The purchase of 72 hectares of flood-free land from Southern Cross University that will see the development of 400 new housing blocks was Lismore's worst-kept secret.Yesterday, the purchase of the land in East Lismore, along Crawford Road, was officially announced by Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Mal Lanyon, and Vice-Chancellor of Southern Cross University (SCU) Ben Roche.The potential deal was announced 12 months ago, when NSWRA and SCU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the first project as part of the $100 million Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Program.When asked why discussions took twelve months, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said once the MOU was signed, the talks began."Who's going to develop it? How is it going to be developed? Will it be the university as a development partner? Will it be the RA or Landcom? As you could imagine, bringing everyone together just takes time, and to work out what is the best plan, so that we can deliver the best for the local community. It was just a process that had to be worked through."Once complete, the development will go a long way toward addressing Lismore's housing shortage by providing 400 new housing lots and 50 Build to Rent apartments, 20% of which will be allocated for affordable housing.Ms Saffin said she wanted to ensure the RA and Landcom make them really affordable."We often talk about affordable housing. And when people say, what is it? It sometimes defies description. I want it to be really affordable. We don't have to build the McMansions. We don't have to do that. We can build lovely homes, smaller homes, but beautiful places to live in. And I want to see some of that here as well, so people can really afford them."The site, in East Lismore, is being developed for new land and homes in partnership with Landcom, the NSW Government’s land and property developer.The development will include a diverse range of land sizes as part of its housing options. It also includes residential lots for new builds and, importantly, land suitable for relocating existing homes from flood-affected areas. NSWRA's CEO Mal Lanyon said flood-affected residents will get first dibs when the blocks become available."Our firm focus is to start with those residents who were part of the Resilient Homes Program as a buyback. We want to make sure that those people have the first opportunity to get land here."What's exciting about this space is the mix of housing that will go on, as well. As I have said before, low and medium density, and also Build to Rent. It's been a really exciting partnership. Obviously, there's been a lot of work to get through, and I really thank Southern Cross University for the way that they have worked with the Reconstruction Authority and Landcom."The blocks will be offered at prices that reflect the local market.SCU's Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Education Impact, Ben Roche, said the university has been working behind the scenes from day one post flood to think about what role it can play in the recovery of Lismore."This development here in this really beautiful location will not only provide new opportunities for housing, but it will also add further activation to the existing suburbs in East Lismore. It will provide close proximity to four schools that are within walking distance, and many other assets just around the corner and the Lismore campus of Southern Cross University. We're thrilled that this is going ahead."Mr Roche said the money from the sale will be put towards creating the ambitious masterplan it released about 18 months ago."Post '22, the campus has become a vibrant education precinct, home to three schools and TAFE and a range of other activities, including the Medicare Mental Health Hub. So, we're really looking at how we continue to reinvest in the campus and grow the infrastructure base on campus. It's that old saying, we can do more together than we can alone."And so building shared infrastructure on campus, whether it's new amenities that the education students can access, whether it's sports infrastructure or whatever it might be, that is vitally important for us in realising the master plan for the future. So, any of this activity goes in support of that."Landcom will invest $60 million to develop the site, and the RA is contributing up to $15 million for the land and funding for enabling infrastructure, including new roads, power, water and sewerage connections.Consultation between Landcom, Lismore City Council and the RA is underway to progress a master plan for the site and to ensure new housing and community infrastructure will be delivered as quickly as possible."We're working very closely with Landcom now, as the delivery partner. Landcom have great expertise in putting together housing packages and land. The first thing that the community will see will certainly be the Build to Rent, and that was something that the minister announced before. I expect that will be in 2026 when we will see those homes."We're working very closely with Landcom now to be able to put out that master plan, so the community can see that with a view that there will be a timeline for what that looks like."As you can imagine, with such wonderful land as there is here, there's going to be a lot of enabling infrastructure that's going to have to go into the land to make sure it supports the housing. So we'll be working through that. But as soon as we've got that settled with Landcom and we've got a time for the master plan, we'll very much work through the community with that."Landcom CEO Alexander Wendler said, “The impact of the floods continues to be felt in Lismore and is exacerbated by the current housing crisis. We recognise this hardship and are stepping up to provide more housing opportunities to accommodate the needs of the local community.“Landcom is making homes happen. This project will unlock housing to suit a range of needs with diverse, sustainable and affordable options.’

Monday was opening day in Lismore and nearby Wollongbar, with Blakebrook Public School, the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital, and the new purpose-built community services hub in Goonellabah all declared open.The new building in Goonellabah brings together staff from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Homes NSW, and Youth Justice, enabling better family and community support across government services. These essential services need to be on deck and available at all times – none more so than DCJ if we have a crisis or natural disaster, as the lead agency to establish and operate evacuation centres. The new purpose-built office will allow local staff and caseworkers to return from temporary sites, where they have often worked from demountables, cars and home following their displacement due to the 2022 floods. The NSW Government has opened three other government offices in Lismore as part of the recovery effort:17 Conway Street, opened August 2024214 Molesworth Street, opened October 202421 Conway Street, opened November 2024 Together, these facilities restore permanent infrastructure for government operations in the Northern Rivers, supporting the ongoing delivery of vital services to local communities. (Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin admires new artwork by Sheldon Harrington inside the new building)“We are deeply committed to ensuring the people of Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers region continue to receive the support they need to rebuild, recover, and thrive," Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said.Minister Washington also wanted to acknowledge case workers and staff whose work often goes unseen and unappreciated by the broader community."Primarily, I really want to thank all of the case workers, child protection, out of home care, staff, all the DCJ teams who are here today. I want to acknowledge the importance of your work. I acknowledge that it is so often unseen, and I want you to know that our government sees you and that we are doing everything we can to try and make sure you feel valued. And this office is a big step in that direction. We know we've still got a lot more work to do." Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, took the opportunity to thank the minister for getting vulnerable children out of motels."I just want to commend Kate, and I have to say this here, because it doesn't get said enough since she's been minister and with her agency, and all of you, she has worked to get our most vulnerable children out of motels and into proper care. And I just really want to acknowledge her and all of you and say that's just one of the best things. We talk about buildings, we talk about structures, but how good is that at a human level?"“As the local member, I want to thank all the local people who have had to engage with and visit DCJ, Homes NSW and Youth Justice, as I know it wasn’t always easy. I also want to acknowledge and thank the frontline DCJ, Homes NSW and Youth Justice staff who’ve worked through difficult conditions to keep services running. The new home of DCJ, Homes NSW and Youth Justice is the old Northern Star building on Ballina Road, Goonellabah, near the Holland Street roundabout.

