A high-tech geo-mapping tool and emergency hub is being used to assist NSW Government responses to emergencies like bush fires, floods, earthquakes, utility failures, cyber-attacks, and major incidents. As many locals remember from February 28, 2022, the NSW Government's response was ad hoc, with poor outcomes for residents in Lismore and the Northern Rivers.Developed by Transport for NSW, the geospatial tool layers around 200 live and 300 static data sources onto a map to generate a comprehensive, visual decision-making aid. It provides Transport and response agencies with an instant snapshot of the scale of an incident in real time.The TransportOne dashboard can zoom into a location and identify the number of transport assets like traffic lights, bridges, train stations and roads impacted by a disaster or disruption, as well as other government assets such as utility hubs, schools or hospitals. The tool can also identify the real-time location of crews, including Maritime vessels.It then goes a step further, helping to predict and plan for future impacts on transport infrastructure by modelling the forecasts and warnings of partner agencies such as the Bureau of Meteorology, Rural Fire Service (RFS), and State Emergency Service (SES) onto the map.The dashboard covers the whole state and can be instantly shared with internal Transport teams and combat agencies, including the RFS, NSW Police, and State Emergency Service.Having a comprehensive, shared, real-time understanding of emergencies helps Transport for NSW resources be positioned where they are needed most in a crisis. It also informs decisions about when and where to open support services and determines how to re-establish transport links quicker.Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said, “We manage more than 28,000 public transport stops, train stations, wharves, and bridges, and around 21,000km of roads across New South Wales. Understanding which of these are impacted by an emergency or disruption helps us quickly access alternate transport options around the area and later re-establish crucial links faster.“The mapping tool can use Bureau of Meteorology forecasts, information from the RFS, SES, plus Transport data to predict the potential impact of extreme weather systems before they hit. “It's a fantastic use of innovation to help keep our people safe, our communities connected, and our supply chains open during emergency situations.”NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie said, “Bush fire season is officially underway in NSW and following a number of very wet years, there is a real risk of bush and grass fires across the state.“As the RFS and its partner agencies undertake their preparations, it’s important families and landowners take the time to prepare as well.”NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said, “The tool has been a game changer when we’ve been out supporting the State Emergency Service during their flood responses, and as part of our day-to-day management of waterways across the state.“Before an event we can identify navigation aids and other Maritime infrastructure that are likely to be impacted before flooding occurs to help waterways recover faster. During an event it helps us see critical, up to date information including road closures, weather warnings and impacted assets instantly with a single search.“During the Hawkesbury floods earlier this year we used the forecast rain and flooding information to help plan our operations. Teams on the ground and in our State Marine Incident Coordination Centre used Transport One for visibility on the locations of each crew in the context of what was happening in the flood zone.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October.Women aged 50-74 from Northern NSW Local Health District are being urged to book in a free mammogram, as 44.7 per cent of women in the region are overdue for their two-yearly breast cancer screening.Patrick Magee, Acting Director of BreastScreen NSW, North Coast Screening Assessment Service, said with around 300 local women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, now is the time to book a free, life-saving breast screen.“For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years is still the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt,” Mr Magee said.“If you’re aged 50 – 74, make breast screening a priority. It only takes 20 minutes, and no doctor’s referral is needed.”This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BreastScreen NSW is also encouraging women to Be A Friend, Tell A Friend about the importance of having regular mammograms. Be A Friend, Tell A Friend encourages word of mouth and social media promotion among women to their friends, family and colleagues about the need to have regular mammograms.Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, said if detected in its earliest stages, a woman’s five-year breast cancer survival rate is 98 per cent. This drops to 43.9 per cent if detected later, when it has spread to other organs.“More than 6500 women in NSW are expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year, and 1,000 women are expected to lose their lives to the disease in 2024, so we need to do everything we can to support women and encourage them to book in a life-saving breast screen,” Professor O’Brien said.“Early detection not only significantly increases a person’s chance of survival, it can also greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.“I know how hard it can be to block out time for yourself. Unfortunately, breast cancer doesn’t wait, so I encourage all eligible women to stop and put themselves first – for themselves and their family.”Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with age, and being female is the biggest risk factor – not family history.Women aged 50 – 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years. BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years, with evidence showing that they are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, have more advanced cancer at diagnosis and poorer survival rates compared to the overall female population.Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.For more information about the Be A Friend, Tell A Friend promotion visit https://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/breast-cancer-awareness-month/.

As the 3G shutdown draws near (October 28), there are important considerations for people who live and work in remote, rural or regional areas. In these areas, residents are more likely to be directly affected by the closure since there is a higher reliance on 3G networks for communication. Most people think mobile phones when it comes to the 3G network. However, as you see below, there are a number of devices that may use the 3G network, including but not limited to:  3G-only SIM cards, mobile phones, tablets and laptops 4G-enabled devices that do not have VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capability 4G-enabled devices that use 3G to force emergency calls through Antennas and wireless-to-landline links Autonomous farming robots Drones and other UAVs EFTPOS terminals and other finance systems GPS systems in machinery or vehicle fleets Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other devices within closed networks Irrigation systems Livestock monitoring devices Medical alarms, and other medical devices Mobile broadband modems and Wi-Fi signal repeaters Power generators, solar panels, smart meters for water/gas/electricity, and energy storage systems Second-hand or refurbished phones, or phones purchased overseas Smart fencing and/or gate control systems Smart watches and other wearables Weather stations, soil/water sensors and other on-farm data collection equipment Wired or remote security cameras, closed network security systems and alarms.Any of the above devices that do not have 4G/5G compatibility will no longer work after the 3G network is switched off. Telstra and Optus have extended their switch-off date – both carriers will now switch off their 3G networks from Monday, 28 October 2024. Upgrading to 4G/5G capable devices before this date is essential to ensure continued access to data, voice calls, SMS/text messaging, and emergency services.  What to do to prepare for the shutdownFind out what network your mobile service provider uses if you are not a direct customer of Telstra or Optus. Check if your current communication devices support 4G/5G. To test whether or not your device will be affected, you can: Text 3 to 3GXT (text the number ‘3’ to ‘3498’). Call 13 22 00 (Telstra customers) or 13 39 37 (Optus customers). Search your device’s 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number via the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA)’s ‘Check My Device’ tool. Even if your communication device is 4G/5G capable, check if it has VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capability.  Follow the same process for your other devices that connect to a mobile network. Contact the manufacturer of a device as soon as possible if you are unsure whether or not it will continue working after the shutdown.  More information Contact your service provider. Both Telstra and Optus are actively reaching out to customers who may be affected via SMS, email, call, letter, or you may hear a recorded message play before you make an outbound call. Be aware of scams and only contact your mobile provider directly using trusted information. If your mobile is with a different service provider that uses the Telstra or Optus network you can find out which one through this link.  

