The community is being invited to have its say on the recommended corridor for the upgrade of the Bruxner Highway between Wollongbar and Goonellabah.Feedback received will help finalise the preferred alignment for a proposed eight-kilometre upgrade from Sneaths Road at Wollongbar to Kadina Street at Goonellabah, and allow for land to be secured for the future development of the road corridor.A Transport for NSW spokesperson said preserving the land from development was the first step towards the upgrade and would help with land use planning.“The Bruxner Highway is a key east-west corridor connecting people with health, education and other essential services as well as providing essential freight links,” the spokesperson said.“Transport has been planning improvements along the full length of the highway, including options to improve safety for all road users, reduce congestion as well as improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity between Ballina and Lismore.“As part of that planning, Transport for NSW reassessed a historical single-carriageway alignment to the north of the existing highway between Wollongbar and Goonellabah from the 1970s.“We examined where improvements could be made to enhance safety and efficiency of the highway, identify community impacts and make the corridor less susceptible to flooding.“The latest assessment confirmed that, with some minor adjustments, the preferred corridor should be on the historical alignment north of the existing highway.”The Transport spokesperson said community feedback was an important part of the planning process, helping Transport for NSW determine if refinements were needed before working with other agencies and councils to incorporate the preferred corridor into local environment plans.“No funding has been allocated for the design or construction of an upgrade of the Bruxner Highway between Wollongbar and Goonellabah, but having plans in place will mean work can start quickly when funding becomes available,” the spokesperson said.“It will mean the preferred corridor can be preserved for a future highway upgrade and will help us deliver a safer, more efficient and resilient highway to support population growth in the region.”For more information, visit nswroads.work/w2g. Submissions close 5pm Friday 20 December.

The Samson is coming! For all the people who want to build team relationships and fitness and tick off an achievement, this one is for you!The Samson Challenge is happening on March 1 next year - 85 days until contestants line up at the starting line. It is a perfect time to start training…“The Samson is a four-person team event with each team put through twelve gruelling challenges, which include a farmers walk with jerry cans, a prowler push, a 130 kg truck tyre flip, a burpee challenge, a 2x2 km run, a 1km team swim, a sled pull, and an obstacle course to complete.”It is a popular event, and people come from quite a distance to compete in it. Only the fastest team to finish gets the Samson Title; however, many participate just to boast they have completed the course.The excitement is tangible - the Our Kids team, one of the GSAC fitness trainers and one of the sponsors, who is also a volunteer, caught up at GSAC to launch the 2025 Samson event.Chris Vanbibber, the GSAC trainer, was giving Rebekka Battista (Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator) and Samantha Gordon, who assisted Rebekka, some pointers on the tyre lift. Heaving and pushing, the women triumphed, only to take on the jerry can lift and the prowler push.Samantha and Rebekka are all smiles at training!Chris gave a few pointers for those who want to get into it, “It's best to start training now and progressively work your way up. Don't start with all the big and heavy stuff, just start with where you're at. “Get around people who've done it before and learn from them. Watch the videos that they have on the Samson website, and find some gyms that can offer some training specifically geared towards the type of exercises in the event.”This is Chris’s 8th year of competing. “Crossing that finish line is a triumphant experience. It feels like you've dominated a very large challenge in life. “It's a memorable experience because you do it with a team - usually people that you really bond with over things that you don't normally do together with people. I've done it with my family members. I've done it with people here at the gym and just friends of mine, and each time, it's been a really rewarding experience.”Samantha has done a couple of Samsons, and being involved, she revealed a great tip, “Tony Curtis is the man that sets up the course. I joined Tony Curtis’s training that he does during the weeks and on the weekends before the event. “So we did the actual obstacles leading up to it to prepare as a team. He even sets up a wall, and they teach you how to get over the wall as a team.”If anyone is unsure whether they should put in an entry, Samantha has some advice, “Just give it a go. It is great fun. And you're capable of so much more than you think you are. When you get across that finish line, it is a fantastic feeling of achievement.”Rebekka had the tyre flip down pat, so it was surprising to learn she hadn’t run the Samson event, “Organising the whole thing, I feel like I did the Samson several times in the lead-up, particularly on the setup day!”Michelle, Rebekka, Samantha and Chris walking all over the tire challenge!The Samson Event is a fund raiser, and it started 15 years ago to bring a large obstacle-style fitness challenge to Lismore, and raise much-needed funds for Our Kids.This fundraiser is looking to finance an expensive piece of equipment ($165,000) for premature babies and their eye care called a Retcam. One device will be able to service between Tweed, Lismore Base and Grafton Hospitals, preventing families having to travel to the Gold Coast at a potentially difficult time.Rebekka explains, “The Icon Go Retinal Imaging System helps our premature babies, who are vulnerable and need examination for Retinopathy of Prematurity. It is cutting-edge technology that will give a picture of the back of the eye so that the local team can send pictures immediately to the Queensland Paediatric Team, which can provide specialist treatment remotely.“This equipment is needed as some babies are at risk of going blind at 35 weeks. Having this equipment locally and portable means that the local medical team can do a scan on any day and at any given hour, and treatment can commence immediately.“For context, retinopathy of prematurity was the cause of Stevie Wonder's blindness.”Michelle Gosling wears two hats when it comes to The Samson. Michelle represents the major sponsor, NBN, “We are really honored to be a part of Our Kids and support this event. It's really important for Lismore and for the regional area.”Getting involved in The Samson, Michelle plays a very important role as a volunteer. At least 120 people are needed to make the event what it is. “Being on the sidelines is probably just as rewarding as doing it,” says Michelle, “Supporting and encouraging people to get through the event and seeing their success at the end, it's just awesome.”Samantha confirms how much it is appreciated when you are working hard, and Rebekka adds that the feedback the event gets is how great the volunteers are at making the event so good.If you are interested in getting involved and supporting, keep March 1st free and keep an eye out for the volunteer drive that will happen in February.“From now on, you will see more groups of four treading the pavement between GSAC and Hepburn Park,” says Rebekka.The jerry can lift and the prowler push were harder...“This event has become important to the city, not just for the individual and team achievements, but economically. One flow-on effect is at gyms and their business, which picks up in December, which was traditionally one of their quietest months of the year!”If you are ready to kick the membership into overdrive, registration for The Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge 2025 is open.The Early Bird registration fee is $350 per team. Registrations are online, and for more details on the course, head to www.lismoresamson.com.For more information, please get in touch with the Our Kids office on (02) 6620 2705 and Tony Curtis’ Facebook page for the special obstacle course training that he puts on closer to the event.

