Lismore small businesses have not heard from either the state or the federal government in regard to financial help from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.It has been two weeks since Alfred tore through the Northern Rivers, with most of the damage in the Tweed and Coffs Harbour LGAs.Of course, there were some affected residents in the Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Ballina and Byron Bay LGAs, too, from storm damage more than floodwaters.For Lismore businesses, the impact of Alfred is not a one-off event; it is a cumulative effect that began with the February 28 2022 big flood.Three years later, businesses in the CBD, South and North Lismore are still struggling with debt, both a bank loan to reopen their business and, in some cases, an ATO debt that is accumulating interest due to no disaster clauses in the ATO legislation.So, when small businesses say they are hurting from the loss of income suffered from being evacuated as a result of TC Alfred and still paying their staff, it is adding another layer to what has been and will continue to be a slow recovery.NSWRA (Reconstruction Authority) Flood Recovery Coordinator Scott Tanner yesterday said the Northern Rivers is 'Open for Business' and asked for visitors to come and spend money over the Easter holidays.Scott also acknowledged the pain that small businesses are feeling."I was speaking to a small business owner the other day in the CBD of Lismore, and for a five-day shutdown, it cost him $40,000, and he can't afford that."That's potentially a cumulative effect of the 2022 flood, and now they've been hit with another one. Whilst you won't see the physical damage as much as 2022, the financial damage is just as bad. These people still had to pay their staff but weren't getting an income."We're very conscious that we don't want to make this a welfare society either. There's a lot of money going into some resilient building and resilient business education. What we did see again, especially in Lismore, was that all the businesses that evacuated, did so because their business was built back better from last time."They made sure that all the important stuff was up high, that the fit-out in their shop and stuff was not going to be as damaged as last time. So, in that sense, they're going really, really good."The trick now is to make sure that they are supported financially to keep getting back on their feet. It's not to get back on their feet; it's to keep getting back on their feet because they're still crawling from 2022. Part of my role is to get all that data in and then advocate to government and say, Hey, here's a gap. Let's see how we can fix that."(Some key business owners had a private meeting with Prime Minster Anthony Albanese last week. Photo: supplied)Business Lismore President Michael Ackrell works for Cleanaway in South Lismore. He told the Lismore App that the industrial businesses had plenty of warning to plan the pack-up this time, unlike in 2022, so trucks, hoists, cars and computer equipment had time to be moved to higher ground."Everyone else was back in business very, very quickly. We obviously closed on the Thursday and didn't come back again till Monday. We spent that first week getting back to all our clients and making sure everything that we programmed to do Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday was actually done, so we're back to normal." Unlike retail businesses, light commercial or industrial businesses could reschedule their clients to the following week, so income was not lost. Conversely, a retail business lost five days of trade that could not be recaptured. Both business sectors had to pay staff for those days."We didn't really lose any revenue other than the fact we obviously pay for full-time, part-time drivers and some of our casual employees that we paid them a wage obviously for those few days that we were closed. We actually made that money back up because that revenue we lost we actually got back."And I think, for the majority of people in South Lismore, it would've been the same because if you are an electrician and you had clients booked for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and you couldn't go, you would just reschedule that. So, while you had three or four days off, and that might be good for your mental health anyway, you know you didn't go back and get that business back, and you're not going to lose anything."People were very conscious of the fact that this was happening, and we were all aware of what happens in Lismore, so it was actually a no-brainer for us, so that was a good thing.""The problem in the CBD was that they closed up, and they weren't allowed back in, and while they were closed, especially for those mum and dad and sole traders and the other small businesses with only two or three people, they're paying their employees for a job. The government is paying some of that cost, but that revenue they won't get back."What's good, though, is we've seen a bounce back like after 2022 with people coming back in and spending more money in the CBD to try and make up for it, which is good."Some people used the time when they went back to do a refresh inside the store to make it different, and quite a few people, I think quite a few chemists, actually reinvigorated their shelving and everything else as well. For some, it was a bit of a positive, but the biggest positive is the fact that we actually had time to do this; in 2022, we all got caught out." (Scoops and Candy took the time for a refurb. Check out the new pink floor!)Felicity Hyde, Business Lismore Secretary and owner of Scoops and Candy on Keen Street in the CBD, talked about the stress of business owners around the CBD block."I think a lot of people have been stressed from packing up for the cyclone and the unknowns of the cyclone. So it's good to see so many people coming back, and it's good to see some people taking the time that they need to actually rebuild and do a little maintenance that they need to do before they come back. I think it's important to take that time for your mental health and things like that. So it's good to see that everyone's coming back. "I think probably about 30 to 40% of people took a couple of extra days. We have spoken to businesses that do take a lot longer to come back. So, it takes a day to pack up, but it takes three days to actually come back. So it's good to see that some people have taken the time and gone. You know what? I will tidy, I'll do some extra things I need to do, and then come back, and I think that it's a positive thing." Is there a call from small business owners for help?"It's great that the government does offer such grants. It is a shame that it isn't available for everyone, especially those who do really need it. I do know that there was a business in South Lismore that is ineligible for the funding because they are a company instead of a sole trader or partnership. So they've paid their staff out of pocket, and they've had to reset back up and pay their staff again, and there's no assistance for that company because they're under a company, not a partnership or sole trader," Felicity said."I know a lot of people who are in that boat."Michael Ackrell said, "There certainly is. They said to me that we need money to try and cover some of the revenue shortfall and the costs associated with actually losing revenue for the week or for however long it might have been."It's great, we've got sole traders looked after, we got not-for-profit, but for those people that are small businesses, we've really got nothing other than the employees can be covered for the wages lost for a period of time or if you lost your fridge for 48-hours of no power you got $900. "For a business that may trade as a cafe or whatever, you probably lost $10,000 or $15,000 or $20,000 of stock because you have nowhere else to take unless you got it out in time. And that's half the battle; we had plenty of time and plenty of warning to get out there, but we couldn't always get everything out."The government can certainly do more and we talk about 2022, the ATO being allowed to give us one year's grace. That should've been five. There are people out there still struggling mentally. PTSD is certainly a thing in Lismore that we could have a lot more help with the ATO was allowed to actually give five years rather than one. That's something that the federal government needs to legislate for because the ATO can't do it themselves.While lessons have been learnt since 2022, it does feel as if the government, state and federal, find it difficult to roll out financial aid to a portion of a disaster-affected area with a long history of devastation and trauma. The learning and improvement have been embraced by residents and business owners who live in the area, while the government rolls out a plan that is spread evenly across the board, which is still accepted practice. Bureaucracy at work.