The Reclaim the Night march for the awareness of women's safety on the street, is back this year! And the Spring Gala is very soon… get out those frocks, ladies!Women Up North Housing (WUNH) is giving you a save the date for Thursday, October 24th for the march, and tickets are on sale now for the Spring Gala, which will take place on Saturday, October 19.Reclaim the Night is an international event that has taken place annually since 1978. It began in protest against the serious assault of a woman, who was criticised after the event for what she was wearing when she was assaulted.Jillian Knight-Smith, the CEO of WUNH, said, "Out of this moment was born the outrage of many women, demanding the right to feel safe."The aim of the Reclaim the Night event is to raise awareness of violence against women and children and to raise awareness of the need for safer streets and communities."The last big event was several years ago, and sadly, many of us in the community are still not safe from violence at night."Last year, services such as Women Up North were contacted by over 900 people in relation to Domestic, Family and Sexual Assault in the Lismore LGA. An increase of approximately 200 from the previous year."Jillian asks, "Please join us by creating banners for the march, walking with us and hanging the banners in local businesses during this time."We will start at the Quad at about 5.30pm on Thursday, October 24 and walk on the footpaths, down Keen Street towards Magellan, down Magellan towards Molesworth, down Molesworth towards Woodlark and then down Woodlark and right into Keen to land back at the Quad.“We are very pleased that Mandy Nolan will MC the event at the Quad.”WUNH are hoping to get support for the march from the vendors along the route. Jillian would like posters put up in shop windows, letting people know it is happening.Call or email WUNH to express your interest in putting posters in your shop or to join WUNH marchers in making banners next Thursday, October 10. Ask WUNH for further details.They can be contacted at (02) 6621 7730 or [email protected] Lismore Cup was a washout this year, so why not don the frock and be part of the WUNH Spring Ball! It will be held at the same venue, the Lismore Turf Club in North Lismore.At $60 a ticket, the money goes to a very good cause - all proceeds go to housing for women and children experiencing domestic violence or abuse.The spring ball will have entertainment by Lisa Hunt and Band, Carmen Geddit will be MCing and canapes will be provided.Find all the information on line.

Last weekend's 202mm at Lismore Airport, with some areas receiving around 300mm, caused a 5.97m minor flood. Every time flooding occurs, we can't help but think that a medium or major flood is not far away given we have begun another storm season.Flood preparedness has been one of the hot topics of discussion since February 28 2022, which includes the number and quality of boats within the SES North Eastern Zone. This was heavily criticised by the public after the February 2022 big flood.On Friday, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin showed off some new boats, rescue and storm vehicles and ark angels that have been delivered to NSW State Emergency Service (SES) units across the state, including in the Lismore electorate.The northeastern corner of NSW, from Grafton to Tweed, has been bolstered by 49 new assets in the last financial year, enhancing flood rescue and operational response during severe weather events.Among the new vehicles and vessels recently delivered are six large flood rescue boats, 10 Gemini inflatable rescue boats (IRBs), six ark angels, 10 general-purpose vehicles, two medium rescue trucks and two punts. The Lismore SES Unit has a new C1V-400 Gemini IRB and a general-purpose vehicle.Ark angels are critical for quick and efficient flood response, as they are easily transported on top of an operational vehicle and can be deployed in many flood situations.Meanwhile, the new Gemini IRBs will allow NSW SES volunteers to undertake flood rescue, reconnaissance and support tasks to help communities.(The Ark Angel is the boat on the bottom, while the new Gemini IRB is on top. Photo: supplied)All new vehicles are being equipped with ‘Vehicle as a Node’ (VaaN) technology, allowing crews to communicate using 4G and satellite networks, in addition to regular radio networks, while deployed.This helps ensure crews can stay connected during emergencies and overcome any dangerous communication blackspots.Last financial year, NSW SES Units across northeastern NSW responded to more than 1,970 calls for assistance, many of which were for storm and flood assistance.It comes after the NSW SES had its busiest year on record in 2022, with volunteers logging more than 1 million hours and completing more than 3,800 flood rescues, 30 vertical rescues, more than 67,000 animal rescues, 575 road crash rescues, 2,800 resupply missions and 628 medical resupply missions.Nearly 3,000 new volunteers joined the ranks of the SES in the past year, and the Service is encouraging more people to join their local unit to further strengthen the state’s defences to severe storms and floods.Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “Having these new boats and vehicles now delivered to units across state will even better support our SES volunteers to save lives, protect communities, and minimise the impact of disasters. The bravery and selflessness of our SES volunteers over recent years has been remarkable, and during the last Storm Season alone, they responded to almost 16,000 flood and storm incidents across the state.”Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, said, “This funding recognises the valuable contribution SES volunteers make to our local community, particularly when they are on the frontline during floods and storms.The SES plays a vital role in safeguarding our communities in times of crisis, and these additional vehicles and vessels in the local region will go a long way in helping prepare and respond to emergencies.” 