"We're bringing back the legends of cricket game," was how Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg began his press conference this morning, standing in the middle of Oakes Oval with former Australian cricketer Steve O'Keefe and Deputy Mayor Jeri Hall.The date to lock away in your diary or to write on your calendar is Saturday, 15 February 2025. However, there will be a golf day on Friday, 14 February and a breakfast on the 15th heading into the Legends game at 3pm.Once again, the two teams will be led by Mayor Krieg and arguably the world's best wicketkeeper/batsman, Adam Gilchrist.The event follows the very popular inaugural Legends of Cricket event held in 2023, which was won by the Mayor's 11 by three runs. However, the memories were a little hazy today, as the cricket and crowd entertainment took precedence.Mayor Krieg outlined the plan for the two-day event as well as recognising some local Lismore cricketing legends."If you look around where we stand now, what's different from the last time we played here is that all of this work has been finished. The Gordon Pavilion is state of the art with coaches boxes and dressing rooms. We've actually got power and running water this time", the mayor joked with Steve O'Keefe."But we've also recognised some local legends as well. So, we've got the John McMahon Stand and the Lyn Larsen Stand, then on the 14th and 15th that weekend, we're going to recognise probably Lismore's greatest cricketer through the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion."Something that, as a council, we're really proud to be able to recognise some of the sporting greats of our community."We're starting with a golf day on the Friday afternoon, where people have the opportunity to come and play a bit of golf with some of these sporting legends and icons of the game. And then, on Saturday, we're going to do a bit of a breakfast where you can get up close and ask some weird, wonderful questions about what they used to get up to on tour."And then, of course, the legends of cricket game, the T20, not only cricketing greats are going to be participating, we're wrangling a few other celebrities and different people that are well known, not only locally, but across the country and possibly globally as well. There's a few surprises that might spring onto the field at that time."While the full list of names is yet to be confirmed, as well as council holding back names for a future surprise, Steve O'Keefe did say that Jason Gillespie, Andy Bichel, Mike Kasprowicz are all but confirmed. Jimmy Maher is looking good from Queensland, and, of course, Adam Gilchrist as the local host, along with Lismore's latest star, Grace Parsons, who is playing for the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL.(Jason Gillespie signs autographs on the boundary in 2023)Steve finished his Big Bash career earlier this year and is now a resident of the Northern Rivers. He remembers playing in the annual Under 12 Lismore Cricket Carnival, a moment his family still talk about."You know, a thriving town, great community, and it hosted some of the best players that I played with and went on to play for New South Wales as such an important stepping stone. And I guess to see it struggle through the floods and the hardships that the locals had was certainly touching from a personal point of view."Steve talked about how cricket is just a game. However, it can be more than a game when it connects and supports a community."Last year, we had Ricky Ponting and, I mean, I was able to play with them, but I'm just as star-struck as anyone being able to strap the pads on sitting in the change room with the likes of Jason Gillespie, Andy Bickel, Mike Kasprowicz, are all guys who will feature. And, of course, the great Adam Gilchrist is something amazing.(Adam Gilchrist is about to launch a shot into the crowd during the inaugural Legends of Cricket in 2023)"The turnout last year was just incredible. I don't think you can put into words the struggle that this town has been through, but they all turned out. The kids had an absolute ball. There's a lot of smiles on their faces. Chris Lynn, I remember hit me for about three into the Gordon Pavilion. I hope the holes have been repaired in the roof, but it was an enjoyable day."I think what Steve and this town has been able to do and turn around in a couple of years is amazing. It felt like it was a one-off game last time, but hopefully, this is something that can continue to grow and develop, and we can do year in, year out, and make sure that Lismore isn't forgotten."We encourage the locals to get out and bring and show us that spirit that they showed through some really tough times. Yes, we play cricket, but this town is an inspiration to us as players. So, anything we can do to help, to give back is just a small bonus."I'm really looking forward to the couple of days and, most importantly, the cricket match out here and mingling with the community."As well as the superstars of Australian cricket and some surprise celebrity names, young local cricket talent will once again get a run on Oakes Oval with their heroes. As Steve O'Keefe said, regional areas produce the best cricketers."They're the toughest, generally, in playing against men at a younger age, you learn to grow up a little bit tougher. You don't have it easy. You have everything you need in life, but you have to work really hard for it. So I think those are solid foundations to be a good cricketer. And, you know, it's no coincidence that a town like Lismore is able to produce one of the world's, if not the world's, best keeper-batsman. And I'm sure we might be able to see a few of those young stars on display in the same game.Mayor Krieg mentioned the likes of Cooper Williams, who substituted for the injured Stuart McGill and took two incredible outfield catches."He's just been named New South Wales captain for the combined Catholic schools. He's a kid I'd love to get on the field for the whole game this time. And there's a couple of other really good up and coming young people that would fit in really well. So, love to get them involved."In terms of the capacity of Oakes Oval, officially, 10,000 is the number. However, the mayor would like to see that tested on the 15th of February next year.(Nearly a full house in 2023 at Oakes Oval)"I'd love to see 10,000 people here to recognise one of our local absolute legends on that day. And you can't underestimate the impact that the Steve O'Keefe's, Andy Bichel's, the Michael Kasprowicz's have had through a generational cricketing institution. There was no better team in the world than Australia when these guys were playing and at the peak of their power. So, to have them here in Lismore is something incredible, something that I will be eternally grateful for because Gilly still calls Lismore home. So, to have the calibre of these people give up their time so generously and so willingly is a true credit to the calibre of people they are.""We want to test our capability. We've got these great facilities, but we need to test them, and we want to encourage anyone and everyone to come along and experience this amazing facility. We'll have food vendors and drinks vendors. Everyone will be here. It'll be a great family picnic day out.Unlike 2023, when government money allowed the inaugural Legends of Cricket match to go ahead, 2025's event needs to recover the costs to put it on. So, there will be a cost involved.Ticket Prices: Adult - $20, Concession - $10, Family - $50, U10 – free.Tickets are available now via www.oztix.com.au.The Legends of the Cricket will take place on Saturday, 15 February 2025 from 3pm to 6pm at Oakes Oval, Lismore. Gates open at 1pm.It's not just ticket sales that will help pay the bill for the Legends of Cricket 2025; it is the sponsors as well."We've got some sponsors lined up, and we've got to thank Bennett's Construction, who are naming rights sponsors for the event. They've thrown in a heap and we're really grateful for that. And as I said, the reason we have to sell the tickets this time around is Council is underwriting it. We're backing it, but we have got some great sponsorship on board. As far as the golf day, if there are any companies or corporations or businesses that want to get out and sponsor a hole or enter a team, we'd love to hear from you."We really do need the business and corporate support to make this happen. Jason Gillespie is a South Australian, and there's a few little whispers of maybe a few West Aussies coming over. None of that comes for free. We've got to get them here. We're putting them up in local accommodation for the weekend. All of that sort of stuff costs money, so it is going to be a community event. It is going to be a community effort to make it a success, and we're really looking forward to the possibilities.