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for North Coast Radiology Group (NCRG), celebrating 50 years of delivering high-quality medical imaging and patient care to communities across Northern New South Wales. Since its founding in 1974, NCRG has evolved from a single practice in Lismore to a trusted leader in diagnostic imaging. NCRG offers services including x-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, BMD, DEXA, Nuclear Medicine, dental imaging, women's imaging and pain injections.(Dr Ian Cappe, Elizabeth Wise and Tiara Azzato)Regional Manager Kelly Wyatt said, “We’re proud to be celebrating this key milestone, and delivering important healthcare services across the northern rivers and beyond”.North Coast Radiology Group began when Dr. Bill Turnbull returned to his hometown of Lismore with a vision to make advanced radiology services accessible to the local community. What started as a small practice with a single receptionist soon grew into a network of clinics, expanding to Casino in 1978 and pioneering diagnostic ultrasound in 1979.In 1980, a devastating fire destroyed the original premise.  But true to the NCRG spirit, they reopened within ten days, setting a foundation of resilience and dedication that continues to define them today. “Over the years, we have expanded our services and introduced MRI services in Grafton and women’s imaging and nuclear medicine in Lismore. We have a team of on-site doctors, offering greater appointment availability,  less wait times and services closer to home.” said Kelly Wyatt.NCRG's success can be attributed to the unwavering dedication of the team, from long-standing radiologists who ensure clinical excellence to their support staff who uphold a patient-first approach. NCRG’s staff are deeply invested in serving the local community.NCRG would like to thank their patients, healthcare partners, and dedicated team for their trust and support over the past 50 years. For more information about our services and locations, visit ncrg.com.au.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg welcomed 20 new citizens at an Australian Citizenship Ceremony held today at the Council Chambers. The new citizens have come from Brazil, Cambodia, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Thailand.Mayor Krieg said it’s an honour to welcome new citizens to our nation. “One of the best parts of my job is to warmly welcome new Australian citizens who are now part of the common bond that unites all Australians and respects diversity,” he said.“Congratulations and welcome to our new citizens. Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, and since 1949, we have welcomed more than five million new citizens to our shores.”The Lismore City Council, representing the Department of Home Affairs, organises regular citizenship ceremonies to warmly welcome new Australian citizens into our community.For more information about Australian citizenship, visit www.citizenship.gov.au. 

Almost 250 truckloads of donated fodder will soon roll in to rural communities hit hard by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, providing relief to primary producers struggling to feed their livestock.Starting in April, fodder generously donated by Aussie Hay Runners, a project of Heyfield Lions Club in Victoria, will be made available for free in Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Clarence Valley and Kempsey Local Government Areas.Sourced from across Victoria, the hay will be transported and distributed by Aussie Hay Runners, with storm and flood affected landholders invited to register their interest.Details on how to register will be advertised on the Aussie Hay Runners Facebook page.The $2.82 million freight cost is subsidised through the Natural Disaster Donated Fodder Transport Subsidy, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The program is administered by the Rural Assistance Authority.Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “With the response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred now in recovery, it’s heartening to see the generosity of communities near and far, proving once again that Australians step up when it matters most.“This incredible donation from the Aussie Hay Runners will make a real difference for graziers facing yet another natural disaster.“When disaster strikes, no one should have to face it alone. That is why the NSW Government is proud to support the transport of these vital donations through the Natural Disaster Donated Fodder Transport Subsidy.”Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “The generous donation of this fodder from Victoria, made through Aussie Hay Runners, will play an important part of the recovery of farmers across the Northern Rivers region over the next few months.“This is about regional communities coming together to support their fellow Australians in times of need.”Aussie Hay Runners Founder Linda Widdup said, “Over the years, we have built strong relationships with many farmers in the Northern Rivers region, and our thoughts have been with them as they face yet another natural disaster.“Planning is well underway to get fodder rolling north and onto the properties of impacted landholders.“At Aussie Hay Runners, we are more than just hay deliveries—we stand beside our farmers, reminding them they are not alone and providing support as they prepare for and recover from disaster.“To those impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, I say we will be there. We have got your back. Stay safe and know that help is on the way.”

