State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has congratulated Social Futures Limited on being one of the 22 Community Housing providers securing joint NSW-Australian Government funding to make energy upgrades to social housing homes by 31 December 2026.Ms Saffin welcomed confirmation that a Community Housing Energy Performance Grant of $127,303 would go towards 60 energy upgrades across eight community housing properties in the Lismore City Local Government Area.The federal and state governments are partnering with 22 Community Housing providers, including Social Futures, to upgrade thousands of social housing homes to make them cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in, and better for the environment.These upgrades will deliver lasting cost-of-living relief while making renewable and smart energy features more accessible.More than 2,300 homes will be upgraded with nearly $18 million in joint funding from the Australian and NSW Governments, as well as Community Housing Providers.The upgrades will include a range of potential measures:rooftop solar panels and shared solar systemsreverse cycle air conditioningenergy-efficient hot water systemsceiling insulation, window shading and draught proofingLED lighting and ceiling fans.Australia has some of the coldest and least energy-efficient homes in the developed world. People in social housing often feel this the most. These upgrades will help keep homes warmer in winter, cooler in summer and make them cheaper to run.All works are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.This funding is part of a $175 million program jointly delivered by the Australian and NSW Governments to upgrade around 24,000 social housing homes by mid-2027. In its first year, more than 2,000 homes have already received upgrades.This is on top of the NSW Government's record investment in housing through the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program.This is practical cost-of-living relief. It will help vulnerable households save on energy bills while cutting emissions across the state.For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-housing-energy-performance-grantFederal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said, “Upgrading solar and energy efficiency in social housing is all about lasting cost-of-living relief that makes houses cheaper to run and more comfortable to live in, as well as cutting emissions.“Cooler homes in the hot months and warmer homes in winter lock in lasting bill relief and protection from international energy price spikes.”Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, said, “These renewable and smart energy upgrades will bring welcome energy bill relief for community housing residents, improve the liveability of their homes, and enable broader participation in the emissions reduction task as our country accelerates the clean energy transition.”NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said, “Thousands of community housing residents will benefit from lower bills, more comfortable homes and a reduced carbon footprint thanks to these upgrades.“Partnering with the Albanese Government means renewable energy and smart features are accessible to everyone in NSW.”NSW Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson, said, “This is direct action to help people who need it most. We are upgrading homes so they cost less to run, are more comfortable to live in, and help tackle climate change.“People in social housing deserve homes that are safe, liveable and energy-efficient. These upgrades are about cutting bills, cutting emissions, and delivering a better quality of life.”

For those who use the Bruxner Highway at South Lismore after 6pm, there will be changed overnight traffic conditions from next week between South Lismore and Loftville for investigation work and drainage upgrades.Site investigation work will start on Monday, 11 August and be carried out for four nights from 6pm to 6am, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 15 August, weather permitting.Drainage upgrades and repair work will begin on Monday, 18 August and be carried out on weeknights from 6pm to 6am, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 5 September, weather permitting.During the four nights of investigation work, single-lane alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and road users. During the three weeks of overnight culvert repair work, traffic will be detoured via Krauss Avenue. Access to businesses and properties in the work area will be maintained.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes’ extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For more information on this work, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/243798, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘South Lismore’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

The Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative (NRRI) Community Forums, run by the CSIRO and NEMA, finished up on Friday at Kyogle. That gave CSIRO lead scientist Jai Vaze and his team forty hours of collected data to take back to Canberra and collate before returning to Lismore and the Northern Rivers to present two or three flood modelling options.As you would expect, the area hit hardest by the 2022 big flood had the most people turn up. Lismore had a queue of about 30 people before the doors opened at 10am last Monday at the Workers Club. At the end of the day, around 250 people spoke with representatives and then completed a form, which was handed in to the staff. Other approximate numbers were Casino 40, Ballina 125, Woodburn 100 and Kyogle 40.Round two of the community consultation process started with suggestions from the first round of consultation, in which 36 flood resilient measures were funded out of the $150 million NRRI, like the Browns Creek pump upgrades, clearing drains and upgrading Fishery Creek and Canal Bridge in Ballina to four lanes.From those meetings, several other suggestions were made that would require substantial funding that was well above the $150 million budget and needed to be tested using a proper flood model."So, we put 15 of those on a sheet. As we have explained, these are not CSIRO suggestions; they are not NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) suggestions; these were what came from the community and the councils. We brought these as a starting point.""If people think any of these are good, you give them number one. If you think a bundle of them, like one, plus three, plus seven, plus nine, plus 11, is a better option, you put that as a bundle, as your suggestion. There was a box below where you could put your suggestions. There was another space if people had a separate suggestion. They could write whatever they wanted.There was concern that the community process could be influenced by various groups to further their own interests, such as taking a blank sheet from the room in the Workers Club and photocopying it, then submitting a bundle of completed forms. Jai explained that the number of people who turned up for the community consultations would equal the number of forms handed in."If sheets came later, then we cannot take them because they were not taken by us," Jai said.There is also the opportunity for the community to give their thoughts online until August 15 2025.When you click on the dropdown box, the 15 options appear.The only difference is that you don't get to talk to a CSIRO team member.You will notice there are no nature-based suggestions on the CSIRO sheet. Jai explained that this was deliberate."Some people are asking for nature-based solutions, but there are no nature-based solutions there because the two that were given to us before have already been funded through the $150 million NRRI project."As we have said right from the beginning, everything is on the table, whatever the community says, we will do if it makes sense to do for large floods, because the main terms of reference we have is to look for flood mitigation scenarios for large floods. For example, for Lismore 2017 and 2022."I, as a flood modeller, and my other modelling experts, will look at it, and they'll say, Oh, nice suggestion, but it can't do anything for flood mitigation at this scale."We have built the model, we have run it for the historical events, and we have done enough work to know what will be effective. And there are also published papers that say which type of solution normally works up to what extremity of the flood."So, some solutions work very nicely for small floods, but once it becomes extreme, they have a negligible effect. If we reduce the level in '22 from 14.37 to 14.35, it doesn't make any difference.Jai and his team also met with six councils for a two-hour session each, and will meet with the Clarence Council on August 19.WHAT IS THE PUBLIC OVERVIEW?"People are quite positive. The main thing is somehow to reduce the impact of large floods. That's the bottom line."WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS IN THE NRRI FLOOD MODELLING PROCESS?Jai's team enter the suggestions into a spreadsheet. From there, they can see how many people like each of the 15 options, plus how many people are suggesting bundles and what ranking each option has within each bundle.One complexity in the potential flood modelling scenarios is selecting the largest floods for each town in the Richmond River catchment. These are called climates. For example, 2008 was an extreme flood for Kyogle and Casino but not for Lismore. Lismore was affected more in 2017 and 2022.This may leave Jai running three different flood modelling options, all of which take time to build, let alone run."If we use 2008, 2017 and 2022, it's already three climates. And then if we have two bundles, and I don't know how many, one or two, but it won't be more than that. That is already six iterations we have to model."Of course, what scenarios Jai models depends on what the community response is."So, if, say, the majority say, just do 2022, that's fine. We can even have four bundles, because we have always promised between two and five scenarios. So, the other option for the community is what climate do you want?"Jai said that any number of scenarios can be run on the CSIRO high-performance computer. The reason for modelling two to five scenarios is due to NEMA's contract with the CSIRO, which ends on June 30, 2026.Once the scenarios have been approved, Jai and his team get to work implementing them into the model mesh for each scenario. He also pointed out that the floods from 2008, 2017 and 2022 will have a slight difference in the modelling due to the construction of the M1."If people say 2008, 2017 and 2022, we are making those same changes for a scenario into all three measures. Each of those changes takes about two months. We'll have to do it in parallel, because by then Christmas comes, everyone goes on holiday. January, when we come back, it has to start running, because then it takes two to three months to run."After that, we look at the results, interpret them, write the report, and then the comparisons and the recommendation, by 30 June (2026).The intellectual property is shared by NEMA and the CSIRO, so it can be used by anyone in the future. However, Jai advised that those people should have the necessary skills, capacity and computing power to do so.Jai Vaze will return to Lismore and the Northern Rivers in August; however, the next important date is mid-September when he presents the scenarios that will be modelled to councils and the community. Then it is a matter of waiting until Australia's most advanced flood model of the Richmond River catchment does its job.

Lismore’s place as a breeding ground for Australian sporting champions has been celebrated once again, with Lismore City Council naming the third and final grandstand at Oakes Oval in honour of one of the city’s most respected sporting sons, Craig Foster AM.The Craig Foster Grandstand features as part of the Lismore Regional Sports Precinct $12.4 million stadium redevelopment and stands as a tribute to Foster’s outstanding contribution to football and his ongoing legacy as a respected civic and sporting leader.The official naming took place at Oakes Oval just before kick-off in the pre-season A-League clash between the Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar, played in front of a packed crowd.A former Socceroo and national team captain, Foster’s football journey began in Lismore, where he grew up and attended Kadina High School.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said Foster’s name is synonymous with excellence, integrity and leadership.“To have Craig Foster’s name, a local former Socceroos captain, on this grandstand is a proud moment for our city,” Mayor Krieg said.“He is a homegrown talent who didn’t just represent Australia on the world stage; he became a national leader in sport. Craig has never forgotten his roots, and Lismore is proud to honour him in this way.”Throughout his career, Craig Foster earned 29 caps for the Socceroos, represented Australia in World Cup qualifiers, Confederations Cup tournaments and OFC Nations Cup victories.Foster’s international playing career included stints with clubs across Australia, Hong Kong and England, before retiring in 2003. He later became one of the country’s most recognisable football voices through his 18 years as chief analyst with SBS, covering multiple FIFA World Cups and shaping national conversations about the game.Craig Foster said the honour was deeply meaningful.“I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to have this grandstand named after me in my hometown. Thank you to Lismore City Council and the entire Lismore community for this generous recognition,” he said.“Football has given me so much throughout my life, and it all started right here. This region, this community, shaped who I am. Sport has the power to bring people together, and I hope this facility continues to do just that for generations to come.”The Craig Foster Grandstand joins the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion and the Lyn Larson Grandstand as key facilities at the upgraded Sports Precinct, helping attract major sporting events to Lismore and supporting local clubs and community use.On the sporting side, a crowd in excess of 3,000 watched the pre-season A-League clash, which the Brisbane Roar won 3-1.(Photos Steve Mackney)