The Richmond Police District are looking for two people, one is in connection with a theft incident and the other is a missing person.Lismore TheftPolice are appealing for information following a stealing incident in Lismore on the 14th of July 2025.Police have released CCTV images of a person they wish to speak to and who may be able to assist with the investigation.Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact Lismore Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Police Ref: E100993472Missing PersonCan you help us find Phillip?Phillip, aged 60, was last seen at Grafton Train Station, boarding a train that was headed toward the Casino area on Friday, 18 July 2025.He was last seen wearing black pants, grey jumper with a red flannelette shirt underneath.Anyone who sees him is urged to contact Grafton Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote E 87316481.

The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) was officially opened today, with a large crowd of supporters in attendance at its location on Lindendale Road, Wollongbar. The Wildlife Hospital is situated on Crown land, conveniently located between Lismore and Ballina, in a building designed and purpose-built to provide specialist care for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife.Following a Welcome to Country by Ricky Cook, Madeleine Faught, Chair and Volunteer Board Member of NRWH, told the crowd that it has been a long and hard journey to reach this point."I think of the pain of the challenges, the delays, the weather, COVID, are now behind us, and we get to move forward from here on, and we're already working with a lot of animals, so there is a lot to be happy for and a lot to look forward to in terms of our wonderful animal survival."Ms Faught was referring to a journey that began over 10 years ago with a conversation between Sue Higginson (now NSW Greens MP) and the late Tony Gilding (Macadamia Castle, conservationist and environmentalist).(A large crowd is waiting for the official opening of the NRWH)Treasurer of NRWH Ninian Gemmell told the crowd that in 2018, a small group of people held a community meeting."A group of about eight people sat around Megan Kearney's Ballina surgery dining room table and sort of formulated how we would take this project forward, and we formed the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital Limited with three inaugural directors.""Now, whilst we had no money, we had no land, we just had the desire to create a facility for the benefit of the community on public land, and it was aimed to be a member-based and community-based project."In 2020, the NRWH signed an MOU with the Department of Primary Industries about using crown land and the existing building. In October 2020, a lease was signed."We always wanted it to be centrally located across all seven local government areas in this region, and we're pretty close. Wollongbar is pretty close to that. So we're very grateful for being able to tick off those aspects of our strategy."Construction of the new building commenced in August 2023. Mr Gemmell acknowledged that the NRWH ran into complications that required items to be replaced, not refurbished, adding significant costs and time to complete the project.He thanked not only the volunteer members and staff but also the organisations, governments and philanthropists who generously donated or funded the project, including the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), the Commonwealth Government and the NSW Government and their parliamentarians in Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, Member for Ballina Tamara Smith and Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and the Environment, Penny Sharpe.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, who cut the ribbon on the new building, thanked all the volunteers for their selfless, sigh unseen, hard work."What I want to say about the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital is that it's totally 100% community-owned, community-driven, and community-run. Everyone is a volunteer. A lot of good things that happen in the community come from a group of good people, like-minded people who come together and say, This is a need. And that's what everybody did, and we ended up with the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital."I feel so pleased to have the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital here. It speaks about our community. It speaks about our values, what we value as a community."Dr Megan Kearney, another Volunteer Board Member and Chair of the Vet Advisory Committee, gave some insights into why the NRWH was needed."When I did my study in 2018, it was something like 10,000 wild animals were rescued every year by dedicated wildlife carers, so Wires, Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers, Friends of the Koala and Australian Seabird Rescue. It is creeping towards 14,000 animals a year now."We know that through research, if rescued wild animals receive veterinary assessments and treatment within the first 24 hours of being rescued, then we can improve the outcomes for wildlife. And that's really what's motivating me and many of us as part of the team in the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital, we want to improve outcomes for wildlife."Stage TwoThis is only the first stage of the NRWH. It is the critical element of a vision that includes the development of a dedicated animal pathology and diagnostic lab, vital for managing emerging threats such as avian influenza (bird flu) and koala retrovirus.The hospital also needs to secure funding for outdoor enclosures for animals requiring intermediate care and rehabilitation.In April this year, Dr Kearney said, “This hospital isn’t just about treatment — it’s about research and regional resilience. Our pathology centre will help identify and respond to the illnesses threatening some of Australia’s most iconic species."While stage one is to be acknowledged and celebrated, stage two is where attention has already turned to, and of course, the treatment and care of our injured wildlife.