Two men from two universities are combining their design efforts to coordinate a local alternative to the temporary housing we have seen since the 2022 floods.  With a focus on sustainability, in the products they utilise being locally sourced, they have been working on a solution that is being called the Sustainable Bio Based Cardboard Housing System for Northern NSW.Associate Professor Joe Gattas from the University of Queensland, and Professor Andrew Rose from Southern Cross University are the drivers behind the project, and they can’t speak highly enough of their third team member assisting, Mahmoud Abu-Saleem.The professors wanted to make something specific for Northern NSW and looked around for what was readily available to build with and design. “One of the main goals with the project here was to be able to use as much in the way of bio-based materials as possible,” says Andrew.  “Not only bio-based but ideally materials that were otherwise low value or potentially even end up as waste products. A good example being the cardboard here. Some of this cardboard was literally recovered from dumpsters. It may have been recycled, but that's a fairly low-value use.”The house sample that has been built is a test case. At 3m x 3.6m, it is half the size of a complete unit. The design is modular, so you can put more than one together to increase its capacity for a family. The size is limited by the ability to transport it - delivery is on the back of a truck.The sample is on display at SCU for today only and then will be subject to more testing, including the longevity of the products the team have developed. The professors are hoping to get feedback from vested stakeholders to whom something like this can assist in the future.The sample house in transit - all compact, ready for final construction. (Image supplied by Prof. Joe Gattas)The house is built using two products that make up the bulk of the structure and provide it with a distinct look. The round timber posts support the front, and potentially back, and the walls, which are made from a timber fibre composite external skin, a standard interior vertical timber skin, with a cardboard support in between, giving the wall strength. “The structural core of the wall panels is a cardboard sandwich structure. There are layers of glue between the cardboard, and then it's shaped into this beam. So, if this was a conventional structure, that might be a timber stud.”“This is actually at least as strong. And I think the testing that Joe and Mahmoud have done has shown that this is actually stronger than the standard foam core panelling, which is often used in these sort of panel structures.”The team show the alternative products for use in the temporary housing.Andrew elaborates on the localised importance of the materials they aim to use, “It's not just about using materials that are diverted from landfill but materials that can be sourced, locally, so that you're not trucking or flying in stuff. “Obviously, cardboard out of a dumpster is pretty local, and these timber components are sourced from Hurfords Sawmill, which is local. So this solution is tailored to the Northern Rivers.”News got around about the project, and initially, it was the DPI (Department of Primary Industries) that approached Hurfords to invite them to be involved. Andrew Hurford said, “I think it's fascinating because the idea of doing something bio-based, which can be used in the end or break down naturally, rather than something that's made out of plastic that has to be deconstructed, or potentially becomes landfill, is a good idea. “It's low cost, and it can be part of the circular economy. I think it's terrific.”A close up of the timber logs and the natural external finish of the structural wall. It can have finish applied to it, but the natural state is quite appealing.The logs are made from thinnings, or trees in a plantation cut down to make enough space for the larger trees to grow. They aren’t large enough to cut flat timber from.“We have a rounding machine that rounds the timber to make it into a constant size, which makes it easier to use in building. “It's a product that we developed to try to get better utilisation for those small logs from when we thin a plantation there. They're still quite strong and naturally durable. But you've got to get people to think about using round wood rather than square wood.” Discussing the details with an interested visitor.All the materials selected support local industry and business, not only the two major components being structure and walls, but the base frame, the front and rear “windows”, as well as the roofing. Joe explains, “The flooring is a commercial product that's 50% waste timber already. The company that produces it already has a reverse logistics program.”Their own methods reflect this ethos.“In bonding the panel, we've tried to make sure that all products are more or less compatible with their own recycling strategies. We haven't worked through the full details of that but there are pathways for any of these panels as soon as they come off. “There's absolutely no steel in them. You can chip it, there's no environmental contaminant, and it just slots straight into current recycling processes.’The house is being called temporary as it is undergoing testing, and is currently held down by strapping. There are no services applied to the structure at this point, which also adds to its temporary nature.Depending on ongoing results, the house can be held down by more permanent means to provide longevity. At this point, they are confident that it will last 6 months and potentially up to two years. They can be taken down and stored for use at a later date.The house itself takes about a week to prepare a module - but that would become quicker as more are made. The house ships, partially complete. It takes 3 to 5 people a few hours to half a day, and all you need is a drill and a ladder. A couple of neighbours can help each other out, and after delivery, both have a shelter within a weekend.For more information on exactly where to find it, have a look at the earlier story this week.

On World Soil Health Day: Landcare Australia has opened nominations for the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award. Back for the 3rd successive round, the prestigious General Jeffery Soil Health Award recognises the work of people who care for soil health and who are educating or inspiring others. The $20,000 award will provide invaluable support to the winner to help extend their work in soil health.  Previous award winners and notable figures in the world of soil health and science, Dr Oliver Knox and Emerita Professor Dr Lynnette Abbot, have confirmed they will be part of the specialist advisory panel to select the winner of the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award. The 2022 winner, leading soil health champion, educator and researcher, of ‘Soil your Undies’ fame, Dr Oliver Knox, said “We all have a responsibility to our soils and our soil health and the more we all do, the more likely we are to see a fantastic future for Australia’s soils.” The two previous award winners have teamed up to encourage nominations for the influential General Jeffrey Soil Health Award. When asked what he was hoping to see from the next round of nominations, Dr Knox said, “Passion, drive and impact. Soil is full of surprises, so I’m hoping to learn from all of the nominations and expect to feel disappointed there can be only one winner. It’s exciting, and all that is needed now is for some nominations, so what are you waiting for? Nominate your soil’s guru.”  Leading soil scientist Emerita Professor Lynette Abbott, and winner of the inaugural prize in 2020, is encouraging soil science experts across Australia to nominate colleagues for the prestigious national award. “It is a very valuable process for highlighting the contributions that others are making to soil health in their various ways. There are many approaches.” “I think it is a good award – it is different to many other awards, unique in its focus on soil health of course.” As Australia’s first National Soils Advocate, General Jeffery passionately advocated for improvements in the health of our agricultural landscape. By championing soil health from Parliament House to the paddock, he successfully changed attitudes towards soil sustainability and energised change on farms right across Australia. He relentlessly pursued his focus on the importance of integrated management of soil, water, animals and plants to the benefit of all Australians and our environment. Emerita Professor Dr Lynnette Abbot said “I was fortunate to meet Major General Michael Jeffery on some of his visits to Perth. He was inspirational and passionate about the importance of focusing on landscape issues related to soil, in addition to soil itself, including how vegetation, grazing and water cycles are integral to overall management of agricultural lands to ensure soils are healthy and protected.” Managing and preserving soil health is critical and although Australia is internationally renowned for our high-quality agricultural industry, the health of our soil continues to decline due to erosion, acidification and salinisation which is why the General Jeffery award has taken on more significance in the world of Australian Soil Health.   Dr Shane Norrish, CEO of Landcare Australia explains “Healthy, well managed soil is a vital part of the sustainability and productivity of our agricultural sector and the natural environment. Soils are the basis of food production, food security and human health, and this award acknowledges people who are working to protect, conserve and build the health of our soils.” In effort to bring soil health to the forefront of critical biodiversity and environmental conversations, Landcare Australia has for the first time opened the eligibility criteria to include voluntary environmental groups and organisations who are actively involved in activities to protect and improve soil health.  “It is vital we give Australian soil health experts the recognition and national platform they deserve.  That’s why we believe it is the right time to widen the prize to included landcare groups, farmers, farming groups, land managers and educators.”  