The latest Bureau of Health Information Healthcare Quarterly report (October to December 2024) shows a record number of patients attended Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) emergency departments during the final quarter of 2024, with nearly 60,000 attendances, up 2.9 per cent (or 1,670) compared to the same quarter in 2023.Tweed Valley Hospital (TVH) was the busiest hospital in the District, with 15,153 attendances in the quarter, an increase of 4.6 per cent (or 672) compared to the same quarter the previous year and the highest number of attendances on record. Lismore Base Hospital (LBH) was the second busiest hospital, with a 2% increase or 205 patients, in its Emergency Department attendance to 10,554.NNSWLHD hospitals also recorded the most ambulance arrivals on record during this quarter, an increase of 5.3 per cent compared to the same quarter the previous year, or 10,176 patients. TVH was the busiest, with 3,162 ambulance arrivals, an increase of 12.8% or 358. LBH was the next busiest hospital, with 3,105 ambulance arrivals, an increase of 6.7%.The percentage of patients transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark time remained stable at 78.7 per cent, below the state average of 83.4%. For LBH, the percentage of patients transferred dropped by 6.2% to 61.1% compared to the same period in 2023. It is well below the NNSWLHD average of 78.7%.The NNSWLHD says it continues to invest in strategies to improve the timeliness for patients presenting to Emergency Departments by escalating patient flow and prioritising discharges across all clinical disciplines. Some of these strategies include investing in patient flow discharge concierges, consistently reviewing emergency care assessment and treatment protocols, as well as implementing and supporting systems to avoid ED presentations, for example Urgent Care Centres and Hospital in the Home.All patients are seen and triaged on arrival at the ED and, as always, the most seriously unwell patients are treated first. During busy times, people with less urgent conditions can experience longer wait times when there are large numbers of seriously unwell patients being prioritised for emergency care.The continued area of concern for NNSWLHD is around patients starting treatment on time and leaving the ED within 4 hours.In Lismore, patients starting ED treatment on time was down 9.3% to 48.3%, so less than half, while the NNSW LHD was down 6.2% to 67.7%.Patients leaving ED within four hours at Lismore Base Hospital was down 1.8% to 50.7%, while NNSW LHD recorded 71%, down 1.5%.The Lismore App asked the NNSWLHD for a comment on the changes being made to improve performance and the timing of when that will see a turnaround. We understand a statement will be sent in the morning.The NNSWLHD did perform better with planned surgeries, there were 3,326 durng the quarter, with 82.6 per cent of these surgeries performed on time, an improvement of 6.6 percentage points compared with the same quarter in 2023. Almost 80 per cent (79.9 per cent) of semi-urgent and 79.4 per cent of non-urgent planned surgeries were performed on time, an improvement of 8.8 and 9.5 percentage points compared to the same quarter the previous year, respectively. 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. NNSWLHD continues to remind everyone to support them by saving emergency departments and ambulances for saving lives. "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."INDIVIDUAL HOSPITAL RESULTSBALLINA DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 4,872 ED attendances during the quarter. More than seven in 10 patients (70.9 per cent) left the ED within four hours. More than eight in 10 patients (84.8 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL had 6,191 ED attendances throughout the last quarter of 2024 (an increase of 2.6 per cent on the same quarter last year). The majority of patients (77.9 per cent) started their ED treatment on time, and eight in 10 patients (81.9 per cent) left the ED within four hours of arriving. More than nine in 10 patients (93.0 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.CASINO & DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL had 3,605 ED attendances in the quarter. More than eight in 10 patients (83.5 per cent) left the ED within four hours of arriving. More than nine in 10 patients (96.7 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL had 7,536 ED attendances during this quarter (an increase of 4.9 per cent on the same quarter last year). Almost seven in 10 patients (68.7 per cent) left the ED within four hours. More than eight in 10 patients (83.5 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL had 10,554 ED attendances during the quarter (an increase of 2 per cent on the same quarter last year), and a significant increase (18.6 per cent) in the number of patients requiring emergency care (triage category 2), compared to the same quarter in 2023. The majority of patients (61.1 per cent) were transferred from an ambulance to ED within the 30-minute benchmark.MACLEAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 4,330 ED attendances during the quarter (a significant 10 per cent increase compared with the same quarter last year). The majority (74.2 per cent) started their treatment on time and more than eight in 10 (86.5 per cent) patients left the ED within four hours. More than nine in 10 patients (92.7 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. MURWILLUMBAH DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 5,396 ED attendances during the quarter (an increase of 3.3 per cent on the same quarter the previous year). More than eight in 10 (86.1 per cent) patients started their treatment on time, and more than eight in 10 patients (87.0 per cent) left the ED within four hours of arriving. Almost all patients (96.7 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.TWEED VALLEY HOSPITAL had 15,153 ED attendances during the quarter (an increase of 4.6 per cent on the previous year), the highest on record. The majority of patients (76.5 per cent) started their treatment on time, which is significantly better than the average (58.1 per cent) for hospitals of a similar size in NSW. Two thirds (66.6 per cent) of patients left the ED within four hours of arriving, and more than eight in 10 patients (84.8 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.

It has been nine days since Premier Chris Minns declared the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will demolish buyback houses occupied by illegal squatters.The Lismore App asked the NSWRA for an update on the situation.A spokesperson for the NSWRA said:"The NSW Reconstruction Authority is working to engage additional contractors to undertake demolitions as quickly as possible following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. "The demolitions will be focussed on houses which had been bought back and had been further impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and those properties in the highest flood and safety risk areas."RA is working with Police to resolve the issue of occupants illegally living in homes devastated by the catastrophic 2022 floods."Illegal occupancy obstructs our efforts to repurpose, relocate or demolish these properties, delaying the community’s recovery and safety."These homes were bought back by the Government because they pose a serious and ongoing risk to human life. The most recent operational planning for ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred demonstrated the vulnerability of the bought-back homes and the significant burden placed on the NSW SES, who undertook doorknocking as part of evacuation orders.(Pine Street on March 8 2025)"Pine Street, where illegal occupants have been staying, was impacted by the cyclone, with the street flooded and occupants subject to an evacuation order by the SES. "It is untenable for them to return and illegally occupy these homes again."

