The lack of diverse housing in Lismore and the Northern Rivers has been a consistent talking point for all levels of government and the community for the last decade, but especially since the 2022 big flood.The NSW Government today announced new Budget measures that make it easier to deliver more homes, alongside the infrastructure and services communities need, in a bid to address the crisis.As part of the 2025-26 Budget, the Government will:·         Extend tax concessions for build-to-rent (BTR) housing developments; and·         Release draft guidelines to speed up the delivery of homes and infrastructure through works-in-kind agreements with developers.Extending tax concessions for build-to-rent developmentsTo give investors long-term certainty and encourage more rental housing supply, the 2025-26 Budget will extend key tax concessions for build-to-rent developments.Under this change, owners of eligible new build-to-rent developments will now be able to access a land tax concession of a 50 per cent reduction in assessed land value indefinitely.Build-to-rent developments typically make their returns to investors through providing long-term and stable rental income.This means that build-to-rent housing may offer longer-term lease options, better security for tenants, and more housing choice for people at different life stages.It also means that the expiry of the tax concession in 2039 is a key factor impacting investment decisions today.This measure will improve the feasibility of build-to-rent developments, helping to unlock a steady pipeline of secure, high-quality rental homes across NSW.It’s part of a broader strategy to deliver housing that meets the needs of today’s renters—families, key workers, and young people alike.Ensuring new housing comes with the infrastructure people needA works-in-kind agreement allows a developer to dedicate land for public purposes or deliver an infrastructure project, instead of paying a Housing and Productivity Contribution.For example, rather than paying the state government a monetary contribution for the government to build a state road or school, the developer can instead provide the land for the school or build the road themselves and then hand the infrastructure over to the public authority.This will help speed up the delivery of homes, especially in cases where critical infrastructure is required to unlock more housing, providing works-in-kind means a project can get underway faster. The draft guideline outlines how works-in-kind proposals are evaluated, prioritised, and managed under the Housing and Productivity Contribution scheme.The Government is inviting feedback from industry before finalising the guidelines to ensure they achieve their intent of delivering more housing and infrastructure, more quickly.The Housing and Productivity Contribution was introduced in October 2023. It helps fund the delivery of state infrastructure in high-growth areas of NSW like Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, and the Lower Hunter.The NSW Government is also preparing Infrastructure Opportunities Plans to identify and sequence the infrastructure required to support housing and industrial land targets.The draft Works-in-kind Guideline is on exhibition for public feedback until 17 July 2025 at:  https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-productivity-contribution-schemeThe draft Works-in-kind Guideline is on exhibition for public feedback until 17 July 2025 at:  https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-productivity-contribution-schemePremier of NSW Chris Minns said, “You can’t build new homes without roads, parks, and schools to match, and the community shouldn’t have to wait for them.“Whether it’s new tax incentives, planning reforms or fast-tracking infrastructure, we’re focused on making it faster and easier to build the homes and communities NSW needs.”Treasurer of NSW Daniel Mookhey said, “These measures will give industry the certainty they need to build more homes, faster. “We are making sure we build the homes we need, along with the essential infrastructure we need to go with them.“Extending the tax incentives for build-to-rent will make it easier for developers to build, and give renters more choice.”Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “Local infrastructure was an afterthought with the former Liberal-National Government. We’re doing things differently, making sure homes are delivered alongside parks, roads and schools.“The Minns Government is delivering more homes and better choices for home buyers and renters across the state.“Works-in-kind is an important part of the mix in our provision of infrastructure. The Works-in-kind Guideline provides a clear, consistent approach to when and how it can be used.” 

A groundbreaking new study published in the journal Women's Health is bringing long-overdue recognition to the women who played a pivotal role in the Northern Rivers’ recovery from the catastrophic 2022 floods.The research, led by the University Centre for Rural Health Northern Rivers (UCRH), documents how women across the region stepped into leadership roles, filling critical gaps left by formal disaster responses and sustaining the health and wellbeing of their communities through long-term recovery efforts.The study – Governance, collaboration and community organising in rural Australia: A case study of women’s experiences and contributions to community health and well-being in the Northern Rivers, Australia floods – was authored by UCRH researchers Dr Rebecca McNaught, Dr Jo Longman and Emma Pittaway, alongside Loriana Bethune from Gender and Disaster Australia and Dominica Meade from the University of Melbourne.Beyond the headlines: the invisible labour of recoveryWhile media coverage at the time focused on dramatic rescues, generally undertaken by male volunteers, this research uncovers a parallel and largely invisible story: women quietly leading complex, sustained recovery efforts from their homes, community halls, and online networks.“While the media spotlight was on the ‘tinny army’, women were coordinating food relief, managing donation hubs, organising volunteers, and providing emotional support to neighbours and strangers alike,” said lead author Dr Rebecca McNaught. “They were doing this while also caring for families, managing their own flood impacts, and often without any formal recognition or support.”The study draws on interviews with community members, government and non-profit representatives, and transcripts from the NSW Government’s flood response inquiry. It paints a compelling picture of gendered leadership in disaster recovery – one that is collaborative and community-driven.A gendered gap in disaster governanceThe research confirms a systemic issue in disaster governance: the persistent undervaluing of women’s contributions. Despite their central role in community recovery, women community organisers were often excluded from formal decision-making processes and left to navigate bureaucratic systems alone.“This is not just a Northern Rivers issue – it’s a national one,” said co-author Loriana Bethune from Gender and Disaster Australia. “Across Australia, we see the same pattern: women step up in times of crisis, but their leadership is unpaid, unsupported, and unacknowledged. This research is a call to action to change that.”“This research shows that if we want resilient communities, we need to start by recognising and resourcing the people already doing the work – and that means local women.”The study also found that many women paid a personal price for their leadership, experiencing burnout, stress, and negative impacts on their own health and well-being.Lessons for a climate-challenged futureAs climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, the authors argue that Australia must rethink who it sees as leaders in disaster response and recovery. The Northern Rivers experience offers valuable lessons for other regions across NSW and the country.“We need to build disaster systems that recognise and support the leadership that already exists in communities – especially the leadership of women,” said Dr McNaught. “That means funding grassroots initiatives, including women in planning and governance, and valuing their work as essential to recovery.”The authors are calling on local, state and federal governments to embed gender-inclusive, community-led approaches into disaster planning and recovery frameworks. They also urge further research into supporting the health and well-being of women organisers, whose contributions are vital but often come at a personal cost.About the studyThe study was conducted by researchers from UCRH, based in Lismore, in collaboration with Gender and Disaster Australia and the University of Melbourne. It is one of the first peer-reviewed studies to focus specifically on women’s leadership in the 2022 Northern Rivers flood recovery.The full article is available online as part of the June 2025 issue of Women's Health.