Lismore City Council's problems with kerbside bin collection should be in the past once their fleet of nine (9) new garbage trucks arrive in 2025, thanks to a $5 million one-off grant from the NSW Government.Council has experienced significant and ongoing impacts to its waste service following the devastating 2022 floods and its ageing fleet of trucks that spent more time in the repair shop than they did on the road. This led to complaints from residents saying their garbage had not been collected. The new trucks will help with council's ongoing reconstruction efforts and provide more efficient waste collection for the Lismore community thanks to each truck being fitted with the latest modern technology."A lot of the technology is around looking at what's coming into the truck, but also making sure that the routes that are selected for bin pick up are the most efficient that they can be," General Manager Jon Gibson explained, "The route will set within the truck, and tell you that if you need to collect a bin every 17 seconds or thereabouts, it will find the most advantageous route for the organisation to do that. And so that's all about trying to be very systematic about how we go about our business."It can weigh quantities of material coming in, but it really is about ensuring that we don't miss bins, that the route that we select is the best route to be as efficient and effective as we can be."While this is good news for all the residents in the Lismore LGA, the question of asset management still hangs in the air because that is how Lismore City Council arrived at the decision it made in November 2023 to outsource kerbside collection. It simply could not afford the $5 million to update its fleet of garbage trucks.The USU (United Services Union) initially felt council's decision was based on ideology. After a few strong discussions with council, they learnt the decision to outsource was a financial one, so they went to Minister Hoenig and the state government to ask for the grant to be given to council. Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin was also a strong advocate to get council the $5 million.This was one of those rare occasions where state government, unions and local government all had a win for the betterment of their community. Council staff keep their jobs, Lismore City Council delivers a better service to its residents, and the state government help Lismore's recovery.(Minister Hoenig, Mayor Krieg, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and the USU in discussion before yesterday's announcement)As for this council's ability to manage this fleet of garbage trucks now and into the future, Mayor Krieg was confident they can get the job done."We haven't had an asset management plan at our council for over 15 years. So, through the work that that the General Manager and Brendan Logan (Chief Operating Officer) is doing, we're getting those policies and procedures up to date so that we can actually have a system where we're getting nine new trucks now, but how do we manage those into the future? So that we're evolving our fleet into the future. We're upgrading our fleet as we can into the future."That has not happened, and that's why you can go down to our workshop downtown, and see three of these trucks parked up there getting fixed at any one time. It's not good for the drivers. They jump in a vehicle at 3:30 every morning, not knowing whether the bloody thing is going to start."This gives us surety, and it gives us certainty that we can deliver the services that our residents and our ratepayers deserve to get.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin added, "The two things are operating; the assets management plan coming into being, plus this gives the circuit breaker to fix them all, and then the management goes forward with it."As Minister Hoenig said, "Waste collection is a core function of local governments, and this funding will make sure the council can deliver this service to the residents of Lismore more cost-effectively."The future looks a little brighter with our recovery once again.

Janelle Saffin MP is encouraging Lismore Electorate residents to celebrate the positive role seniors play in the community by nominating them for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards. The festival and the awards celebrate the contributions and achievements of seniors. “If you know a senior who helps make our community diverse, inspiring and active, then I encourage you to nominate them for acknowledgement of their contribution,” Ms Saffin says. “This annual festival is about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families and society.” Nominations are now open for the awards program, one of many initiatives the NSW Government promotes to support the state’s seniors living happy, healthy, and active lives. Winners of the Local Achievement Awards will be announced during the NSW Seniors Festival which runs from 3 to 16 March 2025 The awards program is part of an exciting schedule of events across the state. By highlighting seniors’ continued efforts in helping the Lismore Electorate thrive, we are continuing to challenge ageism and empower seniors to overcome social stigmas. For more information about NSW Seniors Festival and the Local Achievement Awards, visit www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au Nomination forms are available from the Lismore Electorate Office at 55 Carrington Street, Lismore CBD or by emailing lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.au   

A man faced court today charged over an alleged pursuit that started in Queensland and ended in Lismore court.About 2.10pm yesterday (Tuesday, 3 December 2024), officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were alerted by Queensland Police that an SUV – which was allegedly driving dangerously - had entered NSW near Tweed Heads and was being driven south along the M1.NSW Police intercepted the SUV a short time later on the M1 at Cudgera Creek and attempted to stop the vehicle.When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated, continuing south, where road spikes were deployed.The tyres deflated, and the vehicle came to a stop on the M1 at Wardell where a 31-year-old Queensland man was arrested.He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester, class A motor vehicle exceed speed greater than 45km/h - estimated, drive vehicle under influence of drugs, refuse or fail to submit to breath test, and refuse or fail to submit to breath analysis.He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday, 4 December 2024).

Richmond Police District are appealing for public assistance to locate Texas O'Toole, who is wanted on Domestic Violence related offences.O'Toole is aged 22, is described as having a caucasian appearance, 170cm to 180cm tall, with brown hair and a thin build.He is believed to frequent the Lismore and Goonellabah areas.Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) has awarded Associate Professor Caroline (Carlie) Atkinson the prestigious National Excellence Award for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Social Worker of the Year 2024.This accolade recognises her outstanding contributions to social work and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of Indigenous communities."I was incredibly humbled and deeply touched to receive the 2024 National Excellence Award – Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Social Worker of the Year last week," Assoc Prof Atkinson said.A proud Bundjalung and Yiman woman, Associate Professor Atkinson is an accredited social worker with a PhD from Charles Darwin University. She is internationally acclaimed for her expertise in complex trauma and Indigenous healing practices, advocating for culturally responsive interventions that have significantly influenced social work practices both nationally and globally.As the Chief Executive Officer of We Al-li, a family-founded organisation, Associate Professor Atkinson has been instrumental in designing and delivering Culturally Informed Trauma Integrated Healing Approaches (CITIHA). These programs provide training and resources to individuals, families, communities, and organisations across Australia, emphasising the integration of Indigenous cultural processes in trauma recovery and healing.In response to the catastrophic floods in the Northern Rivers region in 2022, Associate Professor Atkinson founded the Northern Rivers Community Healing Hub. This initiative offers a community healing space grounded in trauma-informed practices of First Nations peoples, supporting recovery and fostering resilience among flood-affected residents.(Carlie Atkinson (third from left) with some of the Healing Hub team. Photo: supplied)Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing offer a profound way forward when working with intergenerational healing from trauma. This approach was found to be particularly powerful in the aftermath of the floods providing communities of care that helped to provide a sense of connection and belonging.Associate Professor Atkinson's dedication to integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into social work practice has not only transformed service delivery but has also empowered communities to engage in their healing processes. Her leadership and advocacy continue to inspire social workers and community members alike, reinforcing the importance of culturally informed approaches in addressing trauma and promoting well-being and healing.The AASW's recognition of Associate Professor Atkinson underscores her exceptional contributions to the field of social work and her unwavering commitment to the health and healing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities."It is an immense honour for our collective work to be recognised in this way by my peers and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). This acknowledgment highlights the critical role First Nations knowledge systems and solutions play in addressing some of the most pressing contemporary issues facing our nation, including the escalating mental health crisis and strategies to combat climate change."As a nation, we must champion and invest in grassroots, community-led initiatives that embody these solutions. For instance, the Northern Rivers Community Healing Hub has demonstrated the power of sustainable community connection in fostering belonging, strengthening social and emotional well-being, and improving mental health outcomes. Yet, this vital program is now at risk due to insufficient funding, despite repeated efforts to secure support through various grants."These initiatives are not only deserving of greater recognition but also of robust and sustained funding. It is through supporting such community-led models that we can build resilience, enhance wellbeing, and contribute to long-term, impactfulchange for both communities and the environment."