NSW Reconstruction Authority's Flood Recovery Coordinator Scott Tanner's assessment team has had a week to travel most of the region that was affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and assess the damage."The picture is becoming a lot clearer, Scott told the Lismore App. "One of the key issues that are coming out now is the road network damage, but there's some substantial impacts right across the footprint, especially in the Tweed Shire and the Bellingen Shire, they're probably the two most affected."The beach network is going to be a lot of work. There's been a lot of erosion, a lot of make-safe stuff that we need to do around that area. And now that we're seeing some of the impacts come in, it's around the social impacts and the business impact. So, small businesses that were shut for five days, and what that meant for their business."Tourism. We're coming up to a very popular period of time with the Easter holidays coming up. Before Alfred came ashore, we were saying, please stay away from the regions; do not come up here. It's not safe all that kind of stuff. We want to make sure that people now know that we are open for business, and if there is one message I can get out to communities, it's that your support is needed now more than ever."The damage assessments have been done. The industry in tourism can handle people coming to the area. The small businesses need you to come to the area. For those people who sat back during the crisis wondering how they could help, now is your time to step up. Come back into the region and spend your money.There are 18 local government areas that are in the declared zones for TC Alfred. Some of them have minor to little damage and will not need the support of government, so it will be business as usual. Others, such as Tweed and Bellingen, that were hardest hit, are going to need longer term assistance."I had a tour up around Byron Bay and Tweed last week, and they showed me some of the landslips and the road networks. One land slip alone in the Byron Shire is $95 million to try and fix it. When you start thinking about that kind of money, and that was from 2022 damage, but again, it's been re-damaged in this event. So when you start looking at that, that's massive coin.We are used to floodwaters, but beach erosion is a new and additional element from TC Alfred."Our priority is to make it safe, the beach access points, we want to have them all cleaned up so people can actually access the beaches."Then, we'll start to prioritise where we're going to be. So, we're looking at a high-traffic, high-damaged area as a priority. Your beaches, and I'm not ranking any particular order, but just as an example, Wategos Beach, for instance, if that's a very popular beach, high-traffic, if it sustained high damage, that will be a priority."Whereas you look at another beach, which might say, South Golden Beach, or something like that, where you might have low traffic but high damage, well, it will come down the pecking order. They are only examples."It's about getting bang for buck straight up because if we can clear the beach accesses and make them safe, and make the car park safe, the amenities blocks, the surf clubs, then that leads into tourism, and people can come back. They can get to the beaches, they can feel safe, and then it's a flow-on effect for business."With Easter only four weeks away, is Scott confident the work will be completed by then?"I'm very confident. Surf Life Saving has mapped all the beaches so far from Tweed Heads down to Ballina, and they're on their way now doing from Ballina down to Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. So, by the end of the week, I'll have all that data. We have got teams that are ready to go to make safe those access points, and they will be ready for Easter.In terms of personal damage to houses, what have you seen?"The damage is not extensive at all. And the inundation that we did have was mainly through storm damage, as opposed to flood-type damage. There are some houses, especially around that Coraki area, where the water went into the bottom of houses, so underneath the two-story places because that river system is a really complex river system, and it was again doing things that we had never seen previously."The water stayed around a lot longer, and it backed up again into parts of Coraki. So, we're focusing on those areas down there to make sure that we haven't missed anyone. Bear in mind that we still have some communities that are isolated, some parts of Bungawalbin are still isolated, and we're still trying to get the full impact out there."As most Northern Rivers residents now know, when the tides are high at Ballina, the water can be pushed back into the Richmond River, leaving towns like Coraki and Bungawalbin vulnerable to longer wait times for the water to subside. Help is on the way."Our river systems need cleaning up as well. So, we're working on a package with the EPA (Environment Protection Authority) to make sure that we can clean out all those logs and debris in those key channel points, like Ballina at the mouth of the river, there's a lot of debris that builds up in there, which then affects the bar. It affects a whole range of things."The NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) Recovery Access Points were established and opened last week at Lismore, Tweed Heads, Ballina, Grafton, McLean and Coffs Harbour, as well as mobile set-ups at Coutts Crossing, Coraki and Kyogle."One thing I'm proud of this time around is that we are getting into those smaller communities with those support services. We've had 2,820 people through those recovery centres so far, which is really pleasing."If you are having trouble, please go into one of the access points or go into Service NSW. We had 65,000 hits or views on our website, which is nsw.gov.au/tropicalcyclonerecovery. So if you go on there, that's where all the information is about the grants, and about the support services because there's mental health support there as well. There's a whole range of support available, not just financial."Of those 2,820 people, Tweed Heads has been the biggest one so far. They've had 1,500, Lismore has had 605, Ballina 589, and then it cascades down from there. We've had 24,000 visits to the funding part of our website at the moment. And I did get some data yesterday from Services NSW. I think there's been about 20,000 applications so far for the grants. They're progressing really well."One of the key things though, that will hold up your grant payment is evidence, like a proof of presidential address. We need that so we can then match it up with the evac (evacuation) orders and the power outages. It's a really good system they've got, but it's only as good as the information that the client provides."We want to make sure we get that message out that people need to come armed with what you need, whether it's a driver's license, a rate, notice, a rental receipt, anything that can prove where you were living at the time of the disaster. If that is the case, the money is in the bank within three days.Scott Tanner is asking people who not just live in the region but have family and friends outside it to visit the Northern Rivers."I really want to reinforce to people to come and visit the region and support your fellow people. One takeaway from this is that you see how fragile the economy is, and you've just got to keep it going forward."

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has congratulated Lismore Baptist Church on securing a $8,950 NSW Government grant to improve safety at their place of worship.Ms Saffin said Lismore Baptist Church’s ‘Make Church Safe’ project was aimed at protecting its African and other nationality members.“This church has been an important part of the social fabric of the City of Lismore for a long time,” Ms Saffin said.“The NSW Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program is focused on building community resilience through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures.“The NSW Government is getting behind our faith organisations to support upgrades and other projects that will make the religious experience safer.”The Government has allocated $15 million over four years to this program as part of its election commitment in 2023. Grants range from $5,000 up to $250,000. Grant funding supports:upgrading security and surveillance systemstraining for staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness and risk mitigationbuilding the resilience of faith groups.

In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, community service organisation Social Futures is on hand to support disaster recovery throughout the Northern Rivers region with the Resilient Kids program, which has reached 17,797 young people since its inception in 2023.Experts in providing support for flood-affected schools, young people and their families, Social Futures’ Resilient Kids team play an important role in disaster preparation, recovery and resilience for those aged 8 – 18 years throughout the Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Shires.Social Futures General Manager Mental Health and Wellbeing, Simone Silberberg (psychologist) confirms a range of professional mental health, social and emotional wellbeing activities are available to help build the resilience of young people as they transition through this latest weather event.“We know that extreme weather events like Cyclone Alfred can bring up past trauma, especially for those who have experienced previous floods, and here in the Northern Rivers, that remains a struggle for many people whose experiences in the 2022 flood events continue to affect their daily lives,” said Ms Silberberg.“Everyone’s recovery journey is different, and some people have complex needs. We are here to provide free evidence-based, trauma-informed, person-centred support to help young people and families navigate this challenging time.”Resilient Kids Program Manager Shoshannah Oks said, “Last week, in the lead-up to the weather event, young people were connecting with their counsellors and program workers right up until Friday afternoon.“One young person said that seeking support and remembering their strategies they had worked on made them feel ‘a lot calmer and more prepared’.”The team is now actively checking in with all young participants and Ms Oks shared, “We are seeing a lot of young people in crisis and experiencing escalated mental health needs so we’re providing individual tailored support which we know is critical during this time.“I encourage young people and families to reach out for support if they are struggling. The team are ready to support via telehealth and in person sessions.”Resilient Kids wellbeing hubs are located in Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Kyogle, with outreach services provided to smaller communities including Woodburn, Wardell, Nimbin, Evans Head, Coraki, Brunswick Heads,Broadwater and the Clarence Valley.For location details and more information visit https://socialfutures.org.au/resilient-kids/ or contact Social Futures on 1800 719 625.The Resilient Kids program is funded by Healthy North Coast through a grant provided by the Australian Government.A wide range of support is also available for over 18’s through the Recovery Connect program. Available to anyone who has experienced loss and/or trauma due to extreme weather events such as Cyclone Alfred, assistance can be provided across areas including specialist counselling, financial assistance, legal advice, identifying grants, business and employment supports, accessing mental health services and much more. Call Social Futures on 1800 719 625 or email recoveryconnect@socialfutures.org.au.Those experiencing homelessness and needing emergency accommodation can contact Link2home 24 hours a day on 1800 152 152