The popular Silent Hands Cafe has reopened its doors in a new location in South Lismore.Owner Lilly Cook first opened Silent Hands in Woodlark Street in December 2022, but had to close the doors in 2023 due to illness."I still suffer regularly with complications from the injuries I sustained in a serious car accident in Armidale 4 years ago," Lilly told the Lismore App, "Which flared up badly during my trading period on Woodlark Street and led me to take a temporary break for two years. I still have complications."I chose the South Lismore location for its smaller premises for easier cleaning/serving management to reduce the impact of heavy physical work on myself. It's a much more relaxed ambience here." (Lilly Cook at the counter and ready to serve)Those who visited Silent Hands on Woodlark Street would know that Lilly is deaf, and her cafe became a gathering place for the large and active Deaf community in the Lismore and Northern Rivers region. While that is a benefit, Lilly says that everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the food and friendly atmosphere. There are Auslan interpreters at all times to make communication easy, in case you don't know sign language.The coffee/tea and handmade food have remained the same; however, there have been some changes."I enjoy making cakes and dealing with customers, so that's why I still want to continue my cafe business. But this time, I registered Silent Hands Bakery to own both trading names. "My business is mainly a small boutique-style bakery rather than a proper cafe. All my cakes are of a homemade style to give customers authentic food, just like the sweet treats made by grandma's in the old days. "I also have a little breakfast and lunch menu with its usual bacon and egg rolls, and lunch has hamburgers, chicken burgers, vegan/vegetarian burgers, hot chips, plus the usual fresh/toasted sandwiches. "I also serve good coffees, teas and milkshakes. Hearty soups are available on most days in the mornings."The popular items on the menu are fresh cheesecakes, gluten-free options are available, and hummingbird cakes. Lilly also has vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.Silent Hands is open 6 days a week. Monday to Friday from 7:30am until 3pm and Saturday from 8am to 1pm.You will find Silent Hands in the Norco Rural complex on Wilson Street, South Lismore.

Since it first opened in November 2022 on Woodlark Street, the Living Lab has hosted a number of informative exhibitions. In fact, the opening exhibition on that night provided examples of how other flood-affected cities around the world use various mitigation methods, early warning systems, voluntary buyouts, and more.Community meetings, business meetings, and experiments have been held to discuss how our community can move forward. It has been an incubator of ideas for rebuilding Lismore and the Northern Rivers.The Living Lab's latest exhibition will have a strong emotional impact on our community. It does not look ahead but in the rearview mirror.Living Memory: Stories and Portraits Celebrating North Lismore will showcase 72 local portraits and share 15 flood stories through recorded historic interviews. It will create a digital archive of the biggest flood to hit our community and preserve the stories for future generations. Living Memory was developed in collaboration with 45 community members. It documents personal experiences and local histories, reflecting the social, cultural and environmental changes that have shaped the area over time.The project emerged in response to community calls to preserve the heritage of North Lismore and its community as it gets set for a new and very different future.The Living Memory: Stories and Portraits Celebrating North Lismore exhibition opens tonight at 5pm at the Living Lab shopfront, 11 Woodlark Street and runs until Thursday, August 7.This gives the community seven weeks to visit the Living Lab to listen to fifteen 10 to 20-minute oral stories that can be listened to at booths at the exhibition, and view the portraits that will adorn the walls, each telling their own story.The Living Memory project collaborators include:Adele Wessell – Historian with 30 years of experience in the Northern RiversCherine Fahd – Leading photographic artist and Associate Professor at UTSElise Derwin – Award-winning photographer based on Bundjalung CountryJeanti St Clair – Audio documentarian and lecturer at Southern Cross UniversityLiving Memory: Stories and Celebrating North Lismore exhibition details:Opening: Thursday 19 June 2025, 5.00pm — 6.30pm,Living Lab Northern Rivers shopfront: 11 Woodlark Street, Lismore.Viewing Time: 19 June to 7 Aug 2025, Tuesday to Thursday from 1 to 4pm. 

Jacklyn Wagner is pretty much a household name in Lismore and the Northern Rivers.Jacklyn is a pioneering figure in Australian photojournalism. She began her career in 1982, was the first solo photographer for the Lismore Echo (1991) and the first female photographer at The Northern Star (1994).Her accolades include the National Photographic Hammond Care Group’s Images of Our Elders (1997) and the Australian Provincial Newspapers Photographer of the Year (2000).Jacklyn has been the photographer for the popular Our Kids Calendar Project since 2003. During the last 23 years, Jacklyn has photographed over 300 local families.Through the Heart is a deeply moving photographic exhibition that captures the profound human stories behind the February and March 2022 catastrophic floods.Through the Heart was shown for the first time at NSW Parliament House in November 2022, when 25 powerful portraits were put on display, hosted by Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.From Friday, June 27, over 100 portraits of Lismore residents in their flood-impacted homes will be displayed at the Lismore Regional Gallery.Each photograph is accompanied by a personal quote from the subject, offering a poignant narrative of loss, resilience, and the slow process of recovery.In the critical weeks following the floods, Wagner spent her days knocking on doors, listening to stories, and building trust within the community. She reflects: “Realising the enormity of the 2022 Lismore flooding, between three and sixteen weeks post-flood, I started documenting affected Lismore homeowners. I knew it was important. I drove to South Lismore, and at the first stop I made, there was a woman sitting in a car parked outside her flood-affected home. Following a conversation, she took me into her unliveable, flood-devastated home. Her family had lost everything, including their dogs.”The portraits represent Lismore’s diverse community—homeowners who have owned homes within their families for generations, newcomers, renters, young families, artists and creatives, and many more. All share a deep connection to place and have faced heart-wrenching decisions in the wake of disaster.Through the Heart… is a powerful testament to Wagner’s ability to document trauma with compassion and authenticity. Her respectful and intimate approach brings forward the humanity of each subject while highlighting the broader emotional landscape of a community in crisis.(Jacklyn Wagner ‘Kerry Andersen’ 2022. Courtesy the artist)EXHIBITION DATES27 June – 10 August 2025Free entryOPENING CELEBRATIONFriday, 27 June at 6pm – 8pmAll welcomeLOCATIONLismore Regional Gallery, 11 Rural Street, LismoreOpen: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm, Thursday's until 6pm.