The events of Wednesday, when illegal squatters were moved out of ten NSWRA-owned buyback houses, including Pine Street in North Lismore, led most people to believe the three-year battle was over.It would appear not.The Lismore App received an anonymous email on Thursday."I wanted to let you know squatters have now moved into houses at the end of Barrie St, right in the park."This is a huge kick in the face for people still waiting on buybacks. More funding will now be needed from the RA program to take these people to court, too, based on what happened at Pine Street. This horrible game of whack a mole continues with the poor flood victims of Lismore paying the price."A quick drive by Barrie Street, East Lismore, confirmed signs of life in one of the houses and a dog in the yard.A NSWRA spokesperson said, "RHP (Resilient Homes Program) continue to work with NSW Police to move on illegal occupants wherever they are identified."We encourage community members to call Triple Zero if they identify illegal occupants and are concerned for their safety, or email, if there is no immediate risk to safety, rhp.enquiry@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au. The Lismore App understands that the RHP has asked its security patrols to investigate a number of properties, including Barrie Street, to confirm illegal occupancy prior to seeking Police assistance.Once security confirms illegal occupancy, RHP requests police assistance. This has been the case for multiple properties over recent days to move illegal occupants on.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) nurses and midwives have been recognised for their passion and dedication in caring for patients as finalists in the 13th annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.A total of 27 statewide finalists across nine award categories have been announced, including Team of the Year, the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award, and the consumer-nominated Healing Heart Award, which recognises a nurse or midwife whose compassion, kindness, and professionalism stood out for a patient or family.Two representatives from NNSWLHD were named as finalists in the NSW awards, including:Team of the Year: Kamala Nursing Team, Lismore’s Children and Adolescent Mental Health ServiceNew to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Thomas Mull-Mathers, Registered Nurse, Tweed Valley Hospital Emergency Department.The Kamala Nursing Team at Lismore Base Hospital make an exceptional contribution to youth mental health care through innovative, inclusive, and patient-centred service delivery.Their commitment to excellence is reflected in several quality improvement projects, including a co-designed welcome brochure and video developed in response to consumer feedback —ensuring young people feel informed and welcomed from the moment of admission, and daily embedded LGBTQIA+ initiatives promoting a safe and inclusive environment, as well as a daily on-site school program tailored to each patient's goals, promoting structure, routine, and a sense of normalcy during admission.The strong team culture is evident in their unwavering support for one another, creating a collaborative and psychologically safe workplace.Through their dedication to person-centred care, collaborative practice, and continuous improvement, the Kamala Nursing Team has made a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young people, their families, and the broader health system.Both finalists were winners in the 2025 NNSWLHD Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, with all winners automatically entered into the statewide awards.NNSWLHD Director of District Nursing and Midwifery Katharine Duffy congratulated both finalists, saying it was a fantastic achievement for the Local Health District.“We are so excited to have achieved two finalist nominations in the 2025 NSW Health Nursing and Midwifery Awards,” Ms Duffy said.“Congratulations to our nursing team at Lismore’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service – known as Kamala – who have gone above and beyond to ensure children and young people entering our mental health ward feel less daunted and more confident in our service, including the preparation of a welcome package, complete with interactive video.“And our congratulations go to Tommy Mull-Mathers, a much-loved member of Tweed Valley Hospital’s Emergency Department, who joined us a graduate nurse in March 2024. Tommy has excelled in the fast-paced ED, showing exceptional communication and clinical assessment skills, while completing all of his competencies and continuing to pursue self-directed education.“We wish them the best of luck at the upcoming awards ceremony in November.”NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said this year’s finalists have demonstrated outstanding care or contributed to improved health outcomes in their local community.“The Nursing and Midwifery Awards acknowledge the passion, dedication and contributions of nurses and midwives across the NSW public health system who support patients and their families during what can be some of the most important or difficult times in their lives,” Ms Pearce said.“I want to congratulate the finalists for this year’s awards, but I also want to thank all of our nurses and midwives who are integral in ensuring patients receive exceptional care every day across NSW.“I look forward to celebrating the finalists’ achievements at the Awards ceremony later this year, and to finding out who the winners are.”NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said all nurses and midwives are highly valued for the vital role they play in the NSW public health system.“These Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the skills and professionalism of our nurses and midwives and the important work they do in NSW hospitals,” Ms Cross said.“I’m incredibly proud of the expertise, care, and compassion they provide to patients and their families around the clock across a variety of different clinical and community settings.”Finalists and winners will be celebrated at the Nursing and Midwifery Awards ceremony, which will be held at NSW Parliament House in late November.For more information on the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2025 visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/einma.

A woman has died in a two-vehicle crash at Goonellabah last night.About 6pm (Friday, 8 August 2025), emergency services were called to the Bruxner Highway/Oliver Avenue roundabout at Goonellabah, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and found a Toyota sedan and a semi-trailer had collided.The driver of the sedan – an 82-year-old woman – was treated by police and NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, she died at the scene.The driver of the semi-trailer – a 58-year-old man – was uninjured. He was taken to Lismore Hospital for mandatory testing.Officers established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.The Bruxner Highway was closed in a westbound direction until 11.31pm.A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

The NSW Government has committed $2.7 million in grants to help university researchers improve end-of-life and palliative care services in NSW.Funded as part of the World Class End of Life Care commitment, seven successful projects have received funding to pursue various focus areas that will inevitably benefit patients, their families and carers.The successful applicants are:The University of Newcastle – Stability and Compatibility of commonly used palliative care medications administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion: Improving best evidence for practice change University of Technology Sydney – Caring for our community in a new home: End-of-life care for refugee communitiesUniversity of NSW – Evaluation of a tailored model of palliative care for people with intellectual disabilityUniversity of Sydney – Implementing a Model of Bereavement Care for the Palliative Care service across Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health DistrictUniversity of Technology Sydney – Navigation Model for NSW Palliative Care Services- support for Arabic and Chinese speaking communityUniversity of Technology Sydney – Strengthening Empathetic Communication Skills in Palliative Care TraineesUniversity of Wollongong – IMPACS-NSW: Improving Palliative Care Screening in NSW HospitalsThese grants were awarded after an open, competitive application process was conducted by the assessment panel, which included experts in palliative care, policy and research.Projects have already commenced and will be conducted over the next three years.Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “When you have a life-limiting illness, it is an extremely challenging time for patients and their families – but hopefully these research projects can go some way in reducing that burden.“This research will translate into improved services and enhanced care for patients, families and carers who receive palliative care in NSW.“Personally, I am thrilled to see our universities put together such strong applications for such a diverse range of projects, and I would like to acknowledge the hard work that went into each, whether successful or not.”Minister for Medical Research David Harris said, “Research grants like these are critical to improving the care we offer in NSW, especially for end-of-life patients and their families.“Each of these projects address priority research areas that were identified through extensive consultation with the NSW palliative care sector, including clinicians, policy managers, academics and advocacy groups.“I would like to congratulate those universities and their staff who were successful in their applications and wish them the best as they begin their projects.”