Farmers have warned roads and bridges across the Northern Rivers will require urgent repair as the full extent of flood damage from ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred is revealed.NSW Farmers Dorrigo Branch Chair David Gibson said the huge deluges that had fallen in the Northern Rivers recently had wreaked serious havoc on the region’s road networks. “This flooding has sent a sea of water into the community, washing over roads and cutting many of us off from the outside world,” Mr Gibson said.“It’s a serious safety risk for anyone travelling by road and this problem just won’t go away once the floodwater resides.“We’re uncovering new potholes, missing bitumen and all sorts of other serious damage to our roads and bridges, and we’re only just getting started on the cleanup here in NSW.”As recovery efforts commenced, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said regional and rural road repairs and upgrades must be a priority for state and federal governments to ensure farm communities could get back on track after years of damage. “It’s been flood after flood just here in the Northern Rivers, and across the state, we’re now looking a really serious, ongoing road damage and repair bill,” Mr Martin said.“Repairing our local, state and national roads will be essential to keeping our rural communities alive and connected, but also to moving the food and fibre that fuels our nation. “We can’t get fresh food on tables, if we can’t move it off our farms.” 

As part of ongoing work to lead recovery operations, the Reconstruction Authority is rolling out additional support services to community members in and near the Byron Shire, Kyogle and Richmond Valley Local Government Areas.Impacted individuals will have access to Service NSW’s Mobile Service Centres which will connect them to government support services, such as the Personal Hardship Assistance Grant and replacement of lost or damaged documents (e.g. birth or marriage certificates, driver licences, photo cards and Fair Trading licences and permits) free of charge. Other Recovery Outreach partners will be available, including Services Australia, who will provide access to federal support payments, and the Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre for community and mental health services.Disaster-affected communities can now access assistance at the following locations, days and times:Mullumbimby – Wednesday, 19 March 2025, 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall, 55 Dalley Street, MullumbimbyKyogle – Thursday, 20 March 2025, 9:00am to 12:00pm at Kyogle Council (The KMI Room), 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle Coraki – Thursday, 20 March 2025, 1.30pm to 4:00pm at the Coraki Hub, 1/121 Richmond Terrace, CorakiThe Reconstruction Authority aims to support people in returning to their daily lives as quickly as possible.

Australian renters now need an annual income of $130,000 to afford an average rental, with even six-figure earners facing housing costs exceeding 30 percent of their income in capital cities and many regional areas. The 2025 Priced Out report by national housing campaign Everybody’s Home shows a single person needs to earn at least $130,000 per year to comfortably afford the national weekly asking rent for a typical unit. An even higher income is required to afford the average unit rent across capital cities.On the North Coast, the percentage of a single-income earner spent on rent is:$40,000 = 79%$50,000 = 65%$60,000 = 56%$70,000 = 50%$80,000 = 44%$90,000 = 40%$100,000 = 37%$110,000 = 34%$120,000 = 31%$130,000 = 29%The report, which analyses rental affordability for Australians earning between $40,000 and $130,000 per year, found rental stress has extended well beyond low-income earners. Middle-to-high income Australians are increasingly struggling to find affordable homes. People earning $70,000 per year would have to spend more than half of their income on the national median unit rent. Even renters earning $100,000 per year - well above the median income of $72,592 - are struggling in locations across Australia. Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize said: “This report exposes the stark reality facing Australian renters every day. Rental stress is no longer confined to those on lower incomes - it’s affecting professionals, essential workers, and middle-income families who simply can’t keep up with soaring rents. “These findings underscore an alarming shift in Australia’s housing market. This crisis is stopping people from being able to live and work in their communities, leading people to delay major life choices, and threatening social cohesion. A $100,000 salary used to be considered a secure income, but our research shows people on this wage are struggling in both cities and regional areas because rents are so staggeringly high. “The situation is even more dire for those on lower incomes, with people earning $40,000 per year facing extreme rental stress nationwide. They are facing rents that are up to 119 percent of their income, putting a stable home out of their reach. “With an election coming up, the next government needs to urgently boost social housing. These are low-cost rentals for people in the most severe housing stress - people who are being smashed by the private rental market. “We are also calling on parties and candidates to scrap investor tax handouts, like negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. It is unfair to spend billions of dollars propping up investors and pushing up costs while people on low and middle incomes are left behind. “Ahead of the election, the Federal Government must treat housing as its top priority. Without action more Australians will continue to be priced out of living in safe, decent, affordable homes.”