Lismore City Council will invest a record $244.8 million to improve capital infrastructure, including roads, bridges, buildings, water and sewerage, this coming financial year, after Councillors voted to adopt a host of supporting documents, including the 2025/26 budget, at yesterday's extraordinary meeting. The list of reports for adoption by councillors going into the 2025/26 financial year was long:Reimagine Lismore Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2025 - 2035Delivery Program 2025-2029Operational Plan 2025/2026Operational Plan Budget 2025/2026Statement of Revenue Policy 2025/2026Fees and Charges 2025/2026Long Term Financial Plan 2025/2026 to 2034/2035Rates and Charges 2025/2026Community Engagement Strategy 2025Community Participation PlanAsset Management Planning 2025/2026Workforce Management StrategyThese documents were on public exhibition for 28 days, and according to Councillor (Cr) Adam Guise, about 40 people submitted their thoughts on the various documents.With Crs Gianpiero Battista, Electra Jensen, and Virginia Waters absent, the eight other councillors debated the merits or shortcomings of the documents before adding possible changes and adopting them.That debate included the same rhetoric from some councillors as it did in May before the draft documents went on public display.An example was the Community Strategic Plan. Cr Knight-Smith and Cr Guise reiterated their point that the words 'affordable housing' were left out of the document. Crs Gordon and Rob said the 'diverse housing' wording was adequate as it included affordable housing in its definition.As part of the adoption of 9.1, Reimagine Lismore: A Plan for the Future 2025-205, CSP and the Delivery Program, councillors voted to seek funding for seven items in the future:upgrades to the Goonellabah off-lead dog parkbeautification works in South Lismoreinstallation of an RV dump pointinstallation of CBD dog waste bag stationslighting upgrades to Hepburn Park hockey complexinner CBD and laneway lighting upgradesa bus shelter at Goolmangar bus interchangefix heritage lighting on Fawcetts BridgeThe reason funding was being sought was so that the items would have no effect on the budget to be adopted later in the meeting.Cr Guise said that council staff ignored submissions from the community in not changing the CSP, but this was refuted by Cr Bing, who said councillors receive a great deal of community feedback privately through the course of each day and week.The documents were adopted by seven councillors, with Cr Guise against.When it came to adopting the financial documents and the Operational Plan, the conversation revolved around financial discipline versus spending part of the projected $609,000 cash surplus within a record budget of $430.5 million.With Cr Waters absent, Cr Guise was representing the interests of the Nimbin Place Plan Budget when he sought $20,000 to illuminate Nimbin as part of the plan. Acting Chief Operating Officer Josh Smith said council staff would need to seek grant funding for the projects.Cr Dalton-Earls would not take on the $20,000 amendment from Cr Guise in his motion to adopt the documents, so Cr Guise put forward his own amended motion, which was easily defeated, 2/6, with Crs Guise and Knight-Smith in favour.Cr Guise referred to the removal of the naturalisation of the Browns Creek plan from the budget and expressed his doubts about council staff's ability to deliver the huge amount of capital works that are forecast to be completed this coming financial year.Cr Rob argued that ripping up the concrete drains and replacing them with trees and animals would not work, as the animals would be killed during the next flood.Cr Dalton-Earls, Gordon, Rob and Hall talked about financial responsibility, so that council can continue to have substantial cash surpluses each year to pay down debt and, when council is in a sound financial position, spend money on what the community wants rather than needs, which is the case now. Those needs were described as roads, rates and rubbish.Cr Guise said the Long-Term Financial plan is not worth the paper it is printed on, given the many variables in a ten-year period. Mayor Steve Krieg countered that by saying that the Long-Term Financial Plan didn’t exist before, now they have a roadmap, and that he hoped ratepayers would see the long-term benefits of what will be achieved.Financial prudence won the day through a 5/3 vote, with Crs Guise, Knight-Smith and Rob against. Cr Rob voted against because of the increase in fees and charges to ratepayers.The increase in rates and charges next year to ratepayers is 3.9% to 5% for rates, rubbish and water.Once again, the debate revolved around being financially responsible while council staff work their way through each line item in the budget, looking for efficiencies to get Lismore City Council on the road to a break-even budget with a cash surplus in the future.While all councillors wanted to hold the costs for ratepayers, some said it could not be implemented while council is in the financial situation it is. Cr Gordon did point out that the CBD Commercial Rates were not going to increase, as a positive point for the 2025/2026 financial year.Cr Gordon mentioned that previous terms of council were like a "kid in a lolly shop", and that they now have the team to curb previous excessive spending.The financial documents will be adopted after a 5/3 vote, with Crs Guise, Knight-Smith and Rob against. Rob's vote was on principle.The Community Engagement Plan and Community Participation Plan were adopted quickly, with only Cr Guise against.The Asset Management Plan has been the Achilles heel of Lismore City Council for more than two decades. It has certainly been a long time since council could afford to replace its ageing assets without causing further stress to the budget.One of the benefits of the 2022 big flood was that most of council's assets were being renewed due to state and federal government grants. The key now is to get council's finances in order so money can be put aside to renew the remaining assets in the future. The Property Strategy Plan is one part of council's strategy to determine if they need to sell off loss-making assets that have no benefit to the community.Cr Guise expressed his lack of confidence in achieving the asset management goals, while Mayor Krieg said he does have confidence in council staff now that all the necessary documents are up to date and they are not looking at a document from 2013 or 2014.The plan was adopted easily after a 7/1 vote, with Cr Guise against.The only document that was a unanimous vote was the Workforce Management Strategy.Now the strategies are in place, and the plan is clearly outlined in the relevant documents, council staff have to deliver the outcomes.In a statement released yesterday afternoon, Mayor Krieg said, “We are investing significantly more in our 750km sewer and water network and 1215km road network, which most people don’t realise is a network greater than the distance from the Sunshine Coast to Sydney.” Over the coming year, $184.6 million will be invested in roads and bridges, up from $74 million the previous financial year, $28.6 million will be spent improving Lismore’s sewer system assets, up from $13 million, and $1.04 million is being set aside to invest in drains, which represents a 25% increase in investment from the previous budget. The total budget is $430.5 million, up from $301.1 million for 2024-2025, with a forecast to deliver a cash surplus. “This significant uplift in investment for Lismore was achieved by Council’s ongoing and effective lobbying of Australian and State governments and strong advocacy efforts by civic leaders following the 2022 natural disaster,” Mayor Krieg said. “We have successfully lobbied the Government to fund 10 major resilience infrastructure projects, including upgrades to pump stations at Browns Creek and Magellan Street, the installation of mechanical trash racks to protect inlets from debris, and a new fibre-optics link allowing for remote operations, monitoring and surveillance of current and future pump stations.” “Councillors also understand people are doing it tough with the rising cost of living, that’s why we have frozen rates at the State Government’s rate peg of 3.9%. We are also delivering a 0% increase in rates for inner CBD businesses to support them as they continue to recover,” Mayor Krieg said.“This budget is about investing in the right areas across all Council operations to strengthen Lismore’s economy and create a city and villages that attract people to come live, work and raise a family."That brings an end to three consecutive council meetings. The next is an ordinary meeting schedule for Tuesday, July 8.