The NSW Government has today announced more than $930,000 of funding to improve and promote recreational fishing across the North Coast region, ensuring money from the Recreational Fishing Trusts is spent on the ground supporting local anglers.The funding is part of the government’s plans to build fishing opportunities across the state and ensure that fishing remains accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for generations to come.The North Coast fishing community will see the benefits of new fishing infrastructure, with some $310,000 of grants awarded towards the construction of facilities, including:$280,000 for new accessible fishing platforms at Tumbulgum Village and Terranora Creek$11,987 for a new fish cleaning table and shelter at Wooli Terrace Boat RampYoung people and students on the North Coast will soon be able to learn important life skills and enjoy the benefits of casting a line, with $36,000 funding approved for:$7,510 to establish new fishing sessions for Banora Point High School students$7,500 for fishing for wellbeing primary school programs at Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South and Cudgen Public Schools$4,000 for resources for the new “Coastal Explorers” initiative for learning support classes at Maclean High School$8,300 for Sawtell Public School recreational fishing for sport each week$9,600 for Byron Youth Service Inc’s ‘Tight Lines’ fishing and mentoring programA further $586,000 over the next two years has also been allocated to the community partnership between OzFish and Landcare NSW to improve 40 waterways across the North Coast and the state.The funding, from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, demonstrates how licence fees are invested to boost recreational fishing in NSW, through new fishing infrastructure and programs to promote the well-being benefits of getting outside and casting a line. The North Coast grants are part of some $2.4 million in funding to be allocated in the latest round of grants.These grants are in addition to the NSW Government’s Get Hooked program, which allows primary and secondary schools to incorporate recreational fishing subjects in their curriculum.In 2024/25, more than 415,000 recreational fishing licences were issued, with all revenue raised reinvested into programs and projects that support and grow recreational fishing activity and the environment for vibrant fish habitats.Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “The NSW Government is proud to support projects that promote and build recreational fishing opportunities across the state and ensure that fishing remains accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for generations to come.“These grants are about making sure money from the Recreational Fishing Trust is funnelled back to on-the-ground activities and is supporting the fishers who are out wetting a line.“Whether it's a new fish cleaning tables or accessible fishing platforms for people with disabilities, these infrastructure projects make a real difference to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can enjoy recreational fishing.“It’s great to see programs funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust are helping young people experience the health, social, and emotional benefits of fishing.“As someone who understands the joy and relaxation fishing brings, I’m thrilled to see licence fees being invested back to fund so many great ideas.Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said, “Spending time by the water is something many in our region treasure — so it’s great to see funding towards projects that will improve recreational fishing on the North Coast and help our local community get the most out of our stunning waterways.“By investing in better fishing facilities from Tweed to Port Macquarie, these Recreational Fishing Trust Fund grants will make fishing more enjoyable for everyone, from families to seasoned locals.”“There is no doubt that recreational fishing can have a powerful impact on well-being, and these grants will help more North Coast youth experience those benefits in the short term and for years to come.”

The Gooley name is as synonymous with Lismore as the Volpato family. Since humble beginnings, both families have purchased quite a few buildings in Lismore's CBD.George Gooley Menswear has been located at its Molesworth Street location for sixty years. It has been a Lismore clothing institution for as long as most people can remember. Jean House and Gooleys Workwear followed in Woodlark Street.The Millers clothing store on Molesworth Street closed earlier this year. Its mother company, Mosaic, went into administration in October 2024, and the Receivers went about trying to find buyers for its brands, such as Rivers, Katies, Rockmans and Millers.The Millers building is owned by the Gooley family, and is a very large retail space that, usually, only national brands can afford to rent. Millers closing meant that the Gooley's had to rethink their business plan or the shop may go untenanted for the next two decades like another on Molesworth Street.(Inside the new Jean House and Gooleys Workwear shop on Molesworth Street)Ben Gooley, along with his brother Matt, share the role of General Manager of the Gooley stores. Ben told the Lismore App that Millers closure brought an opportunity for them to consolidate their three retail outlets."That was the start of the idea. We've outgrown where we were (Woodlark Street) because of the embroidery and print side of the business. We've just outgrown those shops. So, it was a really good opportunity to bring it around here. Logistically, it's going to be way easier for us.The new shop will be split into three sections: Jean House, Workwear and Embroidery and Digital Printing."Two-thirds of it will go to the Jean House side, and then another third to the Gooleys Workwear. But then, I'll expand the back area to incorporate my embroidery, digital printing and our web department, where we sell online. They will move here as well."A lot of their stock is picked out of those stores in Woodlock Street, and our web department is actually run from above the menswear shop in Molesworth Street. So, as I said, logistically, that's going to make our lives a lot easier as well."When it comes to future floods, Ben explained that his 600-kilogram embroidery machine can be moved using his van."I can still pop that in my van and get that out of town. But then there is a massive area upstairs that was still one and a half metres out of the '22 flood. So that's where all my stock will go from now on, instead of having to get that out of the CBD."Moving from Woodlark to the large Molesworth Street building allows for the two smaller buildings to be more easily rented out to future retail prospects.Ben and his team of nine are preparing the new building for a soft August 18 launch, so they can test the new systems and processes before an official launch in September."I guess it's a way for us to work out any issues. I've renovated a shop before, but I've never had a move this big. It's all got to run smoothly. There can't be hiccups. I need everything to work when I open the doors. So, if I'm going to have a song and dance, I want to make sure we dance and sing," Ben joked.Ben is excited about what the new building will offer customers."I think it's exciting. If you've shopped with us before, you're going to want to come and have a look. We're going to be able to do a way better job than what we're doing now, just with the extra floor space, spreading things out, things won't be as congested."I know it's difficult for people with prams. It's been a pain in the ass pushing a pram through our shops, so for us to be able to display stock better and make it easier for everyone to have a look at the products we've got. This is a great opportunity for us."For now, the preparation involves building many metres of racking, connecting the Ethernet, installing data points and getting new signage organised.As the sign on the doors says, "Gooley Things Happening. Watch This Space."