On the Bruxner Highway, just before the Pineapple Road/Oliver Avenue roundabout, many people would park their cars on the left-hand side of the highway and put on For Sale signage with a contact number.It appeared to be common practice, as regularly there were two, three or four cars to be sold at any given time.Seller Beware! That is not the case anymore, as Lismore City Council has been monitoring the practice and is now issuing parking fines.Local Lismore resident Lindy was not aware that the practice was an offence, and received a $320 fine for stopping on a path/strip in a built-up area, offence 82918, when she was trying to sell her car in June.Lindy has been a resident of Lismore for 12 years, has observed the cars for sale regularly at that spot, and made the assumption that council turned a blind eye to the practice. Lindy was wrong."I have challenged the fine, where I was told that I would be contacted within 42 days regarding this matter. 15 days later & I have received a final notice saying if it's not paid, an additional $65 will be incurred," Lindy explained."They didn't even acknowledge that they'd received a review."The review process was not through Lismore City Council, but through a 1300 number listed on the parking fine, where a person guided Lindy through the fine review process."Then I went into the RTA, who said, Oh, well, look, you do have 28 days in which to pay this. Why don't you wait for a bit and see if they get back to you about the review within the 42 days, as they've stated. I still haven't heard anything."As you can gather from Lindy's story so far, she is not going to pay the fine. She will fight it to the end."Look, I'm waiting to hear what comes back to me within the 42 days, but I'm quite prepared to go to court and just say I'm sorry. This just doesn't seem fair."I'm not challenging why they don't allow it anymore. I'm challenging the fact that it had been common practice for, I don't know, at least 10 years. And, it seemed like a good community service. Everybody that wanted to buy a car locally, knew that you could look there, and lo and behold, there generally would be four or five cars there.There was another car parked and for sale at the same time as Lindy's; however, she is not aware if the owner was fined.A Lismore City Council spokesperson told the Lismore App, "It’s an offence to park on a nature strip. These vehicles damage the nature strip and cause a distraction to traffic on the approach to a very busy roundabout. "We request people remove their vehicles to prevent infringements being issued."For Lindy, that is not the point."The fact is that they decided, obviously, to change the use of that area where they'd always tolerated it in previous times and not alert anybody to the change of usage. That's my sort of thinking. It is not terribly fair. "Lindy said she would have liked council to erect a sign to notify potential sellers that they will be fined. For the rest of Lismore who were thinking of selling their car on a nature strip in the Lismore LGA, beware that it could result in a $320 fine.

Farmers have issued a fresh call to fix regional roads as new mapping reveals the extent of the road damage on country roads.   NSW Farmers’ Business Economics and Trade Committee member Andrew Martel said the release of the Australian Road Assessment Program’s NSW map this week should come as a wake-up call to all governments following years of flood damage and a lack of maintenance to the road network. “The map shows that no matter where you are in the state, everyone’s got a road or bridge that has been allowed to fall into a dangerous state,” Mr Martel said. “Besides the danger, these roads are a drain on productivity for agriculture and indeed all industry and business, adding to the cost of living and slowing growth in regional areas. “All extra damage to vehicles from these roads also costs money and lowers productivity.”Urgent funding from local state and federal government was needed to get NSW’s roads and bridges back on track, Mr Martel warned, as road users continued to see conditions deteriorate.“This map doesn’t even include local council roads, which are in an even worse state and require urgent extra funding through increased funding for Financial Assistance Grants,” Mr Martel said. “The value of this funding has been allowed to slip, but needs to be restored to the original level of 1 per cent of Commonwealth revenue to enable these road repairs.“Safe roads doesn’t just mean safe families – it means stronger productivity that will enable us to keep improving and repairing our roads as we see fit.”

