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.

The Resilient Homes Program has received a $90 million boost from the federal Labor Government today, bringing the total program value to $880 million.More than 1000 days after the February 2022 14.4 metre flood ripped through the heart of Lismore, Coraki, Woodburn and other parts of the Northern Rivers, the Resilient Homes Program is still assessing applications from residents for a house buyback. The Lismore App knows of one in South Lismore and another on Cathcart Street that are waiting for a valuation and a decision through appeal.Member for Lismore and NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said, “We thank the residents of the Northern Rivers for their continued patience as the Resilient Homes Program Northern Rivers continues to grow and be enhanced. “When the program was first announced at the end of 2022, we knew we would need more funding, and here it is. “The continuous improvement in the RHP is a testament to government listening to community needs. By revising requirements for those eligible for resilient measures funding, more people will have a pathway for assistance.”The Resilient Homes Program (RHP) was first established in October 2022 to relocate homeowners (owner occupiers and investors renting their property) from high-risk flood areas by buying back properties that represent the greatest risk to life, as well as improving the resilience of eligible homes against future floods by raising, relocating, rebuilding, or retrofitting. This funding will see more homes prioritised for buybacks and resilient measures. As of 29 November, 836 offers had been approved under the RHP, and 708 buyback offers had been accepted, with 564 settlements completed. To help more homeowners access the funding in the resilient measures stream (house raises and retrofits), eligibility requirements have been revised to include a hardship provision that waives the co-contribution for eligible homeowners. It will also provide additional up-front funding for design and planning work in the initial stages.Initial funding of $700 million was jointly funded between the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The NSW Government confirmed a further $90 million in its June Budget, which has now been matched by the Australian Government, bringing the total to $880 million. This is still shy of the first muted $1.4 billion tabled to parliament in 2022; however, it will be welcomed by homeowners looking to move forward with their life.(Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, Emergency Management Minister Senator Jenny McAllister, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin and Tweed Shire Mayor Cr Chris Cherry at today's announcement in Murwillumbah. Photo: supplied)The RHP is being delivered by the NSW RA. More information is available from the RA’s website: www.nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAlister, said, “The Northern Rivers is one of the most flood-prone regions in Australia, and the community have proven their resilience time and time again to repeated flooding. “But we also know that risk of future flooding is growing. That’s why this program is so important -moving people in areas of greatest risk out of harm’s way and, where they can remain in their homes, ensuring that they are better able to withstand floods.“Today's investment builds on more than $1.2 billion jointly committed for the Northern Rivers through recovery support packages through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and more than $193 million in direct Commonwealth investment for medium-long term recovery and resilience projects.” NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully, “The Resilient Homes Program Northern Rivers is the largest program of its kind in Australia and is groundbreaking in terms of climate change adaptation. “Home buybacks and improving the resilience of homes in the Northern Rivers increases the capacity of the community to withstand the impacts of future floods. “I’d like to thank the Australian Government for matching the NSW Government’s contributions dollar for dollar, which is a significant investment in the future of this community.” NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, “The 2022 flood in the Northern Rivers has been described as Australia’s worst ever flood disaster, requiring a massive response from the whole community and governments at all levels. “The RHP is continuing to assess properties for eligibility under the program. “The size and scale of the program means that delivery takes time, but we’re confident the program will help give people options to move off the floodplain and make their homes more resilient against the future impacts of floods.” 

NSW’s popular drink container recycling scheme, Return and Earn, celebrated seven years of success yesterday. And to mark its birthday, the scheme has released its latest Local Government Volumes Report listing the number of containers returned by the community by council.  Since its launch in December 2017, Return and Earn has seen over 12.5 billion drink containers returned for recycling through its return point network across the state thanks to the 84 per cent of NSW adults who have participated.The Lismore City Council recorded the following figures since 1 December 2017:Aluminium - 41,200,243Glass - 34,012,806PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) - 16,369,245HDPE (plastics) - 1,616,143Liquid Paper Board - 1,137,218Steel - 83,714 Return and Earn is a NSW Government initiative delivered in partnership with scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.  “It’s been amazing to see so many people make Return and Earn part of their regular routine and the incredible positive impact their participation is having with two out of three drink containers sold in NSW being returned and 1,077,338 tonnes of materials recycled to a 73 per cent reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels,” said Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change. “Funded by the beverage industry, Return and Earn is a leading example of effective product stewardship."In addition to the environmental benefits, we have also seen $1.25 billion in container refunds put back in people’s pockets, and over $62 million raised for charities and community groups through donations and fees from hosting return points,” said Ms. Smalley. The latest consumer research shows support and trust in Return and Earn is at an all-time high, respectively 93 per cent and 78 per cent of NSW adults, with 3 out of 5 ‘returning and earning’ monthly or more. The return point network continues to grow, with network operator TOMRA Cleanaway continually reviewing and optimising to ensure NSW residents have easy and convenient access to redeem their bottles, cans and cartons. “We’re proud to invest in technological upgrades to make recycling even easier for the community. Over the last 12 months, we’ve added 103 new return points to the network including new return point formats as well as upgrades to some machines to ‘takes-all’. All with the aim of making it quicker and easier to return your drink containers and pocket the refund,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway. There are over 650 return points across NSW, including Return and Earn machines, automated depots and over-the-counter return points, all designed to be as accessible as possible. “Over the upcoming busy summer holidays, we expect more than 9 million drink containers will be returned every day by the NSW community. It’s a busy time of year so we encourage everyone to check the live status of their nearest return point through the Return and Earn app or website before visiting,” added Mr. Dorney.  “Return and Earn is the triple threat of recycling – providing significant social, economic and environmental benefits to the NSW community while contributing to a more sustainable, waste-free future. “Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to Return and Earn’s seven years of success, including the beverage industry, who fund the scheme, the NSW community for their support and participation, and the strong partnership between scheme partners,” said Ms Smalley.  For more information, visit www.returnandearn.com.au.