Former Lismore Mayor and Lismore City Councillor Ros Irwin has passed away at the age of 82.Tributes are pouring in from friends over social media platforms.Former Mayor Jenny Dowell, who is also battling cancer, said, "As the shocking news spreads in our community, I share the grief many feel at the untimely death of former Mayor Ros Irwin. Ros was a fellow councillor with me in my first term, and we became good friends in those years and since."We met at a medical appointment one month ago, where we shared our diagnoses and continued to support each other in recent weeks. Her death has rocked me to my core, but the loss and grief Bill, her partner, and family are experiencing are immeasurable. I think of him and remember a strong woman of principle and passion."Nimbin's Diana Roberts ran on an independent ticket with Ros in 1991 with Lyn Carson. "Today, Nimbin lost a great ally and I lost a very dear friend and comrade, Ros Irwin, the first female mayor of Lismore Council."I cannot do her justice in a Facebook post, but I wanted to be the person to share the sad news with you. We were elected to council together in 1991 and became very close friends. My grief is great, but nothing like the grief and loss that will be felt by Bill and her close-knit family. She will be very much missed, but her fighting spirit will live on."Ros spent nearly 18 years on Lismore City Council as a councillor, from 1992 to 2008, as well as being deputy mayor for two years, then Mayor between 1997 and 1999.She was also on Rous County Council as the chair for two years and a member of the Local Government Association Board for five years.“It wasn’t always easy being a councillor – people hate you or love you," Ros said.“If you can please 60% of the people, you are doing well.“Being on council is politics - and being a women on council does bring discrimination.“I always treated everyone with respect until they showed me that I shouldn’t.” When Ros decided to leave Lismore City Council, she said she knew it was time.“Every meeting seemed the same,” she said. “If you are smart, you know when it’s time to go.“I walked away and I only go back to meetings now if they involve koalas.“Now I just want to help people and koalas. Ros Irwin became a fierce supporter of Friends of the Koala.“I always said when I was on Council I wanted to get a koala plan on management in place,” Ros told the Lismore App in her Sunday profile chat in 2019.“Bob Gates was the mayor then, and it didn’t go anywhere. I knew back then I wanted to work with Friends of the Koala. “I was very busy at that time. “I was working full time and doing my PhD in political science, conducting research into women leaders in government in five countries. “I took six months off work to finish my research, and then I met Bill and didn’t finish it as quickly as I wanted.“My studies were done at night, and I had trouble sleeping then. I’d be awake at 2am and do my study then.”Ros also worked at Southern Cross University as a lecturer in social sciences for 15 years, before leaving Council to work in Bill’s coffee business, Caddies Coffee. After they sold the business, the two of them took on their koala conservation work full-time.It doesn't matter what your political view is; Ros Irwin gave a great deal of her life to the Lismore community. She wanted to effect change, and worked steadfastly to achieve those changes.Vale Ros Irwin.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18), R U OK? will be holding a community BBQ at The Quad in the Lismore CBD from 3pm to 5pm as part of the R U OK? Conversation Convoy.Lachlan Searle R U OK? Community Director said the Conversation Convoy spends about 120 days a year on the road holding community and public workplace events to remind people to look out for people who might be struggling, to check in and ask them the question, R U OK?"We've been around for about 15 years or so, and we know that if you ask the question in an authentic way and you're there in a safe environment at a time when you are prepared to listen, it does help people."The best way to do that is to put yourself in a position where you might have noticed signs that someone might be struggling a bit, and you want to check in with them, you need to do that at a safe time and a safe place. And then, once you ask the question, you just need to listen, and the key thing is to listen without judgement." "An R U OK? conversation really starts from a point of connection. You might have a connection with someone in your world, whether it's a colleague, a friend or a family member, because you've got that connection, you might notice when they might be struggling a little bit, such as you haven't heard from them for a week, or you see them in the office, and they're not as positive as they normally are."So, we are all about informal community care at R U OK? That's just looking out for people in your world that you think might be struggling, and just asking the question. And when you do listen you can often really help them, they get to unload things and release a few burdens. But, there might be some big issues going on that you can potentially point them in the right direction to find help, whether it's local services or through the GP, and then once you sort of encourage some action, you check back in and see how they're going, like did you go for that walk? Did you have a coffee? Did you get a better night's sleep, those sorts of things." The R U OK? Conversation Convoy has enormous benefits for residents in Lismore and the Northern Rivers.We all know people who have been affected by the 2022 big flood. For many, it forced a change of life, or it caused mental health issues that were not there previously. Sometimes, rain on the roof can cause anxiety, or the endless rain we experienced from March to the end of May has caused three months of re-lived trauma."It's a barbecue with tea and coffee," Lachlan said, "You can come and grab a free KitKat, but ultimately it's about there's a whole heap of free resources there to encourage people to take these ideas back into their workplace and back into their communities."And it's just really about coming along and supporting the community of Lismore and the Northern Rivers. We know communities had a really difficult start to the year with so much rain, and this is a chance for people to connect and get together. We have a number of local services coming down to help out as well."DETAILS - R U OK? at The Quad, LismoreWhen: Wednesday 18th June at 15:00 – 17:00 (AEST).Where: The Quad, 110 Magellan St, Lismore NSW 2480.Who: R U OK? staff and members of the Lismore community.What: R U OK? will be hosting a free community BBQ, sharing practical tips and tools on how to have meaningful R U OK? Conversations. Why: To inspire Lismore locals to meaningfully connect and empower them to lend support if they spot the signs someone might be struggling with life.

It would be difficult for the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) not to feel happy this morning after last night's first Buyback Auction at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club.Thirty-three registered bidders were either in the room in person or on the phone with staff from the participating real estate agent, PRD Northern Rivers."From the number of viewings here, I think it was a good turnout," said PRD Principal Rob Horder, "The amount of people and their competitive bidding was good."As is often the case when buying a house, emotion played a part for some buyers. One young couple were disappointed when they missed out on 13 Frank Street, South Lismore, because of what they saw and felt during the viewing. They were going to relocate it to a block of land they were going to purchase.Another successful bidder was putting a second house on a rural property, while another was an observer on the night so that he could get a feel for the prices paid. He will return for future auctions. One man purchased multiple properties.Former Trinity Catholic College Deputy Principal Sean Baldwin was the auctioneer for the night, and the purchase prices ranged from $2,300 to $101,000.There were ten houses available, with photos and a description displayed on a large screen as each property went up for auction.The first property to go under the hammer was 119 Richmond Street in Woodburn.Sean Baldwin attempted to get an open bid of $50,000, but that proved to be too steep as everyone in the room was out to grab a bargain. The opening bid was $10,000, which then increased in thousand-dollar and then five hundred dollar increments until it finally sold for $26,000.The next property, 97-99 Richmond Street, Woodburn, had a few The Block moments when bidding started increasing by $30 and then $1 before selling for $4,153.15 Rhodes Street, South Lismore, a three-bedroom, one bathroom renovated house, captured the hearts of most of the bidders. Starting at $10,000, multiple bidders continued to increase their offers until it finally sold for $101,000, which was $25,000 above the next highest bid, 12 Molesworth Street, Lismore.(15 Rhodes Street, South Lismore sold for $101,000)The range of the rest of the ten homes sold was:13 Frank Street, South Lismore $15,000172 Union Street, South Lismore $7,5005 Coleman Street, Lismore $52,00019 Coleman Street, Lismore $2,50023 Coleman Street, Lismore $13,00014 Cathcart Street, Lismore $2,300Buyback Auction II is tonight from 5:30pm with another ten properties for sale. These houses are from Kyogle and South Murwillumbah. Registrations are from 5pm.For those who would like to view the next batch of buyback houses, Wal Murray Real Estate has viewings this week and next for houses in the Lismore CBD and North Lismore. You can check out the houses and the viewing dates and times here.There is no reserve price, so if there were one bidder who bid $1, that would be accepted.

