to do it, and then allowed some gifting of houses. And a few people did that. Then, some houses would be sold. And we're seeing the first of 30 that's underway now, and there'll be more going up for sale, but we still need to assess some of them. I think there's over 300 still to be assessed for demolition or go for sale, okay, but some have been assessed for demolition, quite a few.(A demolition on Baillie Street, North Lismore, last week)"So that was always going to happen. Could that have been communicated better? Yes. And also, even when it is communicated as it was at different times, because we've had trauma, because it's disaster recovery, I know, and others know we have to keep saying it over and over and over. "This is what's going to happen, whether we like it or not, and for someone who owned a home, lived in it, raised children, families, I know that it's their memories and their life. It all happened in that home. Now, a lot of those people have sold that home because they wanted to feel safer, and they've done that, but I understand their heart and head are still there, and a few of those people have rung us this week, or some have talked to me, and they know they are going to be demolished, but they needed to talk it through too. The feelings around it, but they knew they were to be demolished."It's wrong to politicise this issue because we're hurting, and to show genuine compassion in our community means that we tread gently. I try and tread gently because I understand that hurt in the community and to run a political campaign for partisan gain is unconscionable. That's how I see it. And people should not be pawns in this. People talk about my community, my community, well, I think they ought to rethink how they're engaging in my community."Some people said to me, great, Janelle, it's good to see the houses going, we need it because we need renewal. We don't want to keep looking at them."Others have come to me and our office and said, we want them gone. They remind us all the time of what happened. Even people who sold them."Ms Saffin also talked about the future of vacant land in North and South Lismore following house buybacks, emphasising the need to honour the area's history and community."There's an old Indigenous history of North Lismore. There's the Italian community. We had the Italo Club, and it's now Marconi. Plus, we had the timber getters," she said.She suggested potential uses for the vacant land. "I'd love a car boot market, where Richmond River High was, because we all love it. People will come from the region, and it's a commercial activity. And Steve's talked about a golf course. Whatever it is. But we can't move on while we've still got houses that need to be demolished, some that a few people want to move," she said.Ms Saffin also highlighted her personal connection to the area, having lived in both North and South Lismore and experienced firsthand the impact of flooding. "I lived in North, so I did an interview as a northie in the Living Lab Project. I was over there with everyone, and I've lived in South as well. I've lived in flood areas most of my life. I love the areas, and so they're the things that we need to do," she said.Ms Saffin also addressed the ongoing situation with squatters at Pine Street, who were recently in the Supreme Court. While she was unable to provide a specific date for the next hearing, she understood it would be in late April. "I was told that today was a directions hearing, and that's where everyone sorts out their paperwork and who's going to do what, and who's going to appear, those things. I don't know the exact date, but I think it might be a bit later in April, like in a week or two," she said.Ms Saffin stated that the squatters could end the ongoing expenditure by vacating the premises, as they had been politely requested to do on numerous occasions. "The people who were squatting there could end that now they could they could leave. They could say, we're going to leave, which is what they were asked to do politely many times, and then they didn't," she said.She highlighted the Resilient Homes Program's role as a mitigation and adaptation program rather than a housing program. "The Resilient Homes Program is a mitigation, adaptation program; it wasn't set up as a housing program. It wasn't set up as all of the things that some people are now demanding. That comes through other areas of government. There's been a long lag over a long period of time, particularly from 2011 on, with nothing happening here with housing at all. That's a fact. And it's in independent reports, and so we are doing things on housing," she said.Ms Saffin talked about East Lismore, North Lismore, Cynthia Wilson Drive and Bristol Circuit as examples of what housing is to come from the government.To hear the full podcast, click on the Talking Lismore podcast link.