The wet winter weekend weather pattern is set to continue and create havoc with every sporting game or match across Lismore and the Northern Rivers.According to the Bureau of Meteorology, if we are lucky, we will only receive 7mm over the two days. However, if we are unlucky, 35mm of rain could fall. The likelihood of any rain is very high, with a 95% chance for Saturday and 90% chance on Sunday.As is typical lately, the shower activity drops to 40% next week.Markets and art exhibitions are What's On this weekend.MARKETSAs we know, the Lismore Farmers Markets are on rain, hail or sunshine, so the gates will open at 7:30am tomorrow at the Lismore Showgrounds.Fresh fruit & veg, deserts, meat, coffee & tea, hot breakfasts and live music from Monkey & the Fish on offer for four hours.The Channon Markets are on Sunday between 9am and 3pm at Coronation Park in the hills of the Lismore LGA, with over 220 stalls selling food, fresh fruit and veg as well as many craft and art stalls.They can be susceptible to the weather, but organisers offered encouraging words earlier today. "The grounds are holding strong, the grass is loving the drink, and we reckon this rain is just nature’s way of rolling out a fresh green carpet for Sunday."ARTSIt is the final weekend to view Jacklyn Wagner's Through the Heart photographic exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.Over 100 of Jacklyn's photographs capture the emotion and heartache of the 2022 floods are on display. The gallery is open 10am to 4pm both days.The 2024 Archibald Prize continues its exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.This is only the second time the Archibald has made its way to Lismore. You have until the end of August to view the works of the 57 finalists.The Lismore Art Club is celebrating 65 years of creativity, support and nurturing of local artists.The 65th anniversary exhibition runs until Friday, August 22. It can be viewed at Flourish Art Gallery, 15 Casino Street, South Lismore.LIVE MUSICHerman's Hermits: the popular English group from the 1960s and '70s are on a 60th Anniversary World Tour. They perform at the Lismore Workers Club tonight (August 8) from 8pm. Tickets are $59 each; you can make a last-minute booking here.Coming up in August:Fleetwood Max: next Thursday, August 14, is when you can sing-along to the many hits of Fleetwood Mac. Tickets are $49.The Everly Brothers - Morning Melodies: on Wednesday, August 20. This is a lunchtime show where you will learn about the beautiful harmonies of Phil and Don Everly and hear their hits, like Bird Dog and Cathy's Clown.The Northern Rivers Hotel has live music from Wear the Fox Hat on Saturday night from 7pm.CHEAPEST PETROL PRICESBallina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 174.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street in Lismore, 175.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 175.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 177.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the Astron and Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 197.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 across Casino, and 189.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

The people of Lismore and the Northern Rivers recognise the need for more social housing to address the growing number of homeless in the region, following Facebook posts from political activists that claimed free housing was available in NSW-owned buyback properties. Today, the NSW Government is releasing its NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035 with the goal that being homeless is a rare, brief and not repeated situation.Led by Homes NSW, the whole-of-government 10-year strategy is the first of its kind in New South Wales and will shift the state's system to focus on early intervention, local coordination and long-term housing outcomes.Developed in collaboration with homelessness and housing services, people with lived experiences of homelessness and Aboriginal organisations, the Strategy outlines a coordinated approach to homelessness reform across government, the homelessness and housing sectors, local services and communities.Key reforms in the first stage of implementation include:Replacing hotel and motel stays with more appropriate homelessness accommodation delivered with supports that are tailored to the person or family’s needs.Developing local housing and homelessness collaboration networks in partnership with local homelessness services, housing providers, councils, to identify and address service gaps, reduce duplication and target resources where they will have the most impact.Establishing a NSW Street Sleeping Registry to improve service coordination for people sleeping rough by ensuring people don’t have to keep retelling their story and better coordinating access to housing and support.Developing new targeted responses for young people and Aboriginal people who face particular challenges in the service system.Designing a system-wide Housing First approach for NSW with the homelessness and housing sector, so people can access stable housing as quickly as possible, with the supports they need.Reducing exits from government services into homelessness, through new cross-agency governance, referral pathways and better service system responses.The NSW Government will continue to work with the sector as these reforms are developed and implemented.This is the latest in the NSW Government’s action to make the housing system in New South Wales fairer, which has so far seen:A record $6.6 billion investment into social housing and homelessness through the Building Homes for NSW program.The delivery of over 1,700 homes over the past year, the largest increase in government-built public, community and affordable homes in over a decade.The upgrading of over 6000 social homes.The social housing waitlist reduced by an average of 8 months across New South Wales.Modular housing being utilised for mass public housing for the first time in New South Wales, with over 90 modular public homes to be delivered over the next year.For more information, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/homelessness-strategy Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said, "We are formalising and embedding the Housing First approach as the official government policy to end homelessness in NSW. This approach ensures that people have stable housing first, backed in by the support they need to rebuild their lives.""This strategy is a first for our state. It’s a game-changing, long-term approach to homelessness that shifts our focus from crisis management to prevention and support.""You simply cannot take on a complicated challenge like homelessness without a strategy. Without a plan, your interventions are random and uncoordinated, and you can’t make or measure progress. We are changing that.""The establishment of the NSW Street Sleeping Registry will revolutionise how we coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness. No one will have to tell their story repeatedly. We’ll connect them to housing and support faster and more effectively." Dom Rowe, CEO of Homelessness NSW, said, “The cost of living crisis our communities are facing sees more people living in their cars, couch surfing between friends' places and worst of all sleeping rough on our streets.“Our sector has been calling for a whole-of-government response to this crisis, that acknowledges a need to respond now but also sets a reform agenda for the future. “This Homelessness Strategy answers that call and sets a path to a better future for people at risk of homelessness and the services that support them.”