Since Tracy Ward took over the South Lismore Post Office in May 2024, she has transformed the business into an eye-catching, creative operation, which is often caught in a traditional Australia Post world.Tracy put her PHD studies on hold when she took over the post office. She wanted to inject her DNA into the business. Back in May 2024, she told the Lismore App this was “part of me helping to respond to and rebuild the community.”They weren't just words for Tracy; she has certainly played her part in rebuilding the community and creating lots of talk around town, and not just in South Lismore. Remember Christmas last year?After just over twelve months in a new business, Tracy is up for a national award after recently winning the NSW Licensed Post Office of the Year under strange circumstances."I went to the Australia Post National Conference the weekend prior, and it was a magnificent weekend. We had a great opportunity to learn, to connect with other licensed post offices and corporate throughout Australia. And we're sitting there at the dinner, and they started announcing the state winners of Corporate Post Office and Licensed Post Office throughout Australia. I was sitting next to another lady who's been a licensee for a long time, and I said, how do you know about this? How do I get on board with this? You know, maybe next year I've got something to compete with."The very next thing that came out of their mouth was South Lismore. So, we got the state title for Post Office of the Year," Tracy said with a beaming smile.The bizarre part is that Tracy did not know she was in the running for the prestigious award."Your field engagement lead, which is, I guess, the corporate person that is responsible for assisting and overseeing the work that you're doing as a licensee, gets to nominate if they feel that you're meeting all the criteria and you're worthy of the nomination. And I guess I just got nominated, and a lot of it probably had to do with the campaigns that we've been running to raise that heart centre of the community and the uplift on the post office."We're doing big things at the post office at the moment. I'm revamping and I'm rebuilding internally. So we're going to see an exciting new big enterprise taking place over here, which should hopefully double our capacity to serve our community."You're going to see it unfolding over the next two months, and then it should be a fairly big, new, exciting adventure that everyone will see."That is only one of Tracy's big ideas for 2025."In line with that idea of big things, I'm going to start doing an uplift on the outside of the post office as well. Obviously, for us, it would be exciting if we could raise her out of the flood, but that's a little bit out of my scope at the moment, because it's going to be a half-million-dollar endeavour, and that's money I don't have access to. That's in the future, and I think that will be based on whether we can attain some grants, which we're trying for."Those grants may be within Tracy's grasp because the building is heritage-listed. It was built in the 1880s, and Tracy believes it is the oldest existing Lismore business inside of its original building."Of course, the post office here predates the banks by 18 years, so it's quite exciting. The original postmistress, Eddie Thompson, was a single war widow. I'm a war widow, but to still have a woman running the post office is nice, a bit nostalgic."The next of Tracy's big ideas is for Lismore to be seen across the country."There's a number of elements to that project. But the first element I can let you in on is that there will be a new display that will come together in the next few weeks. It will be inside and outside, and hopefully, we'll be able to light her up at night again."But more importantly, what we're looking to do is send out messages of heart from Lismore across the country, and hopefully engage the rest of Australia to send that back to Lismore via postcards."So, we're having postcards made up that will reflect our post office, and not only our post office, but that beautiful heart symbol that Lismore has become renowned for in the last three years, post-2022. Rather than us being known as a flood victim, I'd rather Australia saw us as the great big HEART that we are. The way we pull together, our resilience and the love we have for ourselves, for our community and for our country."Tracy's idea is for locals to send the postcard to anyone and everyone in Australia, whether you know them or not."You could choose to send it to friends, or you could choose to send it randomly to an address you find, and just send a gift of love. You could decide to send it to nursing homes down in Victoria. You could decide to send it to community programs over in Western Australia, or you could decide to send it to a disadvantaged person somewhere, or some centre that is facilitating and looking after those people."I mean, wouldn't it be incredible if Lismore started sending out postcards of love and expressions of kindness to people that were in palliative care units, to people that were in facilities that assisted with mental health problems, for children that were perhaps in state care. Why can't we start showing Australia who it is that we are?With these lofty ideas, what is the ultimate goal for Tracy?"I would absolutely love to see us as a little hub again, South Lismore back as that heart space of Lismore. I would love to see a big heart here. Okay, we've got the rail trail across the road, and somewhere here, I think we need to actually have our own big thing, like the big prawn, like the big orange, the big pineapple. I want to see the big heart here."And I want to start seeing tourism grow so that we can start rebuilding in a way that people see what resilience looks like, something to attain to."While Tracy creates her next big idea, she will find out if she becomes Australia's leading Licensed Post Office in September, following on from her state win and the Australia Day Community Engagement Award this year.As the Australian idiom says, Tracy Ward's blood is worth bottling.

Lismore City Council’s longstanding Yamato Takada Sister City Student Exchange Program will return in 2025, offering local students a unique cultural experience abroad.Running from 30 September to 11 October during the school holidays, the exchange gives Lismore secondary students the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and cuisine while proudly representing their city and school as cultural ambassadors.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg emphasised the importance of the Yamato Takada Exchange Program in providing unique and valuable experiences for young people.“Having visited Yamato Takada myself, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible culture and the deep connection shared between our two cities,” he said.“Through this program, students have the opportunity to make new friends, connect with people from across the world and build meaningful bridges between cultures.”“This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Lismore and Yamato Takada, the oldest of its kind in Australia. It’s always a truly special experience, and I encourage all eligible students to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”Council established a Sister City relationship with Yamato Takada on 7 August 1963 through the efforts of Father Paul Glynn. Father Glynn, who had been working in Yamato Takada, collaborated with businesses in his hometown of Lismore to raise funds for the construction of a kindergarten in Yamato Takada. Through this partnership, the Sister City relationship developed.Former exchange program participant and current Sister City Advisory Group member Brandon Yee said his experience with the program had a profound impact on his life.“The exchange program was a very valuable experience for me. It forged my future career as a language teacher and helped me to understand where my passions lie,” he said.“In 2023, I became a member of Council’s Sister City Advisory Group. I have enjoyed inspiring more students to take up this incredible opportunity and continue to be an ambassador for this important sister city relationship.”“If you have any passion for Japanese culture or just want to go out and see the world, I highly recommend this program. It’s not just a holiday; it’s about getting to know the culture on a deeper level and enjoying everyday life. You can’t put a value on an experience like that.”As part of the exchange program, Yamato Takada students will visit Lismore in July and August. Council is currently seeking Host Families to house these students during their visit, providing them with a warm welcome and an opportunity to experience Australian culture. Additionally, Council is seeking a chaperone to accompany the Lismore students during their trip. They encourage anyone interested in hosting or chaperoning to apply as soon as possible, as applications will close on 30 June 2025.To access the application forms for Student, Chaperone, or Host Family applications, please visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/sister-city-exchange.For further information, contact Lismore City Council on 6625 0500 or email engagement@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

In June 2022, four months after the big flood, then Premier Dominic Perrottet announced a new state-of-the-art NSW SES Incident Control Centre would be built somewhere in the Lismore/Goonellabah area and would be the hub of the Northern Rivers.Lismore would be the home of a new Northern Rivers SES Incident Control Centre as part of the NSW State Government's record investment of $132.7 million in the NSW State Emergency Services.Three years later, the result is a $4.2 million renovation of the existing building at Lancaster Drive, Goonellabah.There was no doubt that a major revamp or a new headquarters was needed. Press conferences were held in the metal shed at the back of the small brick building, where on a windy day, you could hear the roof ventilation fans making audible noises as the SES Superintendent updated the media on the latest weather event that could cause potential flooding. This is okay for a digital newspaper like the Lismore App, but so good for TV networks.The current facility on Lancaster Drive was originally built in the early 1990s with approximately 280 m2 of office space, which includes both business as usual and Incident Control Centre components combined. Since then, there have been significant increases in staff and assets on site, as well as changes to the way emergency service agencies manage and respond to large-scale events. During recent weather events, such as Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Incident Control Centre was based in A Block at Southern Cross University.That is about to change, as Lismore City Council recently approved the Development Application for works to begin on an upgraded Incident Command Centre for the NSW SES North Eastern Zone at Lancaster Drive in Goonellabah. The new and improved upgraded site will include a purpose-built, expanded Incident Control Centre as a first-floor addition, and a full refurbishment of the current ground floor area to create modern open plan office spaces with improved functionality, a new enlarged Meal/Breakout to facilitate catering needs during large operational events.A NSW SES Spokesperson told the Lismore App that the upgraded building will boast the following additions: 1st Floor addition: approx. 370ms2 of Incident Control Centre seats, including;a large central Operations Room, including multi-screen “Knowledge Wall” operational display and 39 workstations specifically designed around the Incident Management Team (IMT) functions.office space for the Incident Controller and the Deputy Incident Controllersmall Media Rooma 14-person Situation Room andan acoustically treated 7-person Flood Rescue Coordination Centre (FRCC) Ground floor refurb will expand the area to 400ms2 and include:Open Plan BAU office with desks for 24 permanent staffexpanded Meals/Breakout spacededicated Training RoomComms Room andParent Room. Total office space of new facility: Approx. 770ms2The estimated total project cost is $4.272 million. The works are currently out to Tender.  The SES North-Eastern Zone stretches from the Queensland border to the North, out to Tabulam and Casino in the West, and to Urunga to the South.The North Eastern Zone has 10 Local Government Areas, with 27 Units across 6 Clusters. 