A major coalition has sent a powerful message calling for immediate action to address the mental health crisis in agriculture.Norco Co-operative has joined thirty other rural and healthcare organisations to launch a joint statement to address the crisis disproportionally affecting people in agriculture.Ahead of a federal budget and election, the coalition is calling on the Government to make an immediate investment of $50 million over five years to address the crisis.Norco Chief Executive Officer Michael Hampson comments that the National Farmer Wellbeing Report, that the 100% farmer owned co-operative launched in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation in 2023, really shone a spotlight on the severity of the issue of mental health in agriculture, and highlights why this funding is so vital. “We knew that farmer mental health was an important area of focus that needed much greater attention. However, the data that we uncovered was incredibly confronting and made it abundantly clear that the issues at hand across our country were much bigger than what Norco could solve on its own. The welfare of our farmers need a whole of industry and government approach if they are to be addressed in a truly meaningful way. “Compounded by what our farmers have endured over the past several years in terms of natural disasters and debilitating weather events – which are predicted to be more frequent and severe by climate experts - Norco has made an unwavering commitment to do everything within the co-operative’s power to champion the importance of improved farmer wellbeing, which is why this coalition and call to action is so critical.“As an industry and as a nation, we simply owe it to our farmers,” he said.Dr Tim Driscoll, Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section’s State Manager – Mental Health, and Chair of the steering committee leading this initiative, said the statistics are sobering.“A farmer dies by suicide every 10 days. That’s up to twice the rate of the general working population,” Dr Driscoll said.“Poor mental health and suicide is having a devastating impact on rural families, communities and businesses right now, and we need federal help to fix it.“The wellbeing of people in agriculture is impacted by increasingly complex and compounding events like weather and natural disasters, financial stress, and geographic or social isolation.”National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said farming could be tough and there needed to be the right resources in place to help them deal with the challenges thrown at them.“A farmer’s greatest asset isn’t their land, livestock or produce; it’s their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the people around them.“It’s clear the unique mental health needs in agriculture are not being met by existing services, and we need Government to give us a leg up so we can turn these devastating statistics around.”Associate Professor Kate Gunn, a clinical psychologist and founder of ifarmwell, Associate Professor Kate Gunn, ifarmwell, based at the University of South Australia, said it’s a crucial time to invest in the wellbeing of Australian farming communities.“There is an urgent need for coordinated, farmer-friendly, evidence-based approaches to address this critical issue,” Assoc. Prof. Gunn said.ifarmwell is one of the organisations that has endorsed the joint statement for urgent action.“As someone who has worked in the field of farmer wellbeing for more than 15 years, this is the closest we’ve been to finding a meaningful way to bring together farmers, industry bodies and other organisations to address farmer mental health,” Assoc. Prof. Gunn said.“While the philanthropic sector has been generous to date, support from the Australian Government is crucial to quickly and impactfully reach farmers with evidence-based initiatives, on a national scale.”The principles outlined in the Joint Statement emerged from the National Forum on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture in March 2024, and have been refined by a Steering Committee convened by The National Farmers’ Federation.To join the coalition and support mental health and wellbeing in agriculture, contact the National Farmers’ Federation: 02 6269 5666 or reception@nff.org.auIf you or anyone you know needs help:ifarmwell at https://ifarmwell.com.au/farmer-friendly-mental-health-resourcesLifeline on 13 11 14Farmer Health Support Hub at https://farmerhealth.org.au/support-hubKids Helpline on 1800 551 800Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467Headspace on 1800 650 890ReachOut at au.reachout.comMensLine Australia on 1300 789 978Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774Head to Health at headtohealth.gov.au

The growing number of electric vehicle (EV) owners in Lismore and the Northern Rivers may or may not realise a possible benefit of owning certain EVs during a blackout, like many realised during Tropical Cyclone Alfred.Winds howled around us for a few days, with strong gusts knocking down trees that brought down powerlines, causing blackouts for over 43,000 homes and businesses, some for quite long periods.While those who experience regular blackouts may have a petrol or diesel-powered generator, some EV owners were purchasing a V2L (vehicle to load) cable that allows them to run the essential electric items in their house through an adaptor. The same way a caravan or generator would, with extension chords and power boards.This system cannot be used to power your home on a permanent basis, that will eventually be done by a V2G (vehicle to grid) setup, which is currently only legal in South Australia. This would be where your car powers your house instead of a house battery. The issues surround feeding electricity back to the grid, which we are told can be stopped if you really want to pursue that avenue. The rest of NSW residents will have to wait for legislation to change, and we know how quickly that system works.According to a local solar provider, powering your home appliances, such as fridges, computers, and internet devices, takes a minimal charge. As reported in the Lismore App's Talking Lismore podcast series, the average EV battery is about 5-7 times bigger than a home solar battery.Unfortunately, this option is not available for all electric cars. EVs with V2L technology are: BYD: Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin, Shark 6Kia: EV5, EV6, EV9, NiroMG: ZS EV, MG4 Hyundai: Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6Ford: F-150 Lightning, Ranger Genesis: GV60, GV80Mitsubishi: Outlander GWM: Cannon Alpha Renault: 5 E-Tech Peng: G6Zeekr: XThe other disadvantage is that your EV would need to be fully charged when the power goes, so it is dependent on how you use your EV.V2L cables can be purchased from the vehicle manufacturer, and through cheaper sources, but do your research first.The recommendation is to order your cables when there is no storm, because as the storm approaches, the queues get longer.

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is excited to announce the launch of its new First Nations Music Program, a groundbreaking initiative led by the highly acclaimed Bundjalung artist Blake Rhodes. This program is designed to provide First Nations artists with a dedicated platform to share their rich cultural heritage, stories, and music with the broader community. “We are absolutely thrilled to have Blake Rhodes leading this important project,” said Anita Bellman, Executive Director of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium. “Blake’s deep connection to both music and his community, combined with his experience as a respected artist and mentor, will ensure that this program is culturally authentic, impactful, and inspiring for all involved.” The First Nations Music Program will feature a diverse range of classes and workshops, covering everything from music production and songwriting to storytelling and creative expression. “I’m incredibly excited to contribute to this program and to share my passion for music with my community,” said Blake Rhodes. “Music is a powerful tool for connection and storytelling. I hope this program will empower and uplift the next generation of First Nations musicians and creators, especially those from the Bundjalung nation.” The First Nations Music Program will officially launch in April 2025, with three days of dynamic songwriting and music production workshops for Aboriginal youth aged 14-21, held at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium. For more details about the program or to register, please contact Blake Rhodes at FirstNations@nrcac.edu.au or call 02 6621 2266.