Mayor Steve Krieg welcomed the most important Lismore visitor expected in December, Santa Claus. Santa has set up a Christmas Wonderland in the Lismore Regional Gallery (11 Rural Street) to meet all the good children of the region before he visits their house on Christmas Night.Parents and children can visit Santa's Wonderland to drop off letters, have Christmas photos taken and do some fun activities, including the Lismore Elf Hunt!Santa has a message for all the children of Lismore, “For all the kids of Lismore and the surrounding area, Ho Ho HO!“You've got to be nice and always do what mum and dad tell you to do. “And don't forget, on Christmas Eve, you have to be asleep before I arrive, because if you're not asleep, I will go next door and you might miss out on your presents.“Oh, and I'm a bit partial to cake and biscuits and the reindeer like carrots. Ho ho HO!!!”Santa meeting some special guests as soon as he got off the fire truck!Santa is as busy as he is jolly, so you will need to book your visit via the website below. He is available from today until December 22nd. Santas Wonderland is a magical place to visit, as is the Lismore Regional Gallery.Mayor Krieg invites everyone to make a day of it and enjoy a Christmas outing in Lismore, see the decorations and get amongst the festivities in the city.“Bring the kids down to the art gallery and visit our favourite jolly man in red, Santa. Welcome, Santa!“We've got the greatest man in the world here every single day leading up to Christmas, Santa; we've got the best photographer in the world. Dan, you do an amazing job and some of the best kids in the world. “Bring the family down and enjoy everything that the festive season has to offer! It's all part of our activation leading up to Christmas as part of Lismore City Council. There's an elf hunt right throughout the city, there's activities to do. It's a great place to be, Lismore, in the CBD at Christmas, no better place to bring the family!”Councillor Battista and two of Santa's biggest fans spend time with Santa as Mayor Krieg and Councillor Knight-Smith enjoy Santa's antics.To help with the celebration, two of Lismore’s councillors came to see Santa and get the first official Santa photo.When you visit Santa, Annette, Leora and Lauren, Santa's helpers, will be there to make sure you have a great visit.Make sure you book in to see Santa at XmasinLismore.com.

The Lismore and Northern Rivers community has been asking the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) about how much recycling is taking place when a Resilient Homes Program buyback house is deemed not fit for relocation. The NSWRA says it is committed to maximising opportunities to relocate buyback homes purchased by the RA under the $880m Resilient Homes Program and that relocating homes that are structurally sound to a safer location is always the first option.Homes that are not able to be relocated will be identified for demolition, adopting deconstruction practices to support the maximum removal, recycling and reuse of materials, with the aim of reducing the amount going to landfill.The NSWRA has said that contractors engaged in the demolition of the first group of 19 structurally unsound homes and the removal of material from a further 8 properties, where the previous owner has relocated the home in the Northern Rivers, have been able to recycle about 72 per cent of materials.Timber, metal, concrete and organics have been able to be recycled and re-used.To the end of October, 64.66 tonnes of metal had been recycled, 972.2 tonnes of concrete, 79.84 tonnes of organics, and 23.07 tonnes of timber had been reclaimed.The timber is being stored pending the results of two trials announced by the RA in August.The concrete is being crushed and screened and used for road base and for things like fill behind retaining walls.Organics are shredded, and a magnet is passed over them to remove metals before being used for landfill cover and/or garden mulch.Metal is going to local recyclers and melted down for further use.As previously announced, work is underway on two trials involving the RA, Living Lab Northern Rivers, the RA’s home removal contractor, and a regional recycling expert, to identify cost-effective and efficient ways to recycle homes bought back through the Resilient Homes Program. The first is a timber recycling trial, led by Associate Professor at the UTS School of Design Berto Pandolfo and involves the deconstruction of two buyback homes and the identification of any timber that has the potential to be reused. A second recycling trial will also be conducted to test the cost-effectiveness of separation methods for reuse on residential and commercial projects. This trial will inform the framework for recycling future buyback homes.Results from these two trials are expected to inform the next stage of the RA’s recycling and reuse program.

The name of the game when you are running a youth program designed to uplift and upskill disadvantaged young people in Lismore is funding. The more funding you can access, the longer the doors are open, the more troubled kids you can work with, and better results will be achieved, which benefits the community.Former realtor and now Director of North Tracks Works Patrick Higgins hosted NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley and NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib to explain what North Tracks Works does and how it is helping our disadvantaged youth.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin was at the shed on Norco Lane as was Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg.Ms Saffin has been involved in the project since it began in 2022 and was responsible for helping set it up along with Richmond Police District Superintendent Scott Tanner and Patrick Higgins, as well as getting a $33,000 government grant. She is now helping Patrick and North Tracks Works, along with Lismore City Council, to transfer the shed, which was utilised by Lismore Men's Shed, into their name and to enlarge the program.North Tracks Works says it measures the success of participants through "the daily transformation of each young person changing the way they see themselves and the world around them. Experienced Youth Workers guide the young people through the programs."Patrick explained that North Tracks Worls has four pillars that everyone lives by, called the Circle of Courage.SENSE OF BELONGING/SENSE OF PURPOSESKILLSDECISION MAKINGGENEROSITYSENSE OF BELONGING"Without that sense of belonging, that sense of purpose, you've got nothing. The kids are not going to come. We've got to create that sense of purpose, sense of belonging. And we do that through the environment we have here in the programs that we're running.SKILLS"If you want to improve someone's self-image, you teach them a new skill. If you learn a new skill, you change the way you see yourself."I always tell people that we don't have a youth problem in this country. What we have is a self-image problem. So, the way the kids see themselves, the way they see themselves and the way they act out."What we're here to do is to change that self-image. So, by teaching them skills, it changes and gives them confidence. We see it happening with these kids. As soon as you do anything with them and teach them a new skill, bang, they change.DECISION MAKING"The third one is helping these kids make good decisions. We don't have rules in here; we have agreements. One of the agreements is, 'if you *%$k it, you fix it'. This is their language, okay. That means if you put a hole in the wall, you take responsibility and you fix it. If you have an argument with someone and you cause a problem, you fix it."Another ones is 'leave your shit at the gate'. We don't want them to bring their crap in here. You can't get kicked out of here, by the way. No one gets kicked out of North Tracks. But we have agreements. We have respect for each other.GENEROSITY"We've got to be generous.(Minister Dib, Minister Catley, Patrick Higgins, Janelle Saffin and Steve Krieg in discussion yesterday)Patrick described the projects that the kids got involved in during the last two and a half years."We were given wooden pallets and pulling them apart, and we were making displays for the OP shops that had been affected by the flood. And then from that, we went on to Lismore Resilience, and we went out and did the two-rooms project."There was one kid, Jordan, he was huge. Jordan was known to the cops. He was a kid in trouble."At the time when he first came to us, he wore a black tracksuit and a gold chain, and he was doing drugs on the street. He came to us, and within a very short period of time, he swapped them for his hi-vis shirts and pants, and he started working in this group."We watched him, and we saw leadership skills in this kid. He's got some pluses here. One day, I took him out to a house we were doing the two-walls project, and we're putting sheets up, and the lady came home in tears after seeing the work we had done. She threw her arms around this kid and told him he was a hero."That kid had been called a lot of things but never a hero. He's probably 19 or 20, I've just received a text message from him reaching out to us, thanking us for what we did for him. Man, oh, man, that's just gold."As well as the mentoring program inside the North Tracks Works shed, Patrick and the team have developed a work-with-the-dogs program."It's something new. We're just going to kick it off in the new year. It's a 10-week program where we're going to grab some of the really hard kids that we've got out there, and we're going to do dog training with these kids. We'll run it one day a week, on a Wednesday."And then once, we build, again, that attachment, that sense of purpose, that sense of belonging, then we integrate them into here. So, in the past, we try to bring them straight into here. It didn't work. It's not working. You can't chase these kids. The more you chase it, the more they run. You've got to attract them, and you've got to attract them through the youth workers and what you're doing."Patrick isn't shying away from the difficult task ahead. He has spoken to police about getting the three worst youth offenders they see."That's what we want to deal with. Let's work with those kids. Anyone can work with the other ones, it's working with the difficult ones that's the problem."As the discussion progressed, solutions through collaboration appeared.Patrick wanted some kids to work on Lismore City Council's Rail Trail, building bird boxes or helping with plant regeneration. Mayor Steve Krieg said that through the NSW Government-funded apprenticeship program that was recently announced for Lismore City Council there is a clear pathway to learning new skills and building a career."Whether it's sitting on a ride-on mower or operating a whipper snipper or being a diesel mechanic, we have over 200 different career pathways in council or something like that where we can work potentially with a program like this, through the funding that the state government is giving local government."Minister Jihad Dib said the state government understands that not all organisations and programs fall into the grant application box and that the Labor government is willing to be more flexible and look at individual cases that have multiple benefits to the community."We're trying to change the way that people see and make decisions. How do you count what's valuable and what's good value for money?"Minister Dib also spoke about kids not being bad kids."Their circumstances put them in a situation that makes them do things that maybe people interpret as being bad, and that's not being soft on kids, like saying you did the wrong thing. That's why I love your saying about what happens, and then you fix it."Jesse Lahne was labelled as one of these 'bad kids'. He used to go to Lismore High but didn't like the school. He found he was sitting at the back of the classroom, being ignored, so he felt like he was the bottom card of a deck of 52. I used to go to a thing called the Accelerate Room, and that's basically the second part of school to get help."I just didn't feel like it was right for me. I found another pathway. I went down to the TAFE. I completed my year 10 and 11. I then went to the Op Shop to give my time there, and I saw that Patrick had basically believed in me and I could do stuff. He suggested me to come down here. And I thought that was good."This is a safe space. And ever since I've come down here, I've learned quite a lot, and so I've been in association with people. I've learned how to use the tools, I've done archery. I never used to do archery. I go out to the tip shop and find old furniture pieces like this one I'm in the process of refurbishing."Jesse's older sister, Montanna, has a background in Community Services and wanted to get more involved in North Tracks Works, so she now volunteers her time."I've recently done my Diploma of Counseling, and I want to utilise my skills for the younger generation. I'm a helper, I'm a giver, and I've got so many values to share."There was certainly an air of positivity about yesterday's visit. Patrick Higgins' hope is to attract more funding to move from two days a week to five days a week and help more disadvantaged kids in Lismore.Another volunteer is former teacher Kevin Bell, who spends a couple of hours a week teaching the kids maths. Something they didn't learn at school.Patrick is a believer that 'It takes a village to raise a child".If you would like to contribute to North Coast Works, you'll find them on Norco Lane, South Lismore. They are open Mondays and Tuesdays at this stage of their journey.