The NSW Government has released an interactive digital map showing the safety star ratings of more than 20,000 km of state and 15,000 km of regional roads. There has long been a discourse between state and local governments over the transfer of state roads to local councils, for which each council is responsible.The government says NSW is performing well compared with other Australian states and territories, with more than 71 per cent of all road travel taken on state roads rated 3 or more stars according to the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) national standard. The data was collected over the past 10 years.This means NSW is closing on the national target of 80 per cent of all road travel in the state being taken on state roads rated 3 or more stars by 2030 – roads that have the most modern safety features, such as barriers, divided dual carriageways and wide shoulders.The NSW Government continues to invest more than half a billion dollars into road safety in NSW to upgrade and improve our roads with the rollout of safety measures.While this map confirms NSW has some of the safest road corridors, including the Hume and Pacific Highways, it also highlights opportunities to increase road safety measures further:By far most state roads in NSW are rated 3 stars, which represents a high-quality road, which meets national and regulatory standards.Less than 1 per cent of roads are rated 5 stars (such as new and high-speed roads) and represent the newest and busiest roads, such as new or upgraded freeways and arterial routes.Some 90% of all road travel in NSW takes place on state roads rating 2 stars or more, with room to lift more roads to 3 stars through installing extra safety features.A further 23.5 per cent of travel is on state roads are rated 2 stars and 3.8 per cent rated 1 star. A 1-star rating does not mean unsafe. These roads have far less traffic and less installed safety features.AusRAP targets do not require all roads in NSW to become five-star; rather, they focus on lifting more of the network to three stars or above, focusing on those roads with higher traffic volumes, which research shows significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death.For example, going from 1 to 3 stars requires roadside barriers to protect road users from impacting power poles or trees, and increased shoulder width to allow more recovery time for drivers. Over two years, the Commonwealth-NSW Road Safety Program is improving an estimated 450 km of 1 and 2-star roads to at least 3 stars or greater.Not all roads need to be 5-stars, and not all 1-star roads need to be upgraded to be fit for purpose.In most cases, the biggest impact on road trauma comes from upgrading high-risk roads where people travel the most, resulting in reduced crash risk and trauma.The release of this data is part of the government’s effort to improve fairness and transparency across the road network, pinpointing locations for further investment.This map will enable evidence-based decision-making about road safety improvement funding, ensuring fairness in distributing safety infrastructure like barriers and wider shoulders.Other states are expected to release their mapping data in the coming months. However, NSW has gone beyond the national requirements by measuring not only State roads but also Regional roads for the first time. All states have committed to work together collaboratively and to share road safety information alongsideAustroads as the peak association of transport agencies.Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “We are being fair dinkum with the people of NSW.“While in NSW more than 71 per cent of all road travel taken on roads rated highly under the national standard, we know there is room to roll out more safety features on our roads.“We’re using this information to take a serious look at our road network and then leverage the data to deliver evidence-based upgrades and safety improvements.“You can’t fix what you don’t measure. This map shows us what’s working and where we can go further. It’s a vital step forward in making sure every region gets the safe, high-quality roads it deserves. “In the recent Budget, we announced we’re investing $2.8 billion in road safety projects across the state.“These are much-needed projects that will greatly reduce the risk of death and serious injury across our road network. For example, over two years, we will improve an estimated 450 km of the 1- and 2-star roads to at least 3 stars or greater. “We have been hard at work for two years, but cannot turn around 12 years of Liberal-National neglect overnight.“We know some parts of our network have been underfunded and insufficiently maintained. Labor has made historic investments in maintenance, road safety and upgrades, quintupling recovery funding.“Independent budget costings showed the Liberals and Nationals had budgeted $0 for new regional and rural road commitments for 2022-23 and 2023-2024, and only $85 million set to be delivered in the 2025/25 year. They only committed $230 million over four years, less than the $390 million we put out in our first year on regional road repair.“The Minns Labor Government is about delivering safer, smarter and fairer roads for everyone across NSW. We want to base investment decisions on data, not guesswork. We’re pulling every lever to save lives.”Geoff Allan, Chief Executive, Austroads said, “Austroads commends Transport for NSW for publishing their AusRAP results. Road safety star ratings are a powerful tool to help road managers prioritise improvements that save the most lives as quickly as possible, while providing transparency for the community.“As the national manager and coordinator of AusRAP, Austroads is looking forward to sharing results from other jurisdictions in the near future.“The NSW results show strong progress towards the 2030 target of 80% of travel on 3-star or better roads. But that milestone is just one step on our journey. Achieving our long-term vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on Australian and New Zealand roads by 2050 will require continued commitment and action.”You can view the interactive AusRAP map by clicking here.

The NSW Government will introduce tough new laws to crack down on the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vaping goods across the state.The legislation will see NSW introduce some of the toughest penalties in the country for the sale and commercial possession of illicit tobacco and will grant substantial powers to inspectors to close premises found to be in breach of the new rules.The amendments form part of the NSW Government’s commitment to protecting the community from the harms of tobacco and vapes, and will include, among other things:A new offence for the commercial possession of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment. New penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment.The introduction of short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco without a licence.New offences and penalties for anyone who breaches these closure orders, including for entering closed premises or selling products from closed premises.Lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order is in place.New nation-leading offences for falsely claiming to be licensed; resisting seizure; and attempting to retake seized products.In addition to the tough new measures in this new legislation, the NSW Government will also commence a targeted consultation on a new offence for landlords who knowingly lease their premises to illicit tobacco and vape suppliers.These new penalties and offences will complement the tobacco licensing scheme, which came into effect from 1 July 2025. The scheme ensures accurate information is collected on tobacco retailing and wholesaling activities in NSW to support enforcement efforts, deter tobacco retailing businesses from operating outside of the law and provide greater oversight of the tobacco retail industry.If an applicant has been found guilty of an offence relating to the sale or supply of tobacco or vaping goods, they could be refused a licence to sell these products.From 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025, NSW Health:conducted over 700 retailer inspections and seized:more than 90,000 nicotine vapes, e-liquids and pouches with an estimated street value around $2.9 million;more than 6 million cigarettes and 1,100 kg of other illicit tobacco products with an estimated street value of around $6.8 million; andissued around 150 penalty notices, totalling around $316,000.The NSW Government has established a cross-agency NSW Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, with senior representatives from NSW Health, NSW Police, the Department of Customer Service, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, and the Department of Communities and Justice.The Taskforce has developed options and recommendations for the NSW Government to strengthen compliance and enforcement activities in NSW to reduce the availability of illegal tobacco in the community. Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said, “We understand the community’s frustration at the growth of the illicit tobacco market.“These will be among the toughest penalties in the country and will send a clear message to bad actors that selling illegal tobacco and vaping goods will not be tolerated in NSW.“We are disrupting the business model of the large-scale criminals who profit from addiction, tax evasion, and putting young people at risk.“This isn’t just a serious health issue; it’s about fairness, because these illegal operators are undercutting small businesses that are doing the right thing. “I know many landlords have also expressed their concerns about illegal tobacco operations occurring on their premises. These new powers will give them certainty and the opportunity to terminate leases where there is a closure order in place.“These changes are on top of the tobacco licensing scheme, which came into effect on 1 July and will help to clean out bad actors in the NSW tobacco market and level the playing field for small businesses who do the right thing.”