"We feel good. We feel exhausted. But I think overjoyed to finally have our occupation certificate and be living in the house." These were the words from Jo and Brendan Kilburn as their three-year epic journey from Pine Street, North Lismore to Modanville is nearly at an end.Nearly because there is a deck to build between the Kilburn's Pine Street house and the original house on the block, plus some landscaping as they look to take advantage of a magnificent rural view.(Jo and Brendan's new view in Modanville)Jo and Brendan's story was first documented on the Lismore App in June 2024 when another couple, Stacey and Ben Wilder, and the Kilburn's were moving their buyback properties to higher ground, much higher ground, in the northern village of Modanville."We feel like we've won the lotto, we really do. We were so very lucky that we were in a position to be able to do it without having to wait for the Resilient Lands (Program)," Jo said.Brendan joked, "We're still Northie's though."In the original story, Jo said they were one of the last families in Pine Street that were rescued because there were people more vulnerable. "It was probably chest height on me when we got rescued."After the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the event reassured Jo and Brendan that they absolutely made the right decision."The relief that you don't have pack up underneath your house and hoping that the high tide doesn't come through, you know?," Jo said.Brendan said it had been a big three years, "But particularly the last eight months getting this place up and running after the relocation, definitely. Putting in every afternoon and every weekend."So there hasn't been much break or much time off, really, since July, when we relocated," Jo added, "We've had the odd weekend here and there, but it's pretty much been full on. Home from work, we had a list of jobs that needed to be done, and then it was every afternoon going, right, what are we ticking off today? And every weekend, what are we ticking off today?"(The cottage at Modanville (top), the finished home, and the Pine Street house before it was moved. Photo" supplied)While there are a few more items to tick off before their new home is complete, Jo and Brendan will not have a break but the pace at which they work will change."We'll just take things a lot easier now that we've sort of crossed that hurdle (occupation certificate). We'll just push on and try and get things done, but not at the pace we were working at before."Brendan joked the final two elements (landscaping and deck) will be finished in 20 years.The one word to sum up the last three years? "Herculean"When the occupation certificate was approved, Jo, Brendan and their son Blake had to wait for Harry (who graduated from Trinity last year) to travel down for the weekend so the champagne could be popped and the celebrations could begin.While they have friends living in North Lismore who are waiting for the North Lismore Resilient Land to come on the market, for Jo and Brendan, the wait is over and normal living, or close enough to normal, can begin.

The Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, sang the praises of Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, at yesterday's media announcement following Ms Saffin's swearing in as the new Minister for the North Coast, Minister for Recovery and the Minister for Small Business."There's not many MPs in the New South Wales parliament with more experience. I don't think there's any with more experience than Janelle," the Premier said."I also can't think of an MP that's got more energy than Janelle Saffin. And the combination of those two things are fantastic, both for the people of New South Wales and our government.""We know that the Northern Rivers has been hit hard in recent months, in recent years, with natural disasters, with floods, with real anxiety that the community has felt trying to get back on its feet in extraordinarily difficult circumstances, but throughout that entire period, there's been steady but relentless and energetic leadership from Jenelle Saffin, often with sharp elbows, often with a very forthright and persuasive argument, but always with the best interests of her community at heart."When we had a position that became vacant, the choice was just irresistible for the New South Wales Government, for myself, for my senior colleagues, when I did canvass people's thoughts within the government about who should fill this crucial position, it was near unanimous that it should be Janelle."She's got enormous respect from her colleagues inside the Labor Party and the government, but I think I can say, without fear of contradiction, also enormously respected across the parliament, from the opposition to the cross bench, she's what the state needs. And I'm very, very proud and happy to report that she'll be serving as a minister in this government."(Janelle Saffin with Premier Chris Minns. Photo: supplied)The accolades continued when Deputy Premier Prue Car stepped up to the microphone."It's been said time and time again, and the Premier said it, Janelle Saffin is the epitome of what an amazing local MP is, and that sort of relentless energy in a minister will be immediately noticeable in the portfolios that she has been sworn in to today, I can just already see her driving her agencies to make sure that they deliver for the people, particularly of the North Coast, that really have been through the ringer.When it was Janelle Saffin's turn to talk, she remained as humble as people would expect and looking forward to the challenges ahead."I firstly want to say thank you to Premier Minns for putting his trust in me to continue to serve on a broader scale, the people of New South Wales in these three portfolio areas. They are three areas that I have experience and familiarity with and I'll bring some of that to bear in all of those areas."The North Coast, of course, I've worked all over the north coast. I live in the Northern Rivers, my home, and it goes out to the Great Dividing Range in the hinterland, and of course, I have Tenterfield in my electorate, so I'll continue to serve, first and foremost, as a local member, but serve the people of New South Wales across these three agencies."In my role as Parliamentary Secretary, I was able to visit New South Wales and meet a lot of communities who've been in disasters and impacted, and even people who were still impacted by the bush fires, and I've continued to work with them. I've got to know some of those communities equally with small business, particularly since 2022. One of the things that came out of it was the closeness with community at large and the small business sector, and that's prevailed ever since."I'm connected with my local business chambers, but equally with the New South Wales Business Chamber. I've read their pre-budget submission, I'm quite familiar with it and the particular issues they have, so I'm here, and I'm pleased I got asked that question, are you proud? I said, No, I'm pleased, but equally, I recognise it's a privilege, and it's a privilege that I will take very seriously. Thank you."Ms Saffin said she her approach is about continuous improvement, so while nothing is perfect, she will continually strive to improve."I particularly want to focus on this trauma in my community, and given the events that happened in 2022, that's understandable, and it's right across the Northern Rivers, also the Central West and other places. So no matter what happened after it, the trauma prevails because of what happened on that night. Continue to support those people, but equally, working with business, our Northern Rivers Business Chambers, they have a small project on economic recovery. We're developing a master plan for the whole region that's done with the CSIRO, and then looking to particularly working to mitigate and adapt. And they're the areas that I want to focus on, because recovery is improved by preparedness."When asked about Janelle Saffin's longevity as a Minister in the Minns Government with two years to run until the next election, the Premier responded, "I just want to make it really clear in relation to Janelle, looks can be deceiving, but there is not a tougher, more resilient MP in Parliament than Jenelle Saffin, and she's not going anywhere, and we need her. I mean, the government needs her experience and her energy."There is no doubt that Ms Saffin has the energy of a 20-year-old.There will be some keen business owners wanting a conversation with Ms Saffin in her role as Minister for Small Business when she returns from parliament in a couple of weeks, to ask why there was no small business grant after Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