Lismore's entertainment options have been slim for three and a half years now. Rollerworld has been the standalone option for family entertainment, and the Lismore Cinema will hopefully reopen by the end of the year.Brad Crouch has seen the lack of entertainment and opened The Cro's Nest in Carrington Street, where Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin's office was post-flood.The Cro's Nest will appeal to families as a lot of parents and grandparents would have grown up racing Scalextric slot cars and Warhammer tabletop games.Brad and his adopted father played the two games for 25 years before his passing. Since then, everything has been sitting in storage, gathering dust."There's not much happening around the area. My little fella turned 11 earlier at the end of last year, and there's not really much for me to do with him. So we thought, why not get it out and do something that people can enjoy?"So, we've sort of put some hobby stuff back in and got the tracks up and running, and hopefully it's something that gets a bit of up and go."Some people may recognise Brad's name as he owned Armageddon Games in Magellan Street, but had to close that in 2010 due to health issues.At the moment, there is one slot car track available. However, Brad is working hard to make it three by early October.(Brad demonstrating the slot car track at the front of the store)"This one is an analog, which is two cars, two lanes, individual lanes. The back track is a four-car digital setup, so you can run four cars on the track at a time."Each car gets programmed into an individual controller. They can run nose to tail in one lane, or they can go out to the two lanes. They can change lanes."And then we're slowly building a scale replica of Mount Panorama as a six-car digital set, which we'll use for our race leagues. That will be in the back room. That's under construction, we're just waiting on a few bits."The gaming room next door is set up for Warhammer, Necromunda and Blood Bowl tabletop games, which involve tabletop miniatures."Necromunda is another small skirmish gaming system. And then we've got Blood Bowl, which is basically like American football, but it's based on the Warhammer universe, but done with war gaming miniatures.For the uninitiated, the tabletop games are played with individual rule books, dice, templates and tape measures."The idea is that it's basically a campaign-style game with objectives. So, the idea is to capture objectives throughout the games and hold objectives. Everything's done on a set game length and set points limits. Every individual unit has a points cost. You agree on a points limit before the game. You build your army out to the points limit, and then they come in and play."Everything's done in inches. And then we have dice for all our rolls, for everything, for hitting, wounding, saving. It's recreational battles."You do need to allow some time to play the games as the short 750 or 1000 point games take about an hour to an hour and half, while the standard tournament size game is 2000 points, which takes around three and half hours to play.The good news is the table and setting are free. Each individual pays for the miniatures they purchase, and that depends on the size of the game you want to play.For beginners who want to learn, Brad is available to explain the rules of battle."I started in the gaming system 34 years ago. I started out with a small paint set and a couple of models, and worked my way up from there."The Cro's Nest can be booked for birthday parties for something different for a couple of hours.Brad is open:Wednesday: 4pm to 10pmThursday and Friday: 11am to 11:30pmSaturday: 10am to 11:30pmSunday: 10am to 9pm.The reason for the late nights?"It focuses on people who are in the older age bracket. They obviously work and can't get in for games during the day that need that three, three and a half hour mark. If people are going home, feed the kids, that sort of stuff, they come down at 7:30pm or 8 o'clock, and they've got time to get a full game through without feeling like they're rushed."That's been good for us, and it certainly works for our Fridays and Saturday nights."While the tables are free for tabletop games, the slot cars have a small fee:15 minutes with own car $615 minutes with their car $930 minutes with own car $1030 minutes with their car $13The Cro's Nest is at 14 Carrington Street, Lismore CBD. It's worth a look for some different entertainment.

The Lismore Library had some VIP guests taking a tour of the renovated building on Magellan Street yesterday afternoon. VIP in terms of their importance to the Lismore Library rebuild and to libraries in general in NSW.Representatives from the State Library and the Library Council of NSW visit 361 libraries around the state. Lismore has not been visited for approximately ten years.The Library Council of NSW is the governing body of the State Library, and issues guidelines for NSW public libraries under the Library Act 1939 (NSW).The State Library funded the Lismore Library flood recovery to the tune of about $800,000. So, on a Northern Rivers library tour, which finishes tomorrow at the Tweed Heads Library, the large group spent time listening to Lismore Area Librarian Michael Lewis as he explained the damage caused by the February 28, 2022 big flood and the rebuild to its current state.Michael set up photographic displays to show the before-and-after comparison as he walked through the three levels of the historic building."We're very excited to be here in Lismore," Caroline Butler-Bowden NSW State Librarian told the Lismore App."About twice a year, we go on a regional tour where we come and visit libraries. And part of it is to see for ourselves what's happening in the library space, but it's also to talk to librarians, talk to library managers, to understand, get insights about what the future needs for libraries are.(Lismore Area Librarian Michael Lewis on the ground level explaining why the brick walls are not painted and how the information desk was constructed as part of the library rebuild)"The state funds $42 million of the State Library of New South Wales budget for libraries across New South Wales, and part of our act is this incredible connection and sort of system of libraries across the state. But we're particularly thrilled to be in Lismore today because we wanted to see first-hand the recovery, but far more than that, we've heard that the library is a symbol of hope, and hard work and community spirit and support."We can look at photographs and things, but nothing beats actually coming here, and having a tour and listening to Michael and to just understand, I think, the value of the connection between state and local government too when it comes to libraries. But much more than that, to really see for ourselves this library as the cornerstone of the community."One thing I've really learned by walking around here is this incredible ingenuity, too. That cleverness of thinking about how to use these spaces perhaps differently. And listening to how it's been designed, and how the community has been at the centre of that."Caroline spoke about the role that libraries play in our lives, even in an age when we have so much information at our fingertips."We often see that with libraries, they are much more than buildings. They are places where everyone's welcome, and everyone feels a part of the community. Here, they're free. There's no pay barrier to participation."These libraries always run different groups and different sessions, whether it's for children or community activities and things like that. So it's nice to see it at different times of the day as well. And imagine what's possible here?"The architecture, the actual bricks and mortar, are important, but it's actually the life of the library, and that is about the work of librarians and the people who work in the library to get people connected to reading, and excited about what they're seeing. Nothing beats a child coming in and being helped by a librarian to find a topic of interest."All the great libraries have great collections at the heart, it is still books and DVDs and audiobooks, but they also have spaces where people can sit, meet other people, dwell, where they can study."As we've been wandering through this small library. We can see people study, we can see people in the local history area, we've seen people reading newspapers, we've seen parents and carers reading to children. There's even a yoga class happening in one of the meeting rooms."They're places, yes, for reading and learning and literacy and education, no question. But they're also places for recreation and community, connection and culture and all those other great things that make up a place."The other things we see is that, yeah, libraries have become really central to strong community life, and I think this is an amazing example of it here, where you can see the heart and the grit and the determination to bring something back, because libraries matter, they've never mattered more."The Lismore Library, 110 Magellan Street, is open:Monday to Wednesday: 9:30am am to 5pmThursday: 9:30am to 7pmFriday 9:30am to 5pmSaturday: 9am to 1pmSunday: 1pm to 4pm