A pioneering approach to resource-efficient building design could give people quicker access to high-quality temporary homes after disasters like the 2022 floods in Lismore.A prototype will be on display at Southern Cross University from December 3 to 5.Researchers have teamed up with government and industry partners to develop a bio-based, low-carbon housing system using waste cardboard and under-utilised timber materials sourced from the local area.Southern Cross University’s Professor Andrew Rose said he was proud to be collaborating on this project, saying it was incredibly important for regions like the Northern Rivers.“We’re still trying to recover from the 2022 floods as a community. One of the biggest issues at that time was a lack of potential housing and shelter,” Professor Rose said.“Not only is this bio-based housing product ideal as something that relates to the circular economy, but it also provides low-cost, high-quality shelter for people who have been adversely affected by disasters.”Project partners include the University of Queensland and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as well as eight industry partners – Hurford’s, Big River, Forestry Corporation, Weathertex, Australian Panels, Visy, Jowat and Ausco Modular.University of Queensland’s Associate Professor Joe Gattas said the project presented a new class of structural composite product: timber-cardboard sandwich panels.“In the current design system, the structural components consist of cardboard, which is fully recycled or sourced as a waste product, bonded to plywood skins,” Associate Professor Gattas said.“That forms the main structural composite, and the current configuration outperforms standard foam core structurally insulated panels by about 30 per cent for the same panel density.”With seed funding from the NSW Decarbonisation Hub’s Land and Primary Industries Network, the research team has added a complete range of detailing features to make a full-scale prototype that is weatherproof, safe and comfortable.Prototype drop-in sessionsInterested community members are welcome to see the bio-based house prototype at drop-in sessions at Southern Cross University’s Northern Rivers campus:WHERE: Near the former UniBar (overlooking Maurie Ryan Oval), Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore.WHEN:Tuesday, December 3, 2pm-5pmWednesday, December 4, 3pm-6pmThursday, December 5, 9am-12pm

After a wet weekend that included potential flooding near Murwillumbah, it is apt that the SES has just released the new names of areas that they will refer to when making announcements concerning flood management in Lismore.It was determined that “Outside the Levee” was too general, so in consultation with the community, areas were identified and names attributed to them.  The names were identified and selected at an SES meeting at the South Lismore Bowling Club in late October, and they will be the names used in future warnings.Scott McLennan, the SES Incident Controller for this region, said, “These are going to be the names that will be given on the Hazard Near Me application, on socials, including Facebook and X, and they will be used in other formats that could be printed and distributed.”If you live/work or spend time in any of the areas outlined below, it is in your best interests to know what it will be called. If you are on a border or aren’t sure exactly which region you are included in, be aware of the two or more that you share a boundary with.Trinity Sports Ground and Surrounds:South Lismore Airport and Surrounds:Duck Pond, South LismoreSouth West Lismore and Surrounds:North of Hollingsworth Creek, South Lismore:South Lismore Industrial Area:All the regions together:Mr McLennan relays the importance of applying zones, “The premise of the Australian Warning System is to ensure that localised warnings are relevant to individuals.  “We take it down to the most common denominator to ensure that people in local areas understand the warnings for them, they understand the meaning to them, and they can identify with their locations. “So, we use a warning system, which is all based around the location of hazards and what we're asking people to do for those particular areas."Luckily, we won't have to put that into use this week as the weather forecast is for a partly cloudy/mostly sunny week.