NRL and Bathurst fans will be able to enjoy festivities longer after their respective events, with pubs, clubs and bars to stay open later, thanks to the NSW Government’s special event extended trading. Fans of the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm will be able to celebrate or commiserate until midnight this Sunday, at all eligible licensed premises that show a live broadcast of the season finale.Special event extended trading hours are made available under the Liquor Act 2007 for events that are of “regional, state or national significance.” This will happen next weekend for the 2024 Bathurst 1000.The initiative is designed to support our local pubs and clubs and encourages a vibrant nightlife for residents and visitors.The additional opening hours apply only to drinks sold on premises, not takeaway alcohol sales or the operation of gaming machines.Any individual trading restrictions or special conditions that apply to a venue’s liquor licence also remain in place for these events.Patrons should check with their local venue for specific opening hours on Sunday.Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said, “Grand final fever will grip our state this long weekend and the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms are in place to cater for fans wanting to make the most of it on Sunday night.“In 2023, we expanded the special event extended trading incentive to apply to small bars, general bars and live music and performance venues, as well as pubs and clubs, so people could head out and celebrate events like the NRL Grand Final.“We want people to be able to enjoy the post-game celebrations but also stay safe.“Eligible venues must ensure they continue to adhere to Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements and have appropriate measures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons.”

The Labour Day long weekend, the first since early June, is looking spot on as far as the weather is concerned.There is a 20% chance of rain, but it looks like a drizzle at best, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the high 20s to early 30s.The most significant event this weekend, occurs at 2am Sunday morning (6 October) when Daylight Saving kicks in for the next six months.For most people, it is a matter of being aware as clocks change automatically on mobile phones and in cars. However, for those with analog clocks or watches, don't forget to turn them forward 1 hour before you got to bed on Saturday night.With most Lismore City Council facilities closed over the long weekend, that is the corporate centre in Goonellabah, Lismore and Goonellabah libraries, Nimbin Waste Transfer Facility, Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre and GSAC, it is good to see the Lismore Memorial baths will be open between 9am and 5pm, with the inflatable obstacle course running from 12pm to 3pm.The inaugural Lismore Cycling Festival kicks off at 11am tomorrow with a criterium race around the Oakes Oval complex (Lismore Regional Sports Hub). Then, on Sunday, there will be longer races out into Lismore's rural areas and villages.There will be road closures in the CBD tomorrow, and officials with orange flashing lights will patrol rider groups' front, middle and rear during the longer Sunday races.You are encouraged to join in the festival as a participant or a spectator. To register, click here.The Lismore Farmers Markets get underway tomorrow morning at 7:30 at the Lismore Showgrounds. There will be locally grown fruit and veg, orchids, food, drinks, and live music from Malcolm Gladstone.The 2024 Elders Lismore Show is something to put into your mobile calendar or on your physical calendar. Mark down Thursday, October 17, to Saturday, October 19.There is some great live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel over the long weekend.Tonight, Al Cole's Drummer Not Included will be on stage between 7pm and 10pm, Saturday it's Outback Road from 7pm and then on Sunday, you can warm into the NRL Grand Final with Hot Dog between 2pm and 5pm.The NRL Grand Final is on Sunday from 7:30 with a host of local clubs and pubs showing the game, including the Northern Rivers Hotel and the Lismore Workers Club.The Lismore Workers Club has some new live music added to its lineup. The Northern Rivers Military Ball 2024 is at the club next Saturday night (October 12). Tickets are $70; click here to book.If you are looking to fill up the fuel tank over the long weekend, Ballina is still the cheapest town by far (up to 19 cents a litre cheaper than Lismore!), except for diesel. Lismore is by far the cheapest for diesel.During the week, Ballina dropped another 2 cents a litre, Casino dropped around 7 cents a litre, and Lismore did not drop at all.Here are the latest prices in each town:E10 is 178.9 across those that serve E10 across Lismore, 165.5 at The United and NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, with The Metro and new Mobile in Ballina cheapest at 159.5.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 167.5 at The United, NightOwl Puma and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street Casino and 161.5 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 188.9 at the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, Northside Liberty and Bakers Corner at North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road, 182.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, Casino and 172.5 at The Metro in Ballina.U98 is 194.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 187.9 at the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 181.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Diesel is 169.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road and the Ampol Foodary on Union Street, South Lismore, 181.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street in Casino and 182.5 at the new Mobil in Ballina.Have a great long weekend!

Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses to come forward as an investigation continues into a sexual assault at Byron Bay in 2022.Shortly after midnight on Saturday. 6 August 2022, a woman was assaulted near Lateen Lane and Johnson Street, Byron Bay, by a man unknown to her.Police have been told that a group of men came to the assistance of the woman a short time later.While officers from Tweed/Byron Police District have conducted extensive inquiries since that night, no one has been charged over the incident.Consequently, detectives are again appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who came to the aid of the victim.Detectives have today released CCTV footage which depicts several people walking along Lawson Street, Byron Bay, a short time before the assault occurred.There is no suggestion these people were involved in the assault; however, police believe they may have evidence crucial to the investigation.(CCTV footage of the night. Photo: NSW Police)The vision depicts:Male 1 - White long-sleeved shirt with motif on rear, dark jeans, white shoes.Male 2 – Off-white long-sleeved jumper, dark jeans, white shoes, bone coloured cap on backwards.Male 3 – Beanie, yellow and grey shirt, dark long pants, grey shoes. Holding a cardboard box.Male 4 – Black cap on back to front, dark jacket with white lining, blue jeans, red shoes.Male 5 – Long brown hair, cream long sleeve jacket, white shirt, blue jeans, brown shoes.Male 6 – Dark jacket, dark shirt with motif across chest, dark pants, brown shoes.As inquiries continue, police ask anyone who may have been in the area at the time and has information relevant to the investigation, to contact Tweed/Byron Detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The Minns Labor Government has released the findings of a major statewide survey, revealing widespread community concerns about the impact of social media on children, young people, and broader society.The survey, conducted between 11 August and 15 September this year, engaged more than 21,000 participants from across the state through the ‘Have Your Say’ platform.This is the largest response to a ‘Have Your Say’ public consultation to date.It found that 87 per cent of respondents support implementing age restrictions for social media use, with 16 being the most suggested minimum age.This sentiment was particularly strong among parents, with 91 per cent of those with children aged 5-17 advocating for age limits.The survey reveals a growing concern over the time young people spend on social media, with those aged 16-17 averaging over three hours per day. This trend begins as early as 10-12 years old, where 70 per cent of children are already using social media, and usage steadily increases with age.Additionally, 35 per cent of parents of 13-15-year-olds, especially in single-parent households, report that social media has a ‘negative’ or ‘very negative’ impact on their child’s life.Parents cited concerns over excessive screen time leading to issues such as addiction, exposure to inappropriate content and the detrimental effect on their children's daily responsibilities.Young people themselves echoed some of this sentiment, with 66 per cent of 16-17-year-olds expressing that social media distracts them from essential tasks such as schoolwork and family obligations.The survey highlights a clear correlation between time spent on social media and negative outcomes reported by parents. Parents whose children use social media for more than four hours a day were more than twice as likely to note negative impacts on their child's life, compared to parents whose children spend less than an hour a day online. The most frequently mentioned issues include ‘cyber security risks’, ‘exposure to harmful content’, and ‘concerns over how social media usage is affecting children's behaviour’. Notably, parents of younger children who lack rules or safety measures often cited uncertainty about what to implement, signalling a need for more guidance and solutions.The insights gathered from the survey will play a crucial role in shaping discussions at the upcoming Social Media Summit.Jointly hosted by the NSW Government and the Government of South Australia, the first-of-its-kind two-day, two-state event will bring together experts, policymakers, young people, and community voices to discuss strategies to combat the negative impacts of social media and foster a more positive digital future.The summit will start at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Thursday, 10 October and continue the following day at Adelaide’s Convention Centre.Further details about the summit, including full event schedules and online live-streaming information, will be released soon.To see the full report of survey findings and to stay updated on the summit, visit www.nsw.gov.au/socialmediasummit.Premier of NSW Chris Minns said, “The community has spoken, and the message is clear. Parents are concerned about how social media is impacting the lives of young people."The huge response to this survey sends a powerful message about the extent of community concern.“Parents and children are rightly concerned about this giant global unregulated experiment on young people.“The feedback we’ve received will guide discussions at the Social Media Summit and help the government as we respond to the harmful aspects of social media.”

Spring is the time when charity golf days get into full swing at the Lismore Golf Club.This time next week, the inaugural D and D Electrical WRHS (Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service) will get underway with a four-person ambrose. Then, a week later, the annual Our Kids Charity Golf Day tees off in another four-person ambrose with a midday shotgun start.While the Our Kids Golf Day has been running for 20 years, the Lismore Ladies Charity Golf Day will be the first of what the Ladies Committee hope will be many more."The notion to have a day with a difference at Lismore has been bandied around for a number of years," WHRS rep John Bancroft said, "And a few key happenings brought the event to the fore in 2024. The signing of a major sponsor in D and D Electrical, the efforts of local golf enthusiast Di Cahill to move things forward and some help from the Club has meant it's all happening on October 11.""The event is a four-person ambrose (each player hits, then the team all hit from the best shot) and is open to lady golfers of any ability; at this point in time, 17 teams have nominated from Lismore, Ballina, Casino, Byron and beyond, with a few more spots still up for grabs.""I urge all ladies to 'come and give it a go' if you're interested; it will be a fun day with an early 8-30am tee off with coffee and lunch provided.”Spokesperson Di Cahill said, “We are overwhelmed by the support from Lismore and Regional businesses and our players who have embraced the opportunity to have a bit of fun and raise funds for the life-saving Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service."Anyone interested in knowing more, call John Bancroft at 0458 668 999 or email [email protected].

Lismore City Council has announced that International Conservation Services (ICS) has been appointed to restore the iconic Hannah Cabinet, damaged in the 2022 natural disaster.The much-loved Cabinet was among 1400 artworks damaged by floodwaters. By luck, as the flood waters rose, the Cabinet fell onto its back, with the ornate front face avoiding direct water contact and any major damage. (The Hannah Cabinet in the flood aftermath. Photo: Mia Forrest courtesy of Lismore Regional Gallery)Master craftsman Geoff Hannah OAM worked on the Cabinet for six-and-a-half years before it was purchased for $1 million following a community fundraising campaign.The Cabinet is made in the traditional European style. It comprises 34 solid timbers and veneers, four kinds of rare shells, and 17 varieties of precious and semi-precious stones. The main frame is made of mahogany, and the columns are made of ebony. Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg welcomed the news that the restoration was now underway and the Hannah Cabinet would return to Lismore.“The fact that the community helped to raise funds to purchase the Cabinet so that it would stay in Lismore shows how much it is loved,” he said.“Like the reopening of the Lismore Regional Gallery, the return of the restored Hannah Cabinet will be welcomed by our community. The only question now is where we locate this important cultural asset once it is restored.”In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Patinations Conservation Services worked to stabilise the deterioration of the Cabinet and undertook initial restoration work. Its director, Greg Peters, has a long-standing association with master craftsman Geoff Hannah OAM and is a highly experienced furniture conservationist.  The full cost of the restoration work is covered by insurance.Greg Peters stated: “It was devastating to see the condition of the cabinet when we received it into our workshop. But with decades of experience of restoring national treasures and incorporating traditional techniques with state-of-the-art conservation equipment and methodology, our results to date have been extremely pleasing.”Mr Hannah is pleased that the Cabinet is finally on the way to being fully restored.