The NSW Government today announced a new, state-of-the-art emergency services precinct to be built in the heart of Byron Bay. The $28 million project will create modern facilities for both NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW, supporting frontline workers and ensuring the region’s emergency services can meet the demands of the growing population.$20 million was originally allocated in July 2022 to rebuild the Byron Bay police station on its current site. However, size constraints and heritage considerations made redevelopment at that location unfeasible. At the same time, the local fire station was identified as requiring significant upgrades.To address these challenges, Fire and Rescue NSW allocated an additional $8 million, allowing both services to be co-located at a new emergency services precinct.Planning of the facility is underway and construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and finish by the end of 2027.The project will be built on a 6,500-square-metre section of crown land within the Sandhills Estate on the eastern side of Gilmore Crescent.The new precinct will feature modern, strategically positioned facilities to improve operational capacity and staff amenities for both agencies.It will also offer enhanced flood resilience and connectivity, with nearby Tennyson Street set to be extended for improved access to police and fire vehicles.The Sandhills Estate, a 19-hectare area adjacent to the Byron Bay CBD, was historically used for sand mining and is now the focus of extensive planning and redevelopment.The site was secured for the precinct through Aboriginal Land Agreements (ALAs) negotiated by Crown Lands, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, and the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, settling outstanding land claims and interests.This vital investment addresses the growing demands of the Byron Bay community, where substantial population increase has outgrown the capacity of existing emergency service facilities.By co-locating Police and Fire and Rescue NSW, the precinct will ensure efficient, resilient, and centrally located services for years to come.The NSW Government remains committed to enhancing public safety infrastructure and supporting the needs of local communities through strategic planning and investment.Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said, “This collaboration between the NSW Police and Fire & Rescue will further strengthen their capability to serve and protect the Byron Bay community.“Police and emergency services go above and beyond to make our community a safer place. This project is a major investment to ensure they have the resources and facilities they need to continue this important work.”"The Minns Labor Government is supporting our police like never before – we’ve secured a historic pay agreement, we’re paying recruits to study and offering a pathway for them to work in or near their hometown after graduating the Goulburn Police Academy. There’s never been a better time to join the NSW Police Force.”Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “The NSW Government committed $8.2 million to the new Byron Bay fire station in this year’s budget, reaffirming our commitment to rebuilding essential services across the state.“This new facility will replace a building that is almost 50 years old and provides our firefighters with modern amenities to better serve the community.”Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said, “The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities. It’s great to see Crown land being utilised to deliver a range of benefits for critical emergency services, Aboriginal outcomes, community recreation and environmental protection.” “I thank the NSW agencies, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and Byron Shire Council for working together to secure an outcome that puts the needs of the community and our social infrastructure first.”Member for Lismore and NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “Co-locating NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW on Crown land makes perfect sense to service Byron Shire’s future population growth and its year-round influx of visitors.“This should be the model for future developments where our emergency services agencies outgrow existing sites and need purpose-built upgrades across the Northern Rivers region, and beyond.”

Lismore City Council has released its State of the City Report and 2023/24 Annual Report, showcasing a period of significant advocacy, recovery and delivery for the city. Key milestones include securing a record funding agreement with the NSW Government to rebuild around one hundred of Lismore’s roads and bridges, devastated by the 2022 natural disaster. The agreement not only signified the Government’s confidence in the future of Lismore but also set a new benchmark in streamlining critical funding for transport infrastructure in the aftermath of natural disasters. Building on this momentum, the Council also streamlined its processes, dramatically reducing residential Development Application processing times. This improvement has spurred new growth and positively impacted local businesses, with a notable rise in CBD occupancy to 76.8% as well as increased spending across the city, particularly across hospitality and entertainment. Lismore’s resilience and vibrancy also attracted international recognition, with Qantas Travel Insider naming the city on a global list of one of the ‘Coolest Places to Visit in 2024.’ Mayor Steve Krieg said the Council’s achievements highlight the valuable role Council plays in building a resilient and prosperous community. “We’re seeing real, measurable progress that reflects the hard work of council in advocating and delivering for Lismore,” he said. “It really is in keeping with the spirit and strength of our community generally. “From reducing Development Application times to achieving 80% completion on our building recovery projects, rebuilding major infrastructure and attracting world-class events, every step we take is about delivering real results for our residents and preparing our city for a bright future.” The Council’s State of the City report reveals further growth, with a 16% rise in Gross Regional Product since 2021 and a 4.7% increase in active businesses. In reflecting on the city's progress, Mayor Krieg emphasised that the Annual Report not only highlights recent achievements but also lays a strong foundation for Lismore’s future direction. “These reports demonstrate that our city is on a critical path forward, but it is not just about looking back; it’s about celebrating the important groundwork that has been done to ensure a prosperous future,” he said. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable Lismore, and we are ready for what lies ahead.” The latest reports also highlight vital statistics reflecting Lismore’s growth and resilience across various sectors to illustrate the positive outcomes achieved for the city.They include: 16% increase in Gross Regional Product (2021-2023)4.7% increase in active businesses in the LGA (2021-2023)54% drop in average assessment days for DAs (compared to 2017-2021 term)75% increase in riparian areas excluded from livestock (compared to 2017-2021 term)45 out of 50 public buildings and spaces restored post-floodsIncrease in medium or high-density housingLaunch of Housing Grant Program and MOU for Affordable Housing The Annual Report also outlines the Council's progress on commitments in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan, as well as financial and asset performance against the budget. It ensures transparency by detailing progress made on immediate goals and aligning these achievements with the city’s long-term vision. This ongoing evaluation allows the community to track how current efforts contribute to broader strategic objectives, providing a clear picture of how today’s actions shape Lismore’s future growth and sustainability.Both reports can be found on Council's website www.lismore.nsw.gov.au and by clicking here.