Coffee lovers, take note! There is a new place to grab a coffee and breakfast in Lismore.The Little Love Bros Coffee Nook opened two weeks ago on Cathcart Street, serving Cloud Nine Blend coffee and brekky burritos.The name may be recognisable to some, as it is connected to the popular Taco Love Bros on Conway Street.Owner Dylan Morris had a single garage that he was using for storage "and filling with shit", but he wanted to utilise the space for his popular Mexican-inspired restaurant. "I wanted something a little more funky," Dylan said.So Dylan got on the tools with a friend, "This was as a collaboration effort between my mate, who knows what he's doing, and having rebuilt a few shops, I have a few skills to chip in as well."The result is a rustic look using a lot of recycled timbers."We've got a bunch of recycled timbers that we salvaged from all different places, such as the closing down of the casino shop, some big scrub timber like this hoop pine here, some salvaged rainforest hoop pine, silky oak. Those shelves at the back there, salvaged silky oak, and these are just some recycled fence palings. But our style is definitely that of reclaimed timber, upcycled and then add some funky steel in there as well."Now that Little Love Bros Coffee Nook, Dylan wants to take advantage of his ideal location."We've got such a prominent location here on the corner (Conway and Cathcart streets), sort of in between the CBD and East Lismore. It's a good little hub to stop off if you don't want to go fully into town," he explained."We're super passionate about teaming up with these guys, Old Quarter Coffee Merchants. They're a company based down in Ballina, and the ethos around their business is something that we wanted to align with."They go over to Southeast Asia, make the connection with the farmer, and they'll pay above-board prices to support that farmer. They bring the beans back, roast them in Ballina, and then distribute it from there. So there's no middleman.The Old Quarter coffee is a Cloud Nine Blend. That is coffee from Southern Vietnam, Central Myanmar and the eastern Ghats of India.The coffee is grown in high-altitude mountains that, when combined, 'add unique aspects to create a flavour profile that will elevate your day'. Little Love Bros Coffee Nook does a cold brew too."We're pairing it with our breakfast burritos," Dylan added, "Which we're also super passionate about. We're getting famous for our brekky burrito. It's all that you really need in a meal in the morning to keep you going. The fuel for your day, really. "Little Love Bros Coffee Nook is open from 6am, so it is looking at the early morning shift workers and tradies in the area."We want to build it up to cater for people who finish at the gym too, the early morning workout people and people who want substantial food in the morning, not so much like toasties and things like that, but protein-based food, as in beef, beans, eggs. Something that's really going to pack some punch, as opposed to spending money on white bread and that sort of stuff."We've got nice little goodies too. We bake muffins, all the little sweets, the cookies, all that sort of stuff."We've got a lovely couple of baristas. Haley is a Lismore local who has been here for a long time. And we've got an Italian lady named Sylvia. The girls will be rotating around.The Little Love Bros Coffee Nook is open from 6am to 1pm Monday to Friday on the corner of Cathcart and Conway Street, Lismore.It's been a long way back for Dylan Morris from the 2022 Floods. However, through grants and some hard work, Dylan has created a new coffee place that's worth checking out.