“It was heartbreaking to see it immediately after the flood,” he said. “Following restoration work by Mr Peters and Mr Fardon, I am confident the cabinet will be back to its original state. It will be a wonderful day when the public will be able to see it again.”The initial stabilisation phase included successful cleaning, drying, and repeating remediation treatments. The next phase of this massive restoration task involves almost completely dismantling the cabinet and meticulously re-adhering veneers. ICS’s Julian Bickersteth AO, who will oversee the works, is trained in furniture conservation and has been closely involved in the Gallery’s collection recovery. “Amidst the devastation of the Lismore floods, the fact that the Hannah Cabinet not only survived but was restorable has been a positive that we have held onto,” he said. “Managing that restoration project is a great privilege, and we look forward to having this unique and extraordinary cabinet back on display.” Geoff Hannah will be directly involved with the restoration by consulting and guiding Colin Fardon, his colleague whom he has mentored for over 18 years. Mr Fardon and Mr Peters will be responsible for the re-French polishing and re-gilding phases of work, including any repairs, the final assembly, and adjustments of timber components for proper operation.  Mr Fardon looks forward to the task ahead. “I was fortunate enough to see the Hannah Cabinet being created over six years. It has been the single most inspirational piece to me and my career. To now be asked to work on the restoration is an honour. I am ready for the many challenges ahead and look forward to seeing it proudly on display looking amazing again,” he said. Lismore Regional Gallery Director Ashleigh Ralph said the Cabinet could not be in better hands. “It has been a long journey to get to this point, and I’m thrilled the recovery of the Cabinet is in the expert hands of Bickersteth, Peters and Fardon, and Hannah himself,” she said.“I know it will be restored to its former glory, with the story of Lismore now embedded in its legacy.”Once the Cabinet is fully restored and assembled, it will be returned to the care of Lismore Regional Gallery. This could take up to two-and-a-half years.In the meantime, the Hannah Cabinet inspires as one of the Gallery’s major exhibitions, Hannah Halle, currently on display until 17 November. The artist duo, The ArtHitects, have created an immersive space with over 4,000 sheets of A4 paper. The exhibition symbolically reimagines the Hannah Cabinet, including original drawings by Geoff Hannah and contributions by Lindy Lee AM, Bronwyn Bancroft, Daniel Browning, Aris Prabawa, and many more local artists. 

Police will be out in force and targeting dangerous driving this long weekend as part of an operation designed to keep people safe on our roads.Operation Labour Day 2024 commences at 12.01am tomorrow (Friday, 4 October) and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday, 7 October 2024.Officers will be targeting drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seat belt and helmet offences, with double demerits in place for the duration of the operation.Operation Labour Day will be led by officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties police from all police commands and districts across the state.So far this year, 254 people have died in crashes on NSW roads – 184 of those in regional areas. For the same period last year, 252 people died in crashes in NSW – 180 of those in regional areas.Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner David Driver said the aim this weekend is to ensure all road users get to their destinations safely.“We want everyone to enjoy their long weekend with their friends and family, so we are urging all motorists to plan and prepare for their trips, no matter how long they may be,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Driver said.“This means not driving while you are tired, taking breaks on long trips, driving to the conditions and not getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken illicit drugs or are impaired in any way.“I’m urging all road users to be responsible on the road and encourage passengers to call out driving behaviour that they are uncomfortable with, or if it is unlawful – it could save someone’s life, including your own.“Police will be out in force across the state to encourage compliance with the road rules. The risk of a fine or the loss of demerit points should deter people from breaking the law. However, not putting the lives of others at risk should be the incentive to use our roads safely.”Ralston Fernandes, Director Road Safety, Strategy & Policy at Transport for NSW, said it is important that all motorists obey the road rules to help everyone reach their destinations safely and save lives this long weekend. “It’s all too easy to become complacent about road safety. But one poor decision or one moment’s lapse in concentration can be the difference between life and death.“Double demerits will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences between Friday, 4 October and Monday, 7 October inclusive.“You can help make our roads safer by driving under the speed limit, putting your phone away and by wearing a seatbelt correctly or your helmet if riding - these simple actions could just save your life.“We want everyone to enjoy their trips and to reach their destinations safely and we need all road users to watch out for others and follow the rules,” Mr Fernandes said.Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com, calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The NSW Government is boosting its support for our small business community throughout Small Business Month in October.The Service NSW Business Bureau will be ramping up availability for in-person appointments at around 50 Service NSW Centres, including Lismore and Ballina, making free personalised support, digital tools and tailored advice even more accessible to those who need it. You can contact Service NSW Lismore and Ballina on 13 77 88. Sessions will run between 10am and 4pm on:Thursday 3 OctoberThursday 17 OctoberThursday 31 OctoberService NSW is supporting another new initiative for Small Business Month: the NSW Small Business Month Expos. These will be run by the NSW Small Business Commission and take place in eight different regions across the State, providing a one-stop shop for networking, expert speakers and interactive workshops. In the Northern Rivers, this will take place in Tweed Heads on Tuesday, October 15 between 1pm and 7pm. View more or book here.The Service NSW Business Bureau will be on hand at every expo to answer any questions about the free personalised services that are available to every NSW small business owner.The Service NSW Business Bureau provides free, ongoing and personalised support to businesses at every stage of their journey, including access to one-on-one guidance on topics such as business planning, marketing and cash flow.Small businesses contribute more than $500 billion to the State economy in sales, and with around 30 per cent of those businesses operating outside the Sydney metropolitan area, Service NSW is making it a priority to deliver extra assistance to regional NSW this month.For more information on Service NSW Business Bureau and to find your nearest Service NSW Centre offering small business appointments during Small Business Month, please visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/small-business-appointments-at-service-nsw-centres.For more on NSW Small Business Month 2024, go to: https://www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au/.Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said, "Small business is the lifeblood of our State economy, and this month is a great opportunity to not only recognise them for their enormous contribution but to remind business owners of the personalised support the Business Bureau can provide.”“The Service NSW Business Bureau has a range of tools and resources available to all business owners across the State to help them at any stage of their business journey, whether it’s setting up a new venture or building on the success of an established one.”“This Small Business Month, there are hundreds of events taking place which will give business owners the chance to come together, either in person or virtually, to share their experiences and to help each other grow.”Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said, “We know that small business owners must wear many hats, and the best thing we can do for them is to make services more accessible and more flexible.“About 50 Service NSW centres across the state will be hosting additional appointments to ensure as many small businesses as possible can access the personalised support they require.“Since we launched our new digital tools for small business owners, more than 75,000 businesses have accessed the Service NSW Business Bureau app and their Service NSW Business Profile at a time which suits them.