The NSW Government is looking for apprentices, trainees and training providers to contribute to a survey as they search for the best way forward to construct 377,000 new homes by mid-2029 as part of the National Housing Accord, a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments.The Federal Government target is 1.2 million new homes by mid-2029. According to an ABC story, a leading property reasearcher, Cortality, has indicated the construction industry cannot keep pace to achieve those targets. So, the NSW Government is starting a comprehensive review of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001.The Review begins with a statewide Have Your Say survey, inviting apprentices, trainees, employers, and training providers to share their experiences and shape improvements to the system.The aim is to strengthen the apprenticeship and traineeship framework by making it easier to navigate, more flexible, and better matched to the real-world needs of priority industries like construction, care and support, technology, and clean energy.It’s also about improving outcomes, especially for young people in regional NSW, and making sure the system supports more apprentices and trainees to complete their training and step into long-term, rewarding careers.The Review is a key commitment of the NSW Skills Plan, and will be backed by roundtables with local employers, unions, training providers and apprentices and trainees across the state in the coming months.For more information, and links to the Have Your Say survey please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/resources/apprenticeship-and-traineeship-act-review.Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said, “We’re rebuilding the skills system so that it delivers for NSW. Not just for now, but for the long term.“This review is about making apprenticeships and traineeships work better for the people who use them - students, employers, and training providers.“We want a system that reflects today’s economy and helps more people get the skills they need for good jobs, especially in the regions and in industries crying out for workers.“The feedback we get from the community will play a huge role in shaping the changes. We’re committed to making this review practical, inclusive, and focused on results.”

Now that Pine Street has been cleared of squatters, Paul Paitson is the last man standing on Pine Street.It will certainly be a lot quieter than usual for the sole homeowner who said no to the Resilient Homes Program buyback offer.While there is a lot of time ahead before the Pine Street houses are assessed and then relocated, dismantled and recycled or demolished, the term 'compulsory acquisition' will surely enter Paul's head."Well, I haven't heard anyone tell me it's compulsory; that they're going to force me out," Paul told the Lismore App earlier this year. In fact, compulsory acquisition has only been used once by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA), and that was when purchasing a parcel of land for the Resilient Lands Program on the North Lismore Plateau for 85 blocks, which is still being negotiated. The NSWRA has the power to use the "Land Acquisition Act".With more houses being removed each week, vacant blocks are starting to link up. Lismore City Council and the NSWRA must be considering how flood-prone land in North Lismore can be used in the future. Compulsory acquisition must form part of those discussions.Paul was offered over $500,000 for his Pine Street property through the Resilient Homes Program. He explained why he turned it down."The reason I didn't take it is because I've got an acre of land all the way to the end of the street. For 36 years, I've been planting fruit and nut trees, natives and everything. I've got this massive little garden. Every tree you see, I planted, just about. You know, I'm just attached to it."When you have lived in a flood zone for 36 years, you come up with creative ideas to survive a flood."I've got systems like that," Paul said, pointing to a boat-like object."That's my floating garage. It's got all my stuff in it, and it just floats around. It's on a big piece of foam tied to a palm tree. I put it back where it belongs when it's done. And I've been through that many floods, it just doesn't bother me."I don't want to leave. If I could stay, I'll stay, man. They haven't really talked to me about being forced out."When you live in a house for 36 years and have experienced many floods, you know its history."The house is solid. Not one stick has moved. Look at that. These steel pylons go in concrete two metres deep in the ground, and the house is bolted to I-Beams this big because this was part of that grant where they raised all these houses. It was federal and state and local money that went together to raise 36 houses way back when, I can't remember the year, but it was a long time ago, at least 15 years or something, and they did such a good job. I mean, that is absolutely rock solid. It's not going anywhere. There's no way it's ever going anywhere."Even with the cyclone, I wasn't worried, because I strapped the roof down with steel strapping. These old houses, you can't buy these anymore. Every stud in the entire house is a mortise and tenon cut joint at the top and the bottom of every single stud. I can just picture an army of little apprentices chiselling away. That's why it's still here 136 years later. That's how old the house is, as far as my deeds show. It was built in 1889."I'm so well prepared. I've got an attic room up in the top, and I've got some of that cold room panel under my bed so that if it ever comes in the house, I'll just throw everything on my bed and lock the door and let it go up and float."If Paul's pride and joy were to be compulsorily acquired, there would be a high chance that he would relocate it, hopefully to a new block on the North Lismore Plateau.