Professor Henry Brodaty, a renowned clinician, researcher, policy advisor and Co-Director of UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), delivered a powerful address to the National Press Club this week entitled ‘Hope Beckons’, urging the Federal Government to back prevention-focused dementia research as a national productivity strategy.“We are at a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The science is clear: dementia is not inevitable, and we now have the tools to delay onset and slow progression,” Prof. Brodaty said.Over 400,000 Australians live with dementia, and this is expected to double by mid-century, carrying an estimated $3.7 billion economic burden in direct costs annually. “We don’t have a magic doorway out of this crisis, but we do have prevention, through smart investment in proven programs,” Prof. Brodaty said.Evidence of impact without additional costIn his address, Prof. Brodaty highlighted the delivery of the world’s largest digital dementia prevention trial led by CHeBA: Maintain Your Brain. The findings were compelling, highlighting that personalised, lifestyle-based intervention could significantly reduce dementia risk and improve cognitive and other health outcomes, all without adding extra burden to the healthcare system. New results announced today and published in the Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, quantified the differences in costs – direct healthcare and program costs – and effectiveness outcomes between the intervention and control groups from a healthcare sector perspective.  The findings confirm that the intervention is cost-neutral over three years, delivering measurable cognitive and health benefits at no additional cost compared to standard care. The trial was the largest online randomised controlled trial of its kind, involving more than 6,100 Australians aged 55-77 with at least two modifiable risk factors for dementia. After three years, participants who received personalised online coaching in physical activity, nutrition, cognitive training, and mental health showed significant improvements in cognitive performance and greater reductions in dementia risk compared to those who received general health information alone.Crucially, there was no significant difference in cost per person over the trial period. The costs of the program were almost completely matched by the savings in health costs over three years, indicating that the program delivers results without straining health budgets.“With Australia’s ageing population and growing dementia burden, investing in preventive programs could offer substantial health system savings while improving quality of life for older Australians,” said Prof. Brodaty. Brain health is a productivity issueDementia is not only a health crisis - it’s an economic one.Australia’s workforce is ageing. The proportion of workers aged 55 and over has doubled over the past three decades, now sitting at 19%. Maintaining their cognitive health is vital to national productivity.“With retirement ages rising and older adults participating more in the workforce, supporting cognitive health is a smart economic strategy,” Prof. Brodaty said.Family carers, often women, also face career sacrifices to care for loved ones with dementia, compounding productivity losses. Prevention is not just about adding years to life, but keeping Australians engaged, independent, and contributing longer.“People engaged in Maintain Your Brain use fewer healthcare resources, which offsets the cost of delivering the program. In the long run, the program will deliver additional benefits on cognitive, physical, mental and social health that will more than pay back its costs,” Prof. Brodaty said.A field transformed: The rise of dementia researchThe Maintain Your Brain trial builds on decades of scientific momentum – and Australia has played a major role in that progress. “Research is our friend here,” Prof. Brodaty said. “And the evidence base is growing stronger every year.”Next week, over 8,000 researchers and clinicians – many of them early-career – will gather at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto to explore the latest global developments in dementia prevention, diagnosis and care. “This is a dramatic shift from just 50 years ago,” Prof. Brodaty said. In 1972, not a single journal was devoted to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Today, there are more than 100 specialised journals publishing cutting-edge research across these fields. “Over four decades, we’ve moved from hopelessness to hope, from stigma to science. I’m proud to have been part of this transformation.” A call to actionIn 2024, the Australian Government released its National Dementia Action Plan. Prof. Brodaty says there needs to be immediate investment in a National Dementia Risk Reduction Program, built on the proven Maintain Your Brain model.“It’s time for a national movement for brain health, backed by research, scaled with urgency, and funded to save lives and money.”Australia cannot afford to delay. Investing in dementia prevention now will secure a healthier, more productive, equitable and resilient future for all Australians.