This weekend, Lismore is holding its first major cycling festival with something for everyone: spectators, cyclists and lovers of festivals!The Lismore Cycling Festival is an initiative between Lismore City Council and the Byron Bay Cycle Club. The inaugural two-day event will be hosted at Lismore’s Regional Sports Precinct with races, participation rides and “come and try” sessions for children and adults.Mayor Steve Krieg is excited for this event, and would love to see everyone out and about enjoying the events, “It's an amazing opportunity for novices and those more experienced cyclists alike to get involved.“To actually have the opportunity to ride around a regional centre with the streets blocked and and under full race conditions is pretty rare. So congratulations to the Byron Bay Cycle Club for organising all of this!”Mat Johnson, the secretary of Byron Bay Cycle Club, explains what is being hosted, “We have a mixture of racing and participation events.“Saturday will include racing, which will be pretty intense and fast right around the complex. It will be easily viewed by members of the public. We've currently got over 135 registrations, which we expect to go up somewhat in the last few days.“We've also got a lot of vendors and other activities for children and adults alike inside the complex, in a perfectly safe set up for people to ride around.“Sunday is our participation event, which is known in Italian as Fondos. So we have a long ride, which is known as the Gran Fondo (110km), a middle-sized one, Medio (70km) and then a small one called the Piccolo (28km).“We really encourage people to come down and have a look.”The Piccolo will be on flat lands, so people of all levels can get involved. Supporters are encouraged to watch the spectacle that already has an impressive number of participants registered.Tony Duffy, LCC Manager of Active and Liveable Communities, says it will traverse “our stunning Lismore countryside, from the ridgelines of the Nimbin Valley to the lush Woodlawn and Numulgi valleys.”Safety is paramount, and the event will only be called off if inclement weather affects the ability to ride safely.Please note that some roads will be closed for the event:Saturday, 5 October- Parts of Magellan and Dawson Streets adjoining the Lismore Regional Sports Precinct will be closed from 1pm to 6pm. Please refer to the map below for details.- Local residents on Magellan Street are advised to access their homes via Cathcart Street, which will be controlled throughout the duration.- Heavy vehicles are advised to detour via Uralba and Diadem Streets. Sunday, 6 October- Magellan Street (eastbound), adjoining the Lismore Regional Sports Precinct, will be closed from 7am to 1.30pm.- Local residents on Magellan Street will have westbound access to their homes.- The community is also advised that speed limits along Dawson Street, Uralba Street, Brewster Street, Leycester Street, Orion Street, and Winteron Parade will be adjusted throughout the event.- The cycling routes will take participants through the scenic Woodlawn, Numulgi and Nimbin Valleys, showcasing picturesque views of our region. Speed reductions will be in place through Dunoon village. If you are driving in these areas, please be mindful of cyclists on the road and proceed with caution.When asked if last weekend's rain had damaged the course as it takes in Lismore's rural roads, Matt said it is a concern for him every time."But the fantastic support that I've had from the roads team at Lismore City Council jumped in and are looking after the roads all those holes for us, pending some areas where we may have to divert a little bit. But, we will have volunteers around to warn people of some upcoming problems."The hope is to add sporting events, such as these, to enhance Lismore’s reputation as the sporting hub of the Northern Rivers. Lismore hosted a one-day cycling event last year. It was so popular that it inspired the two-day Lismore Cycling Festival.Mayor Krieg has a soft spot for cycling and is very excited about this event. “It's a dream of mine to go and watch the Tour de France. Well, it might not be quite there yet, but this is a taster!”For more information and to register, visit the official Lismore Cycling Festival website.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued its Climate Driver Update yesterday. While that may not mean much to many readers, it will when I say that the chances of a La Niña returning to the Northern Rivers in 2024/25 is 50/50, and if it does, it will be weak.La Niña is the cool phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It is associated with cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.(an image reflecting a La Niña weather pattern. Source: BoM)Recent observations and model forecasts show the central tropical Pacific Ocean is now 0.8°C cooler than normal, and that has resulted in changes to Trade Winds and pressure patterns. The Bureau's model suggests sea surface temperatures (SST) are likely to remain within the ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation-neutral range (-0.8 °C to 0.8 °C) throughout the forecast to February 2025.Of the six other climate models surveyed, three suggest SSTs in the tropical Pacific are likely to exceed the La Niña threshold (below -0.8 °C) from this month. In comparison, another three models forecast SSTs to fall just short of the threshold from November.The prediction is that if a La Niña does develop in the coming months, it is forecast to be relatively weak (in terms of the strength of the SST anomaly) and short-lived, with all models indicating a return to neutral by February.Of course, a neutral weather system or a weak La Niña doesn't mean we will not experience a wet rest of spring and summer. In terms of the next three months (October to December), The Bureau has forecast a slightly wetter and slightly warmer period.The chance of above-median rainfall, which is greater than 311mm, is 66%, and the chance of an unusually wet three months (greater than 386.5mm) is 31%.To give that some perspective, in 2023, the recorded rainfall for the same period was 308.4mm.We have already experienced some very hot days at the end of winter, indicating that summer will be warmer than last year.The Bureau says there is a 75% chance of above-median temperatures, which is greater than 27°C, and a 26% chance of an unusually warm October to December period (greater than 28.1°C).In 2023, the mean for each month was:October - 27.7°CNovember - 26.9°CDecember - 31.7°CThe hottest days in each month were:October - 36.7°CNovember - 35.5°CDecember - 37°CSo, it looks like more of the same or slightly warmer days are on the way in the next three months.As for the immediate weather situation heading into the first long weekend since early June, the clouds will dissipate, and the sun will come out, leaving us with blue skies and temperatures in the late 20s and early 30s. After the conditions we have had in the last week, we'll take it.