Our Kids has been a part of the Lismore community for the last 23 years, and yesterday evening was the first sponsor recognition event for the popular Our House charity since before COVID struck us down in 2020.The annual event was a celebration of businesses who have supported Our House with donations of $1000 or more and the big donors who have donated $50,000 or more in cash or in kind. There is a full list at the end of this story.Not coincidentally, the event was also 12 years to the week that Our House first opened, giving people from all over NSW somewhere to stay while they or a family member was having cancer treatment at a very affordable rate."We see 1,000 guests a year, so that's over 12,000 guests we've seen since we opened the doors," said Our House Director, Rebekah Battista."Thank you for your contribution because those 12,000 people all represent a family, and they represent a household, and they represent a community, and most of those 12,000 people aren't actually from Lismore."Rebekah introduced Dr Chris Ingall, the founder of Our Kids and Our House, who broke the big news that in the future, there will be an Our House II."What we've done is we bought next door," said a proud Dr Ingall, "That will give us a footprint of land, and it comes back to councils and car parks again, to sort out how many more we can build.(Dr Chris Ingall and Rebekah Battista at yesterday evening's announcement)"We're seeking out people now to put some plans together, which you will all be able to see. So we really want the community involved in this as well, but our plan is to at least double the 20 units that we have over time."If ever a town needed accommodation, it's Lismore, and what I like about this accommodation is that it will be connected to health, and health will be one of the ways Lismore will come back and will continue to come back. We have a great health community in this valley, the envy of many other valleys, and we want to build health, we also want to build accommodation. And this, I think, will be a win/win."We will have the same sorts of people who will be here now, which are patients and their families and also health staff who need to come and be locums or have a relationship with the health precinct. With a double capacity, we won't have to turn anyone away, which we rarely do, but sometimes we're really stuck, so that will start to become a thing of the past."Dr Ingall said he and the Our House board members will be talking with the federal and state governments, talking with Lismore City Council and talking with the Local Health District to try and create a facility that will enable whoever needs health support to access it.When it comes to how Our House II will be funded, Dr Ingall said it will be similar to how the original Our House was funded 12 years ago."To get Our House where it is now, we went to government for the bones of it ($3.6 million from the federal government, $500,000 from state government and $500,000 from the Cancer Council), and the large corporations around the area provided the meat on those bones ($1 million which included $220,000 from Dry July, $200,000 from the Ballina Shire Combined Services Clubs,$180,000 from the Goonellabah Senior Citizens, $105,000 from Northern Cooperative Meat Company, $101,000 from Newcastle Permanent, $68,000 from Australia Lions Foundation, the Lions Q1 Northern Rivers Community Trust and the Lismore City Lions Club), and then the community helped really put some life in the project that is what we see today."So, Our House now really belongs to the community, and that's exactly how we want it to be going forward with this build."Clearly, we're going to need support. We're going to need support for the bones of the build, and that might include federal and state government and perhaps even LHD (Local Health District) in-kind support. Once we've got all those people on the one page, then I think we can go confidently and say we've got some momentum, we're able to make this project happen, come on board with us, if you can or want to."We are wanting this to happen as quickly as possible, of course, but time is money, and grants don't fall off trees at your whim. But equally, it doesn't mean that we can't build to be in the right place at the right time, which is what we've always tried to do."It's a long game, but it's one that has worked for us and left us with no debt. This has meant that any money that we get can go to our Hardship Fund. We do not need to find money to keep the place running in that way. Yes, we've got salaries and wages and building maintenance and so forth. All of those overheads are with everyone, but we're able to say that any money that does come into Our House, we can immediately transfer it across to our Hardship Fund, which means people who are on struggle street, they get cancer, they need some treatment, can find a place in Lismore, which is close to the hospital, and it's a very therapeutic environment."An optimistic Dr Ingall is confident that Our House II will happen, and it will double the capacity of rooms from 20 to 40 units when complete."We will, we will. It's just a matter of time again, but we're going to build towards that from tonight."Below are the businesses and individuals that have generously donated cash or in-kind to help create and run Our House:ROOMS NAMED IN HONOUR (donations over $50,000):Ballina FoundationMichael Primiano & FamilyO'Brien Electrical and PlumbingJames Frizzle Charitable Foundation(The Our House wall of honour)DONORS ($1000 or more)Rotary Club of Ballina on RichmondBallina RSLEstate of Gordon Robert DayEstate of Norma K RiceAccepted by Guy LathamSommerville Laundry LomaxSanctuary Village Social ClubRotary of TenterfieldLismore Rotary ClubLismore Golf Club Social Fishing ClubNorthern Rivers Evening Prostate Cancer Support GroupBrenda TulkBarry HurrenLismore City lionsBallina Bowling & Recreation Club (Cherry Street Sports)Rabbit Trappers (Cherry Street Sports)John and Pam MurphyFamily of Christine and John WellsKaren McDonaldQuota Club of AlstonvilleLions Club of LismoreAnn and Paul KennedyBallina Scope ClubBarbara JonesBob and Bev HaiserBob DudgeonByron Bay CoffeeCasino lady GolfersColin and Kathleen GarnettEast Lismore Bowling ClubFelicity CarrGeoffrey HannahGeorge PriddleGeurtje and David AndersonTerry Daly (in memoriam)Jan FaulknerKym ThorntonKyogle Junior Rugby ClubLions Club of Goonellabah - Wollongbar & DistrictsLismore Workers ClubLori McIntyreMark PearceMullumbimby High SchoolNatural Ice Cream Australia, Wal FosterPeter Gow Electrical - Damien and Annika DabrowskiPeter Gow Electrical - Peter and Leanne GowQuota Club LismoreSelina O'LaughlanShirley McMullinSunshine Sugar StaffWoodenbong Campdraft Assn IncWorkers Sports Anglers ClubYamba City Lions