This Thursday (31 July), the Bundjalung and broader Northern Rivers community will gather to celebrate a milestone of deep cultural and community importance: the commencement of early works on its proposed Bundjalung Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre at Namabunda Farm at Alsonville.Hosted by Bundjalung Tribal Society (BTS), this event marks the beginning of a transformative new chapter in community-led cultural revitalisation, self-determined development, and intergenerational learning. The ceremony will commence at 2:00pm and will be joined by the Hon. Janelle Saffin MP. The new Centre will be a living hub for cultural practice, community connection, and Aboriginal-led education and training in the Northern Rivers.Namabunda Farm, a 32-hectare property in Alstonville, is already a vibrant place of cultural strength, training and healing. In the past year alone, BTS has delivered more than 45 community workshops and events, reaching over 1,000 participants through:Traditional Bundjalung food and cultural programsLanguage revitalisation and art workshopsAgaricology concepts and land care initiativesMachinery and farm tools trainingWellbeing programs and local school collaborationsCultural land managementBTS endeavours to ensure that all activities are delivered by people of expertise in various fields alongside Aboriginal Knowledge Holders and Elders, ensuring cultural integrity and community ownership.The proposed Aboriginal Cultural & Education Centre will build on this strong foundation, delivering two interconnected, purpose-built spaces:The Cultural Space – A large, open-plan area for group gatherings, with audiovisual capabilities and a dedicated presentation zone. It will also be available as a culturally appropriate gathering space during times of natural disaster.The Education & Training Space – A more intimate setting for small workshops, complete with a kitchenette and accessible amenities to support BTS’s education programs and community enterprise.Both buildings will include generous verandas and outdoor learning areas tailored to the Northern Rivers climate, with shared infrastructure designed for sustainable operation.“This Centre is more than just bricks and mortar, it is a space where culture is strengthened, community is empowered, and the future is shaped on our terms,” said BTS Chairperson, Tracey King. “a place where our knowledge systems will grow, where young people will learn from Elders, and where the broader community can come together with respect and connection.”

The Living Lab is issuing a final call to all North Lismore residents, or Northies as they are affectionately known, who haven't been part of the Living Memory project, which is on exhibition until Thursday, August 7.In October 2024, many current and former Northies came together for a Living Memory community co-design workshop, sharing stories and ideas of how they would like North Lismore to be remembered. The result was to create a Living Memory of residents and workers who have been part of North Lismore's long history. North Lismore was chosen as it is the Lismore suburb that has changed significantly following the 2022 big flood.The first set of photographs and audio recordings took place at the end of November 2024, and the exhibition of community history, stories and memories opened to the public in June.Now, the Living Lab are hosting two further opportunities for locals to be part of the Living Memory and celebrate what it is to be a proud Northie.Photographer Elise Derwin and local historian Adele Wessell will be at the Living Lab, 11 Woodlark Street (near the Molesworth Street roundabout) on:Thursday, 31 July, between 1pm and 3pm andSaturday, 2 August, between 10.30am and 12:30pm This event is free, and you are asked to come along with whoever you would like - by yourself or with your family, neighbours, mates or local club! Bring memorabilia and personal stories, and help the Living Lab to create some lasting memories of the neighbourhood you are, or have been, part of. Also, bring a USB stick to keep your digital copies.If you have any questions, email livinglabnr@scu.edu.au or call 02 6626 9188.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said new firefighting tankers, operational technology and equipment have been delivered to the Lismore Electorate in preparation for the next bushfire season.“New trucks have been delivered to Bonalbo, Jiggi Valley and Tuncester over the past 12 months.“I had the chance to inspect the new Tuncester appliance soon after it arrived, and it is an enormous improvement on the old fire truck, with the latest equipment and an air-conditioned cabin which the local fire crew was most excited about.“These new trucks are part of the Minns Government’s rollout of 290 new and refurbished vehicles across the state this financial year. The vehicles feature the latest in crew protection systems and are designed to operate in tough conditions.“Following the recommendations of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry and other inquiries, the trucks are equipped with Mobile Data Terminals to improve communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas.“The rollout of these modern vehicles is a boost to firefighting efforts in our region and supports our RFS volunteers,” Ms Saffin said.The Bush Fire Danger Period for parts of northern NSW begins on 1 August, with the danger period for the entire state starting on 1 October.

From poached to panfried, when it comes to eggs, it’s all sunny side up, as new research from the University of South Australia confirms that this breakfast favourite won’t crack your cholesterol.Long blamed for high cholesterol, eggs have been beaten up for their assumed role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Now, UniSA researchers have definitively shown that it’s not dietary cholesterol in eggs, but the saturated fat in our diets, that’s the real concern for heart health. In a world-first study, researchers examined the independent effects of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat on LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ kind), finding that eating two eggs a day – as part of a high cholesterol but low saturated fat diet – can actually reduce LDL levels and lower the risk of heart disease. CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 18 million deaths each year. In Australia, one person dies from CVD every 12 minutes, accounting for one in four deaths nationwide. Lead researcher, UniSA’s Professor Jon Buckley, says it’s time to rethink the reputation of eggs. “Eggs have long been unfairly cracked by outdated dietary advice,” Prof Buckley says. “They’re unique – high in cholesterol, yes, but low in saturated fat. Yet it’s their cholesterol level that has often caused people to question their place in a healthy diet. “In this study, we separated the effects of cholesterol and saturated fat, finding that high dietary cholesterol from eggs, when eaten as part of a low saturated fat diet, does not raise bad cholesterol levels. “Instead, it was the saturated fat that was the real driver of cholesterol elevation. “You could say we’ve delivered hard-boiled evidence in defence of the humble egg. “So, when it comes to a cooked breakfast, it’s not the eggs you need to worry about – it’s the extra serve of bacon or the side of sausage that’s more likely to impact your heart health.”

We have been seeing and hearing about the two weather systems that have combined and are moving across the continent for most of this week.For once, Lismore and the Northern Rivers will miss the brunt of its force; instead, that will be felt by southern Australia and the central parts of Queensland.The Bureau of Meteorology's Miriam Bradley said wind gusts between 60 km/h and 90 km/h have been felt in southern areas, with all states and territories, except the ACT, likely to be issued severe weather warnings in the next 24 hours, but not in Lismore and the Northern Rivers. Our winds should be in the 15 km/h to 25 km/h range.The rain should be arriving around 2pm, and be with us for most of Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday morning. This should allow most Saturday sports to be played, depending on the field's condition.5mm to 15mm is being forecast by the BoM on Saturday, and only 1mm for Sunday as the front moves off the coast.For the rest of next week, partly cloudy is the consensus forecast, with 1mm to 2mm at most to be dropped on any given day.