The NSW Government is warning retailers to be on alert and urging the community to heed fire safety advice to avoid a visit from firefighters this festive season. NSW Fair Trading has been monitoring Christmas pop-up stores across the state to ensure they are only selling approved and appropriately marked electrical items. Since commencing on 27 November, NSW Fair Trading inspectors have made unannounced visits to chain stores and bargain outlets, inspecting 798 different product lines, including decorative Christmas lighting and electrical displays, electrical items designed for children, and other promotional Christmas items on sale.   If non-compliant items are found, Fair Trading can seize the goods and issue fines.  As residents start putting up their Christmas decorations, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is reminding residents to check that all decorative lights and electrical displays are in good working order. FRNSW recommends people only use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and follow the manufacturer's instructions on setting up and operating. Overloading or failing to check power boards and power points also poses real fire safety risks. Synthetic Christmas trees can be highly flammable so lights and decorations designed for these trees should be used. Additionally, decorative lights may become very hot so keep away from children and flammable materials such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains and don’t leave burning candles unattended. Ensure you switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed. FRNSW has also warned about the potential dangers of buying poor quality lithium-ion battery-powered products as gifts this holiday season and are being reminded to undertake safe charging, storage and disposal practices. The latest FRNSW figures confirm smaller lithium-ion powered devices such as electric toothbrushes, shavers, vacuum cleaners, portable chargers and power tools have overtaken micromobility products as the leading cause of lithium-ion fires in NSW. The Minns Labor Government is introducing mandatory safety standards for lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility products, with new testing, certification, and marking requirements. Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Buying and hanging Christmas decorations and Christmas lights are a special part of the Christmas season, but we need to ensure all of the decorations for sale at this time of year are safe enough to be used in any home. “That is why Fair Trading inspectors will be out and about, doing surprise inspections, to make sure that the Christmas products shoppers are buying are safe. “Fair Trading inspectors have the powers to enter any store selling Christmas decorations and ensure they are only selling approved and appropriately marked electrical items. “These surprise inspections will be looking at Christmas lights and electrical Christmas decorations, as well as any other Christmas promotional items on sale.  “NSW Fair Trading has gathered intelligence in order to target Christmas pop-up stores, as well as other bargain outlets and even large chain stores selling Christmas decorations.  “If unsafe goods are identified, Fair Trading inspectors can immediately seize the goods and issue fines.” Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “We all want to enjoy the festive season, but we need to ensure that safety remains the top priority for every family over the holiday period. “We want every family to have a safe and relaxing festive season and to ring in the new year with joy, not tragedy. “As individuals, we can support our tireless emergency services personnel by doing everything in our power to prevent fire-related incidents in the home.” FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said, “Checking lights and other decorations is a simple but effective way to prevent a household fire this festive season. “With the Christmas shopping upon us, make sure you are buying safe lithium-ion battery-powered products as well as charging and storing them safely. “Additionally, please dispose of old lithium-ion batteries and embedded devices responsibly. Don’t throw them out with the household rubbish, as they can cause intense, dangerous fires when they’re crushed in garbage trucks and refuse tips. “Don’t spoil your Christmas with a trip to the hospital because of accidents in the home that are easily preventable.” FRNSW Lithium-ion safety messaging: Never sleep or leave home with your lithium-ion powered devices charging.Don’t leave them constantly on charge.If lithium-ion batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly.Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted.Contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice.B-Cycle drop off points accept handheld batteries and are located at many major retail outlets, including all major supermarkets.Batteries can also be returned to all Community Recycling Centres and Household Chemical Clean-Out events across NSW.Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials.Try to charge devices outside if possible.Always buy reputable lithium-ion brands and never ‘mix and match’ components.Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-ion powered devices.Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells.Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials.Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage.Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire.Don’t store or charge lithium-ion-powered devices near exit points in your home. For further information, visit the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9392

CASPA celebrated its first Christmas Carnival at the Lismore Turf Club on Saturday with raffles, rides, market stalls, food, a big entertainment stage and craft stalls.  Despite the cloudy weather and occasional drizzle, the Christmas Carnival was well received and attended by a good crowd.The feel of the place was one of wonder and delight. A small child showed the snow globe that he made. There were crafts made by the CASPA kids, and you could do beading and make cards. There was some young, up-and-coming talent on the big stage, thrashing out some great tunes and getting a taste of what performing is all about.Helen and her young charge Sophia were at the jelly bean counting competition. Sophia said she was really enjoying the carnival, “It’s bigger and better than I expected.”Naarah Rodwell, the Chief Executive of CASPA, was so pleased about the Christmas Carnival, “We want to give back to the community. We are a charity, and Lismore has been so supportive. The face painting was popular and very well done! “The response from the community has been amazing. We have been really impressed with how much people have been happy to engage and connect with us.”Danni Waker from CASPA talks further about the success of the project, “The donations we got for our raffle are incredible. And then the amount of interest we had in the markets as well is really fantastic.  “Knowing our community has been through such a tumultuous time, particularly economically, and a lot of people are still really struggling, spaces like this that bring us together to help support local businesses. The markets are being well received. Danni and Naarah by the Wishing Tree“It also gives us somewhere to have joy, somewhere to actually be able to connect and engage and celebrate.”The performers entertaining on stage varied from music students to local First Nations performers and rock bands. CASPA had so many people wanting to perform that they had more than enough to fill the billing. They have been so pleased with the enthusiasm from the community.At the markets, they were encouraging anyone getting gifts for Christmas to grab something extra and get it wrapped at the gold coin wrapping station. Placed under the wishing tree, they will be given to any kids in care that might not get gifts, otherwise.The CASPA kids were at the carnival, “It is just as much a celebration for any kids in care. It's like their end-of-year party," Danni said.The CASPA team were having a great day of it, and the board of CASPA were keen to be involved in it also. They arranged a stall of their own - a photo booth. With a big Christmassy backdrop and a pile of glittery props and frames, it was a popular place to attend. CASPA Director Nick Harrison, said, “The board was happy to get involved and help to do something to give back to the community for what they've given to us for over so many years.Mr Harrison getting into the spirit of the photo booth!“This is a beautiful way of connecting with the community. I’ve been so impressed with how it's all gone - the organisation, the implementation - it’s all the work that everybody's put into it over weeks and weeks. It just shows in all the smiling faces and happy children.”Angela