The NSW Government has launched an innovative new online Varroa Management Tool designed to help commercial and recreational beekeepers manage the challenges of Varroa mite.The new online capability was officially unveiledat Australia’s longest-running beekeepers’ field day at Tocal College, with resounding support shown by the beekeeping industry.  Using the online tool, users are guided through a series of questions relating to their hive conditions, including mite treatment thresholds, the presence of brood and honey supers, and the colony development phase.  Based on their answers, the tool generates a range of treatment options, including cultural, mechanical, and chemical solutions, designed to help beekeepers make informed decisions for managing Varroa mites. NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Bee Technical Specialist Elizabeth Frost said beekeepers have been asking for a tool like this for some time, and it’s great to be able to offer them an accessible, easy-to-use resource.  “The varroa mite tool provides practical guidance for managing Varroa mite in Australian hives and helps beekeepers navigate the complexities of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is still a relatively new concept for many in the industry,” Ms Frost said.  “It has been designed to be a one-stop resource for both recreational and commercial beekeepers, helping them to adopt best practices in pest management. “It is expected to be particularly valuable for Australian beekeepers as they face the ongoing challenge of Varroa mite management.” Key Features of the Varroa Management Tool include:  Customised recommendations based on hive conditions and answers to - questions about mite thresholds, treatments, and colony development. A range of cultural, mechanical, and chemical treatment options to suit different management preferences. User-friendly design suitable for all beekeepers, from recreational to commercial operators. Ms Frost said this tool bridges a significant gap in knowledge for many Australian beekeepers. Integrated pest management is essential for sustainable beekeeping, but it’s a complex approach that involves balancing a variety of treatment options.  “The Varroa Management Tool makes it easier for beekeepers to understand and implement IPM strategies, giving them greater confidence in managing their hives,” MsFrost said.  “It will also enhance the work of Varroa Development Officers (VDOs), allowing them to engage more efficiently with affected beekeepers across the country. “Whether you're a hobbyist just starting out or a commercial beekeeper managing hundreds of hives, the tool is designed to be accessible and informative for everyone. It's a game-changer for Australian beekeepers looking to improve their Varroa management practices." The Varroa mite management tool was developed in collaboration with the North American Honeybee Health Coalition and tailored to Australian conditions. For more information and to access the tool, please visit – https://bit.ly/3V97L9b. 

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan released a statement in reply to this morning's announcement by the Federal Labor Government of a further $90 million added to the Resilient Homes program. The total investment from both state and federal governments is $880 million.The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) began a strategy of removing those in danger from the floodplain. They identified 2,000 homes and deemed them ‘unsafe’. Yet after the completion of buybacks, maybe 800 to 900 of the 2000 homes identified by the NRRC will have been bought back.Their strategy of withdrawing from the floodplain has failed. Some people started putting money back into their homes and commenced renovations immediately. Others decided to sell their properties on the private market. The new property owners did not qualify for the buyback. Some families who accepted a buyback, have bought back on the floodplain. This all shows the failure of the program.Flood mitigation is the only strategy that will provide safety and a sustainable future. This is where Governments should be focusing their attention. The Government on all levels must act. Mistakes have been made and significant amounts of public funds have been spent with marginal return. This can be rectified with a commitment to flood mitigation and a vision strategy for the region.The Federal and State Governments have today announced a combined $180 million for the Resilient Homes Program.Pouring more money into a program plagued by delays and inefficiencies will not provide the long-term security that our families and businesses desperately need. $880 million has been allocated to this program. None of this money has lowered the level of the next flooding event. This means no CBD business or industrial estate occupant, on the flood plain is any safer.

The winners have been announced for the 2024 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award.Twenty-five finalists were selected from more than 80 entries from across the country.Kylie Caldwell, Elisa Jane Carmichael, Bindimu Currie, Karla Dickens, Penny Evans, Clare Jaque Vasquez, Kieran Karritpul, Virginia Keft, Melissa Ladkin, Jenna Lee, Emma McNeill, Patricia Marrfurra McTaggart AM, Gail Neuss, Puuni Nungarrayi, Jenn Rowe, Marita Sambono, Damien Shen, Anthony Walker.Youth finalists: Ezra Baker, Tykiah Brown, Judy Ganambarr, Harley Green, Aria Kitchener, Zyon Nona, Chloe Rhodes.On Saturday, 30 November, at the opening celebration, guest judge Rebecca Ray, Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, announced the winners of the award categories. Rebecca Ray said it has been a pleasure to be the guest judge for the 2024 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award, "With some 80 entries, it has been a difficult task to shortlist finalists due to the remarkable calibre and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual languages and culture within contemporary art. Featuring works from artists based in remote Country to urban city mob and the Zenadth Kes, the artworks presented highlight the diversity of Indigenous cultural expression, identity, and story."Ashleigh Ralph, Gallery Director, is proud that Lismore Regional Gallery has the support of the Koori Mail to deliver this award, "it is a testament to the incredible talent and creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, providing a platform to showcase a selection of powerful and diverse artistic expression."The selection of winners and highly commended artists was a difficult task for Rebecca.The winner of the major non-acquisitive $10,000 Koori Mail Art Award is Penny Evans for 'The Elephant' 2024. Rebecca noted that the work presents ceramics as vessels of resilience, “they are more than objects; they are acts of resistance, storytelling, and reclamation. Each piece tells a story of survival and strength… By fusing traditional practices of Gomeroi mark making with contemporary politics, such as the Referendum, this body of work is both timeless and fiercely relevant.”Highly commended was Melissa Ladkin Balun 'Milky Way' 2023. Rebecca says, “This work speaks deeply to the interconnectedness of all things and reflects a worldview where the celestial and terrestrial are inextricably linked. Her distinctive visual language resonates with the infinite vastness of the cosmos that echoes back to the deepest depths of the oceans. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, just as many Indigenous peoples across the globe, have observed the night skies for millennia. It is where ancestral beings exist, it is a map and guide to navigation, it is seasons and cultural practice.”The winner of the $3,000 Innovation Award is Damien Shen 'Entombed' in Joy 2024. For Rebecca, the work draws inspiration from shield making, and “reflects the strength and adaptability of Indigenous peoples while simultaneously challenging narrow, colonial views of Aboriginal identity.” She says, “Through his intricate and layered works, the artist delves into the contemporary understandings of the self, weaving together his Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Chinese heritage to articulate the complexity of Indigenous identities. His use of shields—objects of protection and cultural significance—become a metaphor for resistance, survival, and the layers of identity that safeguard the spirit against erasure. These shields are not just cultural artifacts; they are vessels of memory, connection, and happiness.”The winner of the $500 Friends of the Gallery Youth Award is Aria Kitchener 'Born to Revolt' 2023. Rebecca noted that digital art has become a transformative tool for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, offering a platform to assert cultural identity, share stories and challenge colonial narratives. “The youth artwork selected, highlights not only the artistic skill and merit of the medium, but captures the emotions of our young people as well as the ongoing displays of Aboriginal activism through art. It is a powerful piece, reminding us that the Indigenous identity is inherently political and that the struggle and fight for sovereignty, recognition and survival is not over.”Highly commended was Zyon Nona, 'The Australian Dream' 2024. “In a similar vein, I wanted to also have a highly commended Youth award, and as a form of acknowledgment of the story shared within the artwork. This is the artists first artwork created, and one that is so deeply personal, brave and important. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys and men have faced enduring racial discrimination for centuries.”The Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award is a biannual award hosted at Lismore Regional Gallery, proudly sponsored by The Koori Mail. The shortlisted works are on exhibition at Lismore Regional Gallery until 2 February 2025.