The merging of two weather events, a cold front in the southwest and a low-pressure area in northern Australia, will dominate the weekend weather as it moves into the Northern Rivers tomorrow afternoon.The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has been adjusting the potential rainfall for Saturday as the weather systems approach the east coast, and, as we write, the forecast is for 6mm to 15mm with northerly winds.The rain will clear on Sunday morning as strong westerly winds (15 to 25 km/h) leave a mostly sunny day.The sunshine will return on Monday, which is good news for the NSW Golf Qualifying Series being played over two days at the Lismore Golf Course in East Lismore. The ground will be wet, but at least the two rounds can be played to determine which 3 eligible players (excluding those who hold a current PGA Tour of Australasia Exemption Category of 11 or higher) who finish in the top 15 qualify for the NSW Open. There is also a $50,000 purse for the event.This is the first time the event has been held in Lismore. Anyone from the public can watch the NSW Qualifying Series on Monday and Tuesday.If the arts are more to your liking, there is plenty to view over the weekend.The Through the Heart photographic exhibition runs until August 10 at the Lismore Regional Gallery.Over 100 of Jacklyn Wagner's photographs capture the emotion and heartache of the 2022 floods. The gallery is open 10am to 4pm both days.The 2024 Archibald Prize is also on exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.This is only the second time the Archibald has made its way to Lismore. You have until August 31 to view the works of the 57 finalists.It is the final day for you to view the Converge exhibition at 123 Woodlark Street (next to Lismore Second Hand Furniture).Lismore's 11-based artists at Converge have their Bright Light Habits exhibition on display until 3pm tomorrow (Saturday, July 26).The works cover film, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, costume design and participatory projects.The Lismore Farmers Markets swing into action from 7:30 during the coldest part of the morning. 7 degrees is the forecast minimum, but it looks to be the last of the sun for Saturday.Popular Luke Vassella will provide the live music as you walk around the stalls with your coffee or tea. A hot breakfast is available as well as locally grown fresh fruit and veg.The Nimbin Markets make their July appearance from 9am to 3pm on Sunday. With the weather clearing, it will be a nice day in the hills perusing the many uniquely Nimbin stalls.A guided walk through the Hoop Pine Forest can be enjoyed on Sunday morning as part of National Tree Day 2025 at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens.Trudi will take you to the summit of the Hoop Pine Forest, where you will learn about its ancient history.The walk is $5 for adults, with children free. It is cash only.Meet at the visitors centre by 9:45am for a 10am start. You can join the Friends' volunteers for morning tea after the walk, where a gold coin is appreciated.It is a big family weekend at the Lismore Workers Club. Dorothy the Dinosaur Spectacular Show has two performances, 10am and 12 midday on Sunday. The 10am show is sold out; however, the 12pm show does have some tickets still available at a cost of $25.August is a busy month at the Lismore Workers Club. Coming up:Herman's Hermits: the English group are on a 60th Anniversary World Tour, appearing at the Workers Club on Friday, August 8. Tickets are $59 each.Fleetwood Max: 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.Another '60s iconic band is The Delltones.The Delltones Story is at the Lismore Heights Sports Club on this Tuesday, 29 July. $35 gets you a 2-course meal and the wonderful songs of The Delltones, like Come A Little Bit Closer. Call 02 6624 3040 for bookings or more information.Another live music option this weekend includes Chris Fisher at the Northern Rivers Hotel tonight (Friday) between 6pm and 9pm.Ballina 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, 174.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 173.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 176.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse 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 178.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the 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 long-awaited new designs for the rebuild of the Richmond River High Campus have been shared by the NSW Government as it progresses the project to replace flood-damaged facilities with a world-class campus at a new flood-resilient location in North Lismore. Students, families and the community are invited to view the plans for the new campus, part of The Rivers Secondary College alongside Kadina High and Lismore High, which can be accessed via the NSW Planning Portal until 21 August.The campus will feature 36 modern classrooms, three support classrooms, 14 specialist learning spaces (including science labs and wood and metal workshops), a library, a multipurpose hall, performance spaces, facilities for sports, agriculture, construction, and food technologies.The buildings will be placed on high ground overlooking the sports fields and green spaces. Connecting with Country consultation is continuing to ensure the design reflects Bundjalung culture.The project has undergone extensive redesign following the 2024 community information session and technical investigations of the new site to ensure the rebuild is more resilient and future-ready for the school community. Key updates include:Repositioning school buildings to the south, ensuring the school buildings are located above the Probable Maximum Flood level;Modular construction, which includes offsite manufacturing of the school buildings while civil infrastructure works are carried out onsite, to expedite the delivery of the rebuild;Relocating the campus entrance to Dunoon Road, which will provide better parking and access, and reduce future congestion off Secondary Road;Updating the building layout to accommodate the new school entry.In collaboration with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, planning approval will be fast-tracked by an additional two months, and the project is on track for completion by early 2027.The NSW Government has now repaired or rebuilt 16 of 21 flood-damaged schools in the Northern Rivers.Additional funding to help rebuild nine extensively flood-damaged schools has been provided by the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly administered by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, “The new Richmond River High Campus has been designed in partnership with the community, ensuring it meets their needs and remains a vital cornerstone for decades to come.“This project is a major investment in the future of the Lismore community, providing a modern and resilient school environment to ensure local students receive a world-class public education.“I want to acknowledge the incredible resilience and strength of this community, which has faced significant challenges with unwavering determination. Together, we’re building a brighter, stronger future for local students, staff, and families.” Minister for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “It is so good to see Richmond River High being built back in North Lismore. The new plans are based on extensive feedback from students, staff, parents, and members of our community.“This will be a flood-resilient campus for Lismore and surrounds, serving the local primary schools in the area. It will maintain a green and rural feel, preserving the character that the community told us during consultation has made Richmond River High important to young people in Lismore for so many years.“The rebuild not only meets the current needs of our community but also prepares us for any challenges the future may bring.”The Rivers Secondary College, Richmond River High Campus Principal Luke Woodward said, “The release of the plans for the new Richmond River High Campus is an exciting milestone for our school and community.“The new build allows us to create an environment where our students can thrive and feel safe and secure, with facilities reflective of our identity. We can’t wait for construction to start and for the return of Richmond River High Campus to a rural setting.“This location will provide us with the potential to offer more holistic learning opportunities across all areas of education. We envision spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the future.”