In a swearing in ceremony being held in Sydney this morning, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin will be sworn in as the Minister for Recovery, the Minister for Small Business, and the Minister for the North Coast.Premier Chris Minns said, "Janelle is one of the most experienced MPs in the NSW Government. She has been instrumental in helping the Lismore community and surrounds recover from the 2022 floods, as well as the recent impacts from Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred. She has intimate knowledge of the workings of the NSW Reconstruction Authority and will be a very strong advocate and voice for the North Coast, as well as small businesses across the state.In other announcements, the Hon John Graham MLC will remain the Special Minister of State, the Minister for the Arts, the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy and will permanently take on the role of Minister for Transport. The Hon Jenny Aitchison MP will become the Minister for Roads and the Minister for Regional Transport. Regional roads will now be incorporated into the Roads portfolio. As a regional MP Jenny Aitchison is well placed to ensure the needs of regional and rural communities are met.John Graham will continue to take carriage of the Government’s response to the toll review given the Government is mid-negotiation with toll companies about reforming the system.The Hon Steve Kamper MP will be sworn in as the Minister for Jobs and Tourism, in addition to his responsibilities as the Minister for Lands and Property, the Minister for Multiculturalism and the Minister for Sport. Emily Suvaal will also be appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business.Parliamentary Secretaries perform an important role in supporting Ministers and driving action to deliver on government priorities in Parliament and Emily is an excellent addition to the team.These are important changes to the NSW Ministry that will ensure we continue to invest in essential services that people rely on, and build a better NSW.

Henry Boothroyd is two years old. He was born with a condition called Congenital Femoral Deficiency, which essentially is a deformity in the ball and socket joint of the hip.There is no known cause for the condition and it is not hereditary.Stephen and Hannah Boothroyd, Henry's parents, say the condition is very rare, affecting 1 in every 250,000 children, and even rarer when you consider Henry's subtype. In Australia, there are an average of 290,000 births per year over the last sixteen years.In layman's terms, Henry has one leg longer than the other. Not an insignificant amount like is the norm for most people, but by the time he becomes an adult, it will be 23 centimetres, so close to a rulers length.Right now, the difference between Henry's two legs is 10.5 centimetres. When he was born, the difference between his left and right legs was 2.5 centimetres.To live the life of a typical 2-year-old, Henry needs to wear a special boot with a raised platform that is adjusted every three months in Brisbane.(Henry in his adjustable boot. Photo: supplied)For many, amputation is offered due to the complexity of the condition, and the cost of surgeries that are only available overseas. They are not performed in Australia.Henry requires a SUPERhip procedure in Abu Dhabi in February next year. This is a complex hip reconstruction. Two years later, when Henry will be five, he will be heading to Florida, USA, for the first of three (3) lengthening procedures.Once diagnosed, which took four months, Stephen and Hannah discovered Dr Dror Paley, a Canadian-born orthopedic surgeon who specialises in limb lengthening and deformity correction procedures."He's the one that's created and patented this surgery, super hip, which is essentially a really long, complicated hip reconstruction," Stephen explained."We are comparing a hip replacement, which is an hour and a half under anesthetic, compared to seven hours under anesthetic for this. We are comparing six steps for a hip replacement to 60 steps for this."The procedure is being done in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) because only a few countries around the world will pay for their citizens to fly to the US for surgery with Dr. Paley."What these countries have done is that instead of sending their citizens there. They've just built their own facility for him to then fly in and fly back home. So he spends about a week there with all his team, anesthetists and other surgeons, and he'll do clinics and operate for about a week. So he's flying in and out of Abu Dhabi. He goes to Columbia, and he's about to open another one in China," Hannah said."We are confident he is the best guy for the job."Hannah said that she and Stephen met a Gold Coast father whose daughter was the first Australian to have the lengthening operation. She is 18 years old now. This man has supported about twenty other families to make the trip to Abu Dhabi.Stephen said that funding is not available for limb-saving treatment overseas; only life-saving, which means he and Hannah have had to start their own charity, the CFD Foundation, and begin fundraising.The cost for the procedures that will allow Henry to be like his friends and participate in activities like they do, is $570,000 over three years."Our son is a resilient and extremely capable young boy who (with the help of his boot) runs, jumps and climbs," Stephen said."The main thing he struggles with is any kind of climbing with it because he's got such a small femur. Lifting doesn't make the biggest difference, he's still got this big length from his knee down. And so getting into slide, if he doesn't do it the right way, he can't fit his boot in."Hannah added, "And also up things, like his climbing frame out there, because it's (Henry's boot) so chunky, a 10 and a half at the moment it is too big for the rungs. So, his boots are too big to even climb a ladder. Climbing up to go on a slide or something, he can't get his foot in and he'll want to take his boot off. But he's not in pain.""Our hope is that the CFD Foundation will be able to continue its work beyond Henry to help other families impacted by a diagnosis of CFD.$570,000 is an amount that would frighten and overwhelm most people, but Stephen and Hannah are not ordinary parents. They have grabbed the bull by the horns and have begun three years of a massive fundraising campaign.Since June 2023, when the CFD Foundation was launched, Stephen and Hannah have raised almost $135,000. A monumental effort, but still a significant $435,000 short of their total.The next fundraising event is a concert featuring well-known Australian performer Shannon Noll and his son Blake, plus popular local singer-songwriter Luke Vassella on Saturday, April 5 at the Lismore Workers Club between 6 and 10pm. Tickets are $80.Henry's first surgery, the SUPERhip procedure, will cost about $220,000. This is step one in a multiple step process.Until the surgery is performed in 2026, Henry and Hannah will travel to Brisbane every three months."They have to add a little bit more height to modify his boot because the leg length difference is always growing. Because there's a deformity in the growth plate, it doesn't just stay at two and a half centimeters when he was born. It's now 10 and a half centimeters, and it's always going towards the 23 centimeters. They add a centimetre every time we go up."The CFD Charity Concert will be held on Saturday, April 5, at the Lismore Workers Club. Tickets can be booked through the CFD Foundation website.