You often hear of local Lismore businesses that have been hit by a big flood, borrow money to reopen or organise a payment plan to pay off destroyed stock. One business in particular, not named, was flooded in 2017, paid off its debt in 2021, only to be hammered in 2022, for the cycle to continue.Outsiders would say business owners in flood-affected parts of Lismore are crazy to expose themselves to the same outcome year after year. But Lismore people are a resilient bunch who limit their financial risk by building back better.Sony Singh, owner of Masala Fusion Indian Restaurant on Keen Street, is one of those resilient types.You may remember that Sony opened a small Indian Grocery Store on the other side of his restaurant in August 2020.Business was going well until February 28 2022. Sony lost all his stock, even after it was moved to higher ground in the building."We lost too much in 2022 to reopen the grocery store," Sony said, "We still have some suppliers that we are paying back slowly. There's about $50,000 to $60,000 to pay back to six or seven different suppliers."There was some leniency from the suppliers; Sony could start paying them back once his Masala Fusion Indian Restaurant was reopened (November 2022), so he had some cash flow."Another year, and they will be cleared," Sony declared.Straight after the big flood, Sony knew he wasn't going to reopen the grocery store, so he started thinking about what he would do with the space."After the flood, we lost the middle wall. It was damaged by the fridge and freezer that were here. They lifted up with the water, hit the wall and then got stuck behind the door. So we had to take the wall down. It opened up the space."I didn't know what to do. Then, slowly, we (Sony's wife Erin and Sony) came up with an idea to use the open space. We said, let's see if we can do something here. So, we just thought we have a kitchen that survived, and we have a large space for some private functions."(Erin, Sony, Alba and Noor Singh)Sony got to work creating a function room with "a bit of a vibe, a bright space where people can have fun together"."The artwork is done by all local artists, and the paint is waterproof. You have to be prepared, from what we experienced. The floor is different than before; the ceiling is fibro sheet, and we've used sound absorption material to reduce the echo in the room when you have a lot of people."Sony understands that not everyone likes Indian cuisine, so he will cater for whatever requirements you may have. His background in food is varied and includes being an Italian chef in Melbourne and seven years as a baker."I have noticed, after working for the last 15 years in this industry, that if, for example, you have 40 guests, not all 40 will like Indian food. So, we have an option for them. We can cater for a Western food mix or baked items. I made pizza the other day for my daughter's birthday in here.""We can do a variety of finger food, we can do vegetarian or non-vegetarian, meat and red meat, everything. We want to give people plenty of options for the entrees and main courses."Masala is a fully licensed premises, or, if you wish, you can also BYO.If you are holding a Christmas party, a birthday party or a special celebration, the Masala Fusion Indian Function Room is now open for bookings. Call Sony on 0449 254 882.Masala Fusion Indian Restaurant is at 171 Keen Street, Lismore.

Lismore local and proud Yaegl woman Georgina Bruinsma (Cohen), has been announced as a finalist in the Community Impact category of the MBA Australasia Awards for her contribution to the First Nations community in the Northern Rivers during and after the February 2022 floods.   The Community Impact Award recognises Master of Business Administration (MBA) students, alumni, or graduates throughout the Australasia region who have displayed a deep dedication to developing positive change and enduring impact in their communities.   In addition to her current role as Senior Manager of Aboriginal Leadership & Engagement at community service organisation Social Futures, Ms Bruinsma is completing her MBA at the Ducere Global Business School, further strengthening her ability to lead positive change in Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.  Originally from the Clarence Valley NSW, and part of the Lismore community since 2007, Ms Bruinsma acknowledges the Widjabul Wia-bul people of the Bundjalung nation and reflects on her award nomination, expressing the importance of continuing her education.   “Culture and community are at the heart of everything I do, and that motivates me every day," said Ms Bruinsma.  “The essence to all I have done so far in my career has been to support others to be the best version of themselves and provide frameworks for this.  “The Lismore floods of 2022 were by far the most intense disaster I have been involved in. Nothing could prepare you for the devastation that took place, the trauma and pain you experience, the stories you are told, the lives that were lost.  “For me, it is crucial to keep learning, not just for personal growth but to be able to bring those learnings back to the whole community, and to empower First Nations people to thrive,” said Ms Bruinsma.  From personally transporting members of the community to securing food supplies, sector colleagues who worked with Georgina in the immediate aftermath of the 2022 floods described her as ‘selfless’ and ‘a tower of strength’, witnessing her compassion and hands-on leadership working with multiple teams across operational matters and on critical grant applications. Social Futures, CEO, Tony Davies acknowledges Ms Bruinsma’s outstanding dedication and says it demonstrates the values and culture of the organisation.  "Georgina’s history of engagement with the community and her pursuit of further education reflect the values at the heart of Social Futures – inclusion, integrity and learning.” said Mr Davies.  “Our organisation strives to create lasting change by building inclusive communities where everyone is valued and supported. Georgina’s work is a great example of how leadership and connection can make a measurable impact, and her recognition as a finalist in the Community Impact category is truly deserved."  Judges will assess Community Impact award submissions for tangible impacts and look for evidence of sustainable long-term benefits; promotion of inclusion and social equity; leadership qualities, and application of MBA learnings to real-world obstacles.   Award winners will be announced at the MBA Australasia Awards ceremony in Sydney on Thursday, 17 October. 