The latest Bureau of Health Information Healthcare Quarterly Reports (January to March 2025) show emergency department visits across the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) dropped 3.7%, or 2,153 patients; however, this was still the fourth busiest quarter ever for the district.Lismore Base Hospital (LBH) saw 9,192 attend the ED, which was a drop of 4.1%, or 428 patients. Tweed Hospital is the busiest with 14,734 attendees.Throughout the first quarter of 2025, there were 6,716 presentations by patients with an imminently life-threatening condition (triage category 2) – the second-highest result on record for the District. LBH increased by 92 presentations, or 6.7%, to 1,474.The majority of patients across NNSWLHD started treatment on time (72.9 per cent). This is an improvement of 1.8 percentage points compared with the same period in 2024, and better than the NSW average (67.0 per cent). LBH recorded a small improvement of 0.5% to 57.2%, just under ten per cent lower than the state average.Across the District, 9,525 patients arrived by ambulance during the quarter, an increase of 83 patients or 0.9 per cent compared with the same quarter a year earlier. The number of patients transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark time improved by 1.2 percentage points to 81.2 per cent. LBH was substantially lower at 68.1%, well below the state average of 83%. Tweed was next highest at 82.3%.The Time Spent in the ED was a good result for NNSWLHD, with an average of 1 hour and 58 minutes per patient. The state average is 3 hours and 5 minutes. Unfortunately, LBH recorded the same time as the NSW average, 3 hours and 5 minutes. This was an improvement of 4 minutes from the same period in 2024.The NNSWLHD said, "We sincerely thank our highly skilled and dedicated staff for their continued commitment to high-quality care and service during this time. NNSWLHD remains focused on ensuring patients are treated in a timely manner when presenting to the ED, with strategies employed to escalate patient flow and prioritise discharges across all clinical disciplines." Urgent Care Services and programs such as Hospital in the Home are actively supported. This quarter has seen a decline in semi-urgent (triage category 4) presentations at EDs, with 22,346 presentations, 1,751 fewer, or a 7.3 per cent drop, when compared with the same period in 2024.NSW Health has worked with the Australian College of Emergency Medicine to introduce new Hospital Access Targets for local health Districts and specialty health networks, relating to the time from arrival to leaving the emergency department (ED). These new targets are designed to support safe patient care and reflect the complexity of patient needs and the diverse pathways patients may take once they present to an ED.This is the first Healthcare Quarterly report to reflect these new targets. Due to the change in reporting, the results for the new Hospital Access Targets cannot be compared to the previous January–March 2024 quarter.In NNSW, the percentage of patients discharged from the ED within four hours was 82%, higher than the 66.7% state average. However, LBH recorded 68.3%, substantially lower than the rest of the NNSW hospitals, but just higher than the state average."All patients are seen and triaged when they arrive at an ED, and, as always, the most seriously unwell patients are treated first. During busy times, people with less urgent conditions may experience longer wait times when large numbers of seriously unwell patients are being prioritised for emergency care," NNSWLHD stated.NNSWLHD completed 3,394 planned surgeries during the quarter, an increase of 64 surgeries or 1.9 per cent on the January–March 2024 quarter.Any patient who feels their condition may have deteriorated while waiting for their surgery is encouraged to contact their treating doctor, who can review their condition and place them in a higher urgency category, if appropriate.There were 687 babies born in the district during this quarter, which is four more than during the same period last year.If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage people to call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour telephone health advice. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.INDIVIDUAL HOSPITAL RESULTSBALLINA DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 4,565 ED attendances during the quarter. Two-thirds of patients (67.4 per cent) in the ED were treated and admitted, or transferred, within six hours, while 87.6 per cent of patients who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, an improvement of 6.1 percentage points.BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL had 5,906 ED attendances during January–March 2025. The majority of patients (85.3 per cent) started their treatment on time, and more than eight in 10 patients (86.7 per cent) were discharged from the ED within four hours of arriving. More than nine in 10 patients (92.5 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. CASINO & DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL had 3,490 ED attendances in the quarter. Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, nine in 10 patients (90.8 per cent) were discharged within four hours of arriving. 96.8 per cent of patients who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, an improvement of 4.6 percentage points on the same quarter in 2024. GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL recorded 7,034 ED attendances during this quarter, Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, 76.8 per cent of patients were discharged from the ED within four hours. Almost nine in 10 patients (89 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, an improvement of 4.3 percentage points.LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL had 9,912 ED attendances during the quarter. There were 1,474 emergency presentations (triage category 2), an increase of 92 presentations or 6.7 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2024. There were 3,093 semi-urgent presentations, a drop of 561 presentations or 15.4 per cent, and 754 non-urgent presentations, a drop of 110 presentations or 12.7 per cent, when compared to the same quarter last year. A total of 2,886 patients arrived at Lismore’s ED via ambulance, an increase of 33 arrivals or 1.2 per cent on the same period last year, with 68.1 per cent of these patients transferred to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.MACLEAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 4,051 ED attendances during the quarter, with the majority (75.8 per cent) starting their treatment on time. Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, most (91.0 per cent) of patients were discharged from the ED within four hours. Almost all patients (95.0 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. MURWILLUMBAH DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 4,847 ED attendances during the quarter. More than eight in 10 (85.4 per cent) patients started their treatment on time, while of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, 89.5 per cent were discharged within four hours of arriving. Almost all patients (96.6 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. TWEED VALLEY HOSPITAL had 14,734 ED attendances during the quarter. Nearly 3,000 (2,998) patients arrived via ambulance, an increase of 226 patients or up 8.2 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2024, with 82.3 per cent of these patients transferred to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. The majority of patients (80.8 per cent) started their treatment on time, the best results of any comparable-sized hospital in NSW and higher than the average (61.7 per cent) for hospitals of a similar size in NSW. Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, eight in 10 patients (80.8 per cent) were discharged within four hours of arrival.