About 1.20pm yesterday (Thursday, 24 July 2025), emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing in the Lismore CBD. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 37-year-old man on Molesworth Street before he was taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition, suffering a single stab wound to the right shoulder. A short time later, officers from Richmond Police District arrested a 28-year-old man on the same street without incident. He was taken to Lismore Police Station. Officers also recovered a knife at the time of the arrest. Police will allege that the stabbing occurred in Woodlark Street near the intersection of Keen Street. It will be further alleged that the men are not known to one another, and the incident appears to be unprovoked. The younger man was charged with reckless wounding and was refused bail to appear at a court today (Friday, 25 July 2025) via Audio Visual Link.

Researchers at Southern Cross University are inviting mothers across Australia to participate in a new study examining the impact of key relationships on perinatal well-being during the first year after birth.Led by Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours student Natalie Joy, under the supervision of Adjunct Fellow in the Faculty of Health, Dr Julia Marsden, the online study is open to Australian mothers with babies aged 0-12 months.“Perinatal well-being is a dynamic and deeply personal experience — it encompasses the physical, emotional, social, and relational changes women navigate as they transition into motherhood,” said Dr Marsden.“Through this study, we hope to better understand how close relationships influence that journey, so we can help ensure support is more holistic, personalised, and truly responsive to women’s needs.”Many women experience emotional, social and psychological challenges in the first year after birth; however, support systems are often inconsistent or poorly tailored to their needs. According to the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) and the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA), around one in five mothers experience anxiety during the perinatal period and 10 per cent experience depression.“This study shines a spotlight on a critical but often overlooked aspect of maternal mental health,” said Dr Marsden.“While anxiety and depression are rightly recognised as serious concerns, we also need to better understand what supports mothers to thrive, not just avoid distress. By exploring how close relationships and attachment styles shape perinatal well-being, this project could help identify protective factors and early warning signs, ultimately guiding more personalised and preventative approaches to care during the first year postpartum.”How to participateRecruitment for the study is open now. The anonymous online survey takes around 15-20 minutes and is open to Australian mothers aged 18 and above, who are within the first 12 months postpartum, have lived in Australia for two or more years, and are English-speaking. Participants go into the draw to win one of four $50 gift vouchers.To participate in the survey, click here.This study has been approved by the Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval number: 2025/114).

AC/DC said Let There Be Rock in 1977, and about thirty years later, Snoop Dog said, "Well, Hip-hop is what makes the world go round".By the same analogy, Rock to the Rescue began as a fundraising event for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WHRS) in 2015, and next Saturday, August 2, the second Rap 2 the Rescue concert will take place at the South Lismore Bowling Club, as both music genres help the much-loved local charity.Only three weeks ago, Rock to the Rescue (RTTR) featured seven local bands on stage at the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore.RTTR co-ordinator John Bancroft told the Lismore App that the event was another huge success, raising $3,500 for WHRS"Sincere thanks to members of New Vintage, Plan 9, Hop Ups, Slug, Ghostown, Claymores, and This Kiss Kills for offering their services on the night, and new sponsor MGL Freight for sponsoring the T-shirt sales. An enthusiastic crowd of 200 + enjoyed the talent on offer and witnessed history as local legends SLUG performed their last gig.(SLUG on stage)"Many thanks must go to the small group who put the event together, being Darrell Crockford, Jasin Hughes, Dave Slade, Matt Lee (MGL ), Andy Lee, Neville Cain and Ben Wordsworth. We look forward to a bigger event in 2026."Plans are now underway for the 10th Rock To The Rescue, which will be held in mid-2026 at a date and venue to be announced.A different style of music will attract a younger, different crowd next Saturday, when Rap 2 the Rescue takes place at the South Lismore Bowling Club.Organiser and rapper Jordan McMahon said he was inspired by Rock to the Rescue."We saw what was happening, and it has been pretty successful, so me and few mates who make some rap music thought we'll give it crack."Jordan's father, Jeff McMahon, has been heavily involved in supporting the WRHS, so that was additional encouragement to create an alternative event.Rap 2 the Rescue will showcase seven fantastic rap artists playing for the cause. Jordan will be performing on the night as Thirsty Mac.The bands in order of appearance on the night are:D.A.S.H.Thirsty MaczFTTOMDJ MudcrabEric FluSaxBardiIn its first year, Rap 2 the Rescue raised just over a thousand dollars for WHRS. Jordan's hope is for more in 2025."We're hoping for about $1,500 next Saturday night. I'd like to obviously go further than the last one.""I'd love people to show up and help support the charity and the local music scene. There's a lot of talented acts that are going to perform."Entry is only a $10 donation at the door, and merchandise will be on sale along with a raffle.For enquiries, contact Jordan McMahon on 0412 760 013.RAP 2 THE RESCUEDate: Saturday, August 2Venue: The South Lismore Bowling Club, 25 Wilson Street, South LismoreTime: 7:30pm until late.