The NSW Government has made an offer in response to the NSW Nurses and Midwives request for a historic increase to night shift penalties, as well as improvements to the working conditions of nurses and midwives.The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association will take the proposal to their 80th Annual Conference this week, followed by a vote on the offer from their members.The offer would see night shift penalties increased to 20 per cent, on par with what some of the highest-paid nurses in Australia receive. Nurses and midwives have been campaigning for decades, across multiple governments, to increase this loading in NSW.Nurses and midwives will also see improvements to their working conditions and work-life balance, including:Two consecutive days offNo night shifts before annual leave unless requestedNo changes on published roster without consultation Nurses and midwives would receive a 3.5 per cent interim pay increase (including the recent 0.5% increase to super) back paid to July 1 2025, while the Industrial Relations Commission considers the remainder of their special case for gender equity and other improvements to salaries.The improvement to night shift loadings and interim pay rise follows an 8 per cent increase to pay (including a 1% increase to super) for nurses over the first two years of the Minns Labor Government. The interim offer forms part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive plan to deliver the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “The offer on night shift penalties and improvements to working conditions is an important step towards the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.“We now look forward to the independent umpire delivering a wages agreement for nurses and midwives, after 12 years of the Coalition’s unfair wages cap.”Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “After 12 years of neglect and a lack of investment in our health system, the NSW Government is rebuilding essentials service by investing in the workers that deliver them.“As a show of good faith, we are offering another interim pay increase of 3 per cent and boosting the night shift penalty rate for our hard-working nurses and midwives across NSW.“We look forward to having the remaining wage claims being resolved through the Industrial Relations Commission process.”Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said, “This offer is long overdue recognition for nurses and midwives who have been campaigning for a long time. We are proud to support those who care for our communities day and night.“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state's essential services and reforming the industrial relations system. “That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace“Our offer to a historic increase in night shift penalties and improved working conditions for nurses and midwives reflects our commitment to valuing frontline workers.”

The long-awaited removal of illegal squatters in NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) owned buyback houses by the NSW Sheriff's Office occurred today.A large team of Sheriff's Officers arrived in convoy to enforce the Supreme Court writs to regain possession of 10 buyback properties in Lismore and Mullumbimby.The NSWRA won its case against the squatters in May this year, and served the notice to vacate in mid-June, giving squatters 30 days to leave the premises. However, they were given two weeks' reprieve when the date was changed to July 25, and the final execution date was today, August 6.The Lismore App attended the Pine Street enforcement, which happened peacefully. Occupiers cooperated with the Sheriff's Office directions and began moving personal items to a shed or on the property verge. Squatters were given a phone number to call so they could organise a time for the items to be collected at a later date.Richmond Police District had officers on standby in case there was resistance or protests to stop the Sheriff's Officers from executing their job, but Commander Dave Roptell said the operation went smoothly for all properties."There were no issues or arrests made from our side," Commander Roptell said.Homes NSW were in attendance to offer squatters emergency accommodation options. As reported on July 7, the emergency accommodation will be across Lismore motels until suitable social housing options can be found. It was not known if any of the squatters accepted the services of Homes NSW.Once the squatters had removed what items they wanted to keep, the property was then signed over to the NSWRA as a vacated property.What is left inside each property will be the responsibility of the NSWRA to remove and dispose of, adding further cost to the reported $400,000 for the Supreme Court proceedings. Lismore City Council will also need to empty bins and clean up the rubbish on the street verge.Below are photos from inside houses on Pine Street.Security guards were being placed at properties, and new fencing was being erected for properties where they had been removed.Each of the ten properties will now be rapidly assessed by the NSWRA to determine their condition, and whether they are to be relocated, carefully dismantled and recycled or demolished.

The state's first dedicated NSW Office for Youth was launched yesterday so that young people can be directly involved in the government decision-making process.This comes as the NSW Government’s 2024 Youth Summit Report shows 76% of young people feel unheard in government decision-making. However, will an Office for Youth really engage and solve the problems of youth?The state government says that:For more than a decade, young people in New South Wales have lacked a central point of engagement within government. The former Liberal-National government abolished the youth portfolio in 2011, silencing the voice of young people in executive government.The new NSW Office for Youth will change that.Young people made their expectations clear through 12 months of consultation and at the 2024 NSW Youth Summit: consultation without follow-through is no longer acceptable. They called for genuine influence in shaping policy. The Minns Labor Government has listened and is taking action:The Office for Youth will:Engage young people on their terms - in urban and regional areas, online, and through community-based initiatives.Embed youth perspectives across government policies and programs from the outset, not as an afterthought.Cut through red tape and duplication that currently existsFrom climate and housing to justice, mental health, and equity, young people in NSW have consistently shown leadership. The NSW Office for Youth will ensure that leadership is formally recognised, respected, and integrated into decision-making processes across government.The NSW Government is committed to building a future where young people are not only heard but are active contributors to the decisions that shape their lives.Also released today key findings of the 2024 Youth Summit Report show:76% of young people say government doesn’t listen.Cost of living is the top issue, followed by mental health and vaping.1 in 10 have experienced homelessness.85% voted in 2023 but still feel shut out.The report can be found here. Chair of Youth Advisory Council said, “I’m excited to see how the Minister for Youth, along with the Advocate, will work together to ensure that all young people across the state, feel supported, valued and listened to.” Minister for Youth, Rose Jackson, said, “The decisions we make as a government today, will affect generations to come so it is absolutely imperative that they are a part of the conversation. That’s what this is about.“Young people have been ignored for way too long. Former NSW Liberal/National Government’s have cut the youth portfolio entirely- we’re putting it back, front and centre where it belongs.”“This new Office isn’t just a nameplate on a door- it’s a proper, central place where young people are heard, respected, and actually help steer the ship.“We’re not here to tick boxes or run another round of pointless consultation. This is about real change. Young people told us what they want and we’re getting on with it. Zoë Robinson Advocate for Children and Young People, said, “The Office for Youth brings together expertise from across government to continue to engage with and ensure young people’s voices are not just heard but will inform policy and decisions that will impact them today and, in the future,”Milly Bannister Founder & CEO of ALLKND said, “Young people aren’t just the future, they’re here, now, shaping communities and tackling challenges head‑on. The launch of the Office for Youth is an opportunity to put their voices where they belong – at the heart of decision‑making.“At ALLKND, we see every day how powerful it is when young people are trusted to co‑design solutions that affect their mental health and wellbeing. This initiative signals a genuine commitment to listening to and learning from the lived experiences of young people across New South Wales, and I’m proud to stand behind it.”