Today (June 15) is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and older people and the wider community are being urged to recognise financial abuse ‘red flags’ to help prevent exploitation.Financial abuse is unfortunately common, with older people accounting for 30 per cent of such allegations reported to the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) between 1 July 2019 and 31 March 2025.The main perpetrators of financial abuse are adult children, with “inheritance impatience” and poor understanding or inappropriate use of Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) contributing to the problem.The ADC has recovered many millions of dollars in money or assets lost or at risk following reports of financial abuse. However, most funds alleged to be misappropriated or stolen are never recovered, which is why recognising and preventing abuse is crucial.The NSW Government recognises the vital need to protect the rights of older people, and is working hard to protect older people from elder abuse in all its forms. Financial abuse cuts across all sections of society, involving older people with substantial wealth, as well as recipients of the aged pension.It can include the older person being pressured or threatened to provide money or assets, being denied access to their own money or bank accounts, or having their finances used for someone else’s benefit. Older people can take important steps to reduce the risk of financial abuse, including:reviewing bank statements to identify unexpected or unauthorised transactionsthinking carefully about who they appoint as their EPOA and making sure they understand their responsibilitiesbeing aware of their rights, including how to revoke or change the EPOAseeking legal advice before entering into any family agreements involving property or assets.Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said, “Financial abuse is often difficult to detect but can have a devastating impact on older people exploited by family members they should be able to trust.“This cruel form of abuse can leave older people homeless or at risk of homelessness, without enough money to buy food or access essential services such as health care.“We must take a stand against all kinds of abuse against older people, especially as our population ages.“Older people and their carers should know that support is available and anyone with concerns can contact the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline for advice.” Ageing and Disability Commissioner Jeff Smith said, “We consistently hear older people subject to financial abuse say they never thought this could happen to them, but, sadly, it is all too common and can happen to anyone.“People can take steps to reduce the risk of financial abuse in simple ways such as checking bank statements, seeking independent financial or legal advice, and understanding their rights.”The NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline can be contacted on 1800 628 221 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm) for information, support, or to make a report. For more information: https://ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au/.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) began in 2006 with the aim of reducing the morbidity and mortality from bowel cancer in Australia.The program's Monitoring Report 2025 was released on Friday by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. It showed that participation rates among people invited to screen in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) have increased from 40% to 41.7% between 2021–2022 and 2022–2023.The NBCSP, which began in 2006, aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease and actively screening the target population (aged 50–74). For the first time, NBCSP records have been matched to national cancer diagnosis data (to 2020 only). The result of this is that bowel cancer diagnoses related to NBCSP participation in 2019 and earlier are now much more complete. It was estimated that about 7,265 people aged 50–74 were diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2024. The estimated rate of bowel cancer incidence has decreased from 98 to 96 cases per 100,000 people between 2023 and 2024. The mortality rate has also decreased from 24 to 23 deaths per 100,000 people in the same period. Overall, 6.3 million people were invited to participate in the screening program between January 2022 and December 2023, with 2.6 million (41.7%) participating. The re-participation rate for those who took part in their previous invitation round and received a subsequent screening invitation was 83.0%. For those who had ever previously participated, the re-participation rate was 73.4%. Of those who participated in 2023, 86,089 (6%) returned a positive screening result, warranting further assessment. Screening participants who identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people, those who lived in very remote areas and those who lived in low socioeconomic areas all had higher rates of positive screens. However, they had lower rates of follow-up diagnostic assessment and a longer median time between a positive screen and assessment. The NBCSP is managed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and delivered through the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR, November 2019 to present) with support from state and territory governments. Bowel cancer was estimated to be the second leading cause of cancer death in 2024. Fortunately, screening and early detection can play a vital role in reducing bowel cancer incidence and mortality. Since its introduction, the NBCSP has detected a total of 16,809 bowel cancers. Previous AIHW studies have shown that NBCSP invitees who were diagnosed with bowel cancer had a lower risk of dying from the disease and were more likely to have less advanced bowel cancers when diagnosed. For more information about the NBCSP, including bowel cancer screening rates in Australia, read the report in full.

Social isolation and loneliness are significant public health concerns in Australia, impacting both mental and physical well-being.An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report emphasised the link between social isolation and various health problems, including mental illness, emotional distress, suicide, dementia, premature death, and unhealthy behaviours like smoking, physical inactivity, and poor sleep.It also notes that social isolation is linked to biological effects, including high blood pressure and impaired immune function.Loneliness has been linked to premature death, poor physical and mental health, greater psychological distress and general dissatisfaction with life.One iconic local nonprofit charity has been helping Australians for 114 years, and has a scheme to help the lonely and isolated elderly in Lismore and the Northern Rivers. The Australian Red Cross Aged Care Visiting Program is an unknown, but equally important part of the Red Cross.The Aged Care Visiting Program is free and helps fight loneliness and social isolation through visits to people who live in an Aged Care Facility, receive a Home Care Package, or participate in the Commonwealth Home Support Program.The Aged Care Visiting Program aims to connect a friendly volunteer with an older person who may be feeling lonely or socially isolated to visit them on a regular and ongoing basis. Because it is staffed by volunteers, the connections that are formed are a two-way street. Both volunteers and their matched participants benefit from the connections they make.Volunteers recognise the vital part they play in connecting isolated people back into the community. They understand how their contribution goes beyond the person to target the problem of social isolation.As an example, one participant’s wife had passed away a couple of years ago. During his meeting with a Red Cross Support Officer, he stated that he “wanted someone to cook scones with”. This was very important to him, as this is something that he used to do with his wife, and it provides him with very fond memories of her.Thanks to the program, he has now been matched with a volunteer, and together they’ve started baking scones — bringing joy, connection, and a meaningful way to honour those cherished memories.          Another participant lacked the confidence to go out in public. This participant was matched with a volunteer, and now they both go on outings to op shops, coffee dates and walks around town. It has been around six months since the match began, and the connection continues to benefit the participant by helping build confidence, routine, and a genuine friendship.As you can read, the Aged Care Visiting Program provides a vital service to those who need it, changing their lives and their outlook on life.As with any successful charity, volunteers play a substantial role in delivering different programs. The Australian Red Cross are currently recruiting volunteers in the Far North Coast of NSW who can spare an hour a week to bring light, life and laughter to an older person’s life.The qualities or skills the Red Cross we are looking for in volunteers are:People who value connection, community and the gift of giving backPeople who enjoy spending time with an older personPeople who have excellent conversation skills and enjoy meeting othersPeople who are reliable, confident, and able to work independently People who can commit the time to be a regular visitor (at least once per fortnight) People over the age of 18 who care about supporting the wellbeing of older people who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation The Red Cross request their volunteers to commit to visiting their participants/clients at least once a week, with visits typically lasting for about an hour.A Red Cross spokesperson said, "We also expect our volunteers to commit to our program for a minimum of 12 months, as this is essential to developing meaningful relationships with the participants. The visits can take place whenever it suits both the volunteer and their older friend: during the day, in the evening, on the weekend – it’s completely up to both of you".Other frequently asked questions include:How are matches made?  Participants and volunteers are matched based on their shared interests and backgrounds, and the program format creates a gently scheduled opportunity for interaction.What can we do together?  From a cup of tea in the garden to watching a match at the local sports club, our visiting program brings older people and volunteers together for an exchange of fun and shared experiences. Visits can take place at home or in town, indoors or out — this program is all about choice.What support will I have?  All our Volunteers receive ongoing training and engagement opportunities to ensure that they are well equipped, prepared and stay actively connected. They will also be supported by our Red Cross Aged and community care visiting support officers who will provide them with ongoing support and assist with any questions or concerns they may have throughout their time as a Volunteer Visitor. As a member of the Red Cross community, our volunteers also have access to the Employee Assistance Program.How do I get involved?  Once you’ve completed your online application, we will conduct a short interview with you. This is more of an informal chat for us to get to know a bit about you and explain the role further. If you are successful, you will need to complete a Police Check and some online training which will prepare you for the role. Once this process is completed, we’ll get started on matching you with an older friend!If you would like to learn more or submit an application for the Aged and Community Care Visiting program, click on this link https://globalaus251.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-AU/ausredcross/Site/REDCROSSVOLUNTEERSITE/Posting/View/2606.Or call Teesh on 0415 709 920.