A temporary truce has been called in the NSWNMA’s fight for better pay and conditions, with the State Government's offer, which was part of a recommendation from the Industrial Relations Commission, being accepted.As part of these recommendations, a 3% wage increase will be back paid from July 1st for the NSWNMA members, and the members will cease all disruptive actions while four weeks of discussions are tabled.MP Ryan Park said, “I am pleased to confirm that both the Government and the Nurses & Midwives Association have accepted the recommendation of the IRC.”Michael Whaites, the NSWNMA's Assistant General Secretary, explained the expectation: “Under the recommendations from the IRC, it's four weeks of intensive negotiations to try and resolve it.“We would hope it would take less than four weeks, but given the gap between us, we need to be realistic about how long it's going to take.“We've been clear with the government that the goal has to be getting paid parity with certainly Queensland, and also in doing that address the gender pay parity that exists within the New South Wales public health system. So they remain our goals.”Penelope Anderson, the president of the Lismore NSWNMA branch, explained that the last strike on Tuesday 24th, mainly across Tweed, Sydney and Albury, finally got the attention they needed. “There were over 10,000 in Sydney. Across the state, it's the biggest strike ever that has occurred. “From that strike, the government actually called an emergency meeting to meet with our union and, for the first time ever, sat at the table with us.”The vote was put to the union and accepted, albeit with trepidatious trust.The nurses and midwives intend to continue promoting their cause, and you may see them rally, but it will be in their time, not under strike action.“We will keep highlighting our cause to the public and we'll keep our social media campaigns and all of the other stuff that we've got going on as well. “Members of the public that would like to support us can, by writing an email to local politicians MP Janelle Saffin and MP Ryan Park in support. We would greatly appreciate it.”The flyer with an explanation from the NSWNMA on what is happening.Michael Whaites explained how this pay situation has been left for so long, “Under the previous government, the way the Industrial Relations Act worked was that whatever the government offered, is all the commission could award. “So, unless we were willing to trade off existing pay and conditions, we couldn't get higher pay. There was nothing that nurses and midwives had to trade-off. There was no Court of Arbitration for workers' wages in New South Wales. Labor reintroduced that court of arbitration.“We now have a process, as robust as it may seem, that allows us to negotiate better outcomes. So, if this process works this time around, that gives us hope that in subsequent years, there will be similar discussions, and we won't have such a gap to cover. “I think that's the thing that's problematic for us this time around, is that the gap created by the policy of the previous government is now just so large and that's been the barrier.”Progress on the talks will be made public on their website.

In a warming ceremony celebrating the achievements of our young sportspeople, Federal MP Kevin Hogan presented certificates and grants and chatted with them individually about their prowess and accomplishments.The certificates were awarded to 32 people, confirming the grants they have applied for to assist them in pursuing their sports from the Local Sporting Champions program."Those who received the Awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the state, national and international stage," Mr Hogan said. "The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport." "The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent."Christopher Elliot is a 17-year-old gymnast who has trained for 12 years. He has achieved gold and silver medals at the national level and was very pleased to receive some financial help.“It's really good. It's helpful for the travel, because I travel up to Gold Coast three days a week. So it pays for fuel, and it pays for accommodation and competitions.”MP Kevin Hogan presenting to Christopher Elliot, GymnastWhen Mr Hogan presented Chris with his award, Chris mentioned that he represents Queensland at the Australian Championships.“Just stop for a second!” said Mr Hogan, “Chris represented Queensland. Now we are all going to let that go!” to general laughter. Mr Hogan explained it is easier for Chris to go to Queensland than it is to go to Sydney for regular training.Ella and Ella were both receiving grants for their accomplishments in state representative netball. The girls were a little shy, so Ella's mum, Amanda, spoke about what they have achieved.“They both went to state to play rep netball, and they actually came runners up in their division.”Both girls were happy to receive the acknowledgement and look forward to how this will help them. They live 45 minutes out of town, so it is demanding on mum to get her four keen girls to their netball games.Ella and Ella, friends and Netball ChampionsAmanda said, “When you've got all the expenses that come with doing rep netball, this definitely does help. With my girls, anything that I can get to help towards them achieving their best is fantastic.”Mr Hogan reaffirmed that the Local Sporting Champions grant is provided regularly and is worth applying for."I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office or checking out the website ausport.gov.au."Here is the full list of the 32 Northern Rivers Sporting Champions:Zavier Zorzo from Goonellabah - Rugby UnionWillow Davis from Goonellabah - HockeySienna Davis-Job from South Lismore - NetballRuby Brown from East Coraki - NetballReggie Field from East Lismore - Rugby UnionMorgan Moran from Lismore Heights, plays hockeyMilla Zorzo from Goonellabah - HockeyLily Barlow from Lismore Heights - NetballSienna Ambler from Goonellabah - HockeyRue Heffernan from Dunoon - Cross CountryEdward Shields from Casino - SoftballEden Kelly from Goonellabah - HockeyCoco Zorzo from Goonellabah - HockeyLewis Fairfull from Alstonville - TennisKalani Franklin from Uralba - HockeyJasmine Halliday from Goonellabah - BasketballJacob Rowe from Alstonville - Cross CountryChristopher Elliott from Caniaba - GymnasticsBella Duncan from Richmond Hill - NetballBeau Briggs from Lismore - Rugby UnionMatthew O'Neill from Geneva - SwimmingFrankie Morrison from Woodburn - NetballFallon Garland from Lismore - NetballElla Rippon from Tunglebung - NetballElla Davis from Tabulam - NetballAyla Welch from Goonellabah - NetballAnneleise Piccoli from Goonellabah - NetballAmalia Anderson from Wardell - NetballAdelaide Mcfarlane from The Channon - NetballAbi-Gail Garland from Lismore - NetballLachlan Rippon from Tunglebung - Rugby UnionPaige Dalby from Broadwater SwimmingRecipients, family and friends together