The NSW Government has committed more than $500,000 over the next three years, and joined forces with sporting organisations to announce the formation of a new whole-of-sport partnership that unites the sports community in the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence.This Multi-Sport Coalition brings together professional sports clubs, State Sporting Organisations, industry stakeholders and the NSW Government to use their influence to address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence and progress gender equality through sport.The funding will support a suite of initiatives that will be delivered by sports organisations to raise awareness and change community perceptions towards domestic, family and sexual violence.The Coalition will be chaired by NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin, with national violence prevention organisation Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly and Sport NSW CEO Stuart Hodge appointed key Coalition partners.Last year, the NSW Government launched the State’s first standalone Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2028, which aims to address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence by working with communities, schools, workplaces, sporting clubs and local organisations.This partnership is the result of $38 million in funding delivered under the 2024/25 Budget to roll out primary prevention activities across the state.Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “Sport is part of the fabric of communities across NSW and sporting organisations, both amateur and professional, can play a powerful role in influencing community attitudes.The NSW Government is working together with sporting organisations, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place for domestic, family or sexual violence in our society.This partnership is about using the influence of sport to drive cultural change and build a safer NSW for women and children.”Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “The NSW Government is working hard to build a safer state for women and children by taking action in primary prevention and early intervention in domestic and family violence.“Through our primary prevention strategy, we want to work with the community to address the drivers of violence against women where people live, work, learn, play and socialise.“Sport is an important part of Australian culture, so a commitment like this from sporting codes sends a strong message that violence against women is unacceptable.“Seeing our sporting heroes role model respectful behaviours will help change attitudes that condone or tolerate violence in our community.”NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin, “Sport plays a very important role in Australia, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.“Because of this, sporting organisations and players can have a powerful influence on community values, attitudes and behaviour.“I am thrilled that so many major sporting organisations have come together and pledged to use their influence to help end domestic, family and sexual violence.“This scourge cannot be addressed by the efforts of government alone. We need the commitment of organisations and individuals throughout the community.“The Multi-Sport Coalition offers a valuable opportunity to mobilise and strengthen local communities and accelerate our efforts to end domestic, family and sexual violence.”South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said, “The Rabbitohs are extremely proud to stand with professional clubs, State Sporting Organisations and the NSW Government to support this powerful initiative. “Sport has an extremely significant role to play in ensuring that we end domestic, family and sexual violence. “There is no place in society for this violence, and we are fully committed to supporting all efforts to end it.”Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson said, “As a club deeply embedded in Western Sydney, we understand the role we play in shaping community attitudes and behaviours.“Football has the power to unite, to educate and to lead by example, and we are committed to using that platform to help prevent domestic, family and sexual violence.“The Wanderers are proud to stand alongside our fellow sporting organisations and the NSW Government in this critical initiative.”

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin is encouraging eligible local groups and event organisers to apply for their share of $1 million in NSW Government funding for culturally diverse festivals and events held across the state in 2025 and into next year.Ms Saffin said the Stronger Together Festival and Event Grants Program offers funding from $5,000 to $20,000 to help community groups and faith organisations to organise events that celebrate and embrace our vibrant cultural diversity.“The Northern Rivers region loves festivals and events which bring local communities together and which foster social inclusion and harmony,” Ms Saffin said.“This statewide program supports hundreds of cultural celebrations, food festivals, music programs and entertainment events each year.”As part of the program’s first round of funding, $500,000 is available for eligible community groups planning festivals and events between 1 September 2025 and 31 March 2026. A second round of funding will be announced later this year for events running from April to September 2026.Multicultural NSW administers the grants on behalf of the NSW Government and applications close 5 pm Monday, 7 July.For more information or to apply, visit https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/stronger-together-events-festivals/

One of the region's largest annual events, the Lismore Lantern Parade, has hit the 7-day countdown period today.In its 31st year, the parade route has been set, the road closures locked in, and Jyllie Jackson and her team are working around the clock creating lanterns and making sure that Saturday, June 21, runs smoothly and successfully.This year's route will see the lanterns walk down Molesworth Street (from Victoria Street), turn right into Magellan Street, left onto Dawson Street and then right through the Oakes Oval gates near Woodlark Street, where the Fiery Finale will take place.For the best seat in the house, you can purchase Grandstand tickets for only $21.45 (including booking fee) for a family of four or $11.25 for one adult and one or two children. Click here to book yours.Once you have purchased your tickets online, you need to exchange them for a wristband to be able to enter the seating Pavilions at Okes Oval. This can be done by heading into the following outlets from Monday, June 16: Music Bizarre - 60 Magellan Street, LismoreSummerland Bank – 101 Molesworth Street, LismoreBohotopia, 103 Keen St, LismoreLismore Square Centre Management – Cnr Brewster & Uralba streets.Lismore Council Office, 43 Oliver Ave, GoonellabahGreen Bank, 1/39 Cullen Street, Nimbin  Oakes Oval - Cnr Magellan Street and Dawson Street, Ticket Kiosk 2.30pm - 7pm on 21st June only.Wrist bands will ensure it is easy for you to enter Oakes Oval and the grandstand.There will be some seating on the grass in front of the John McMahon Grandstand for about 1,000 people.Due to this year's route, there will be temporary road closures. They are:Carrington Street (from Dragonfly Café to Country Lane, including Eggins Lane) will be closed from 12 noon on Friday, 20 June 2025, and will reopen at 6am on Sunday, 22 June 2025.Magellan Street:From Molesworth Street to Keen Street will be closed from 12 noon on Friday, 20 June 2025, until 6am on Sunday, 22 June 2025.From Molesworth Street to Dawson Street will be closed on Saturday, 21 June 2025, from 4:30pm to 8pm.The intersection of Magellan and Keen Streets will also be closed on Saturday, 21 June 2025, from 4:30pm to 8pm.Molesworth Street, from Bounty Street to Magellan Street, will be closed on Saturday, 21 June 2025, from 4:30pm to 8pm.Victoria Street will be closed on Saturday, 21 June 2025, from 6am to 8pm.Dawson Street, from Keen Street to Woodlark Street, will also be closed on Saturday, 21 June 2025, from 4:30pm to 8pm.There will also be a small number of temporary on-street car parking closures from 6am on Saturday, 21 June. They are:Molesworth Street (between Bounty and Magellan Streets)Magellan Street (between Molesworth and Dawson Streets)Dawson Street (between Magellan and Woodlark Streets)These closures are essential to prevent vehicles from being trapped inside the parade route and to ensure no vehicle movement occurs during the event, helping to keep attendees safe.Convenient parking will still be available close to the CBD at the following locations:Kirkland Riviera CarparkHarold Fredericks CarparkClyde Campbell CarparkJohn Crowther CarparkThere will be on-street parking in areas that are not affected by the closures listed above, and variable message signs in place to remind you of the changes.If you have never physically taken part in the Lismore Lantern parade, Jyllie Jackson is looking for volunteers to carry a few lanterns."We still would really appreciate some people to carry a few lanterns. Some of the groups are finding it difficult to find people to carry them," Jyllie said."And generally, some more helpers would be really nice. I think everybody's having this problem at the moment." You will find all the information at your fingertips via the Lismore App front page, Lismore Lantern Parade, or via the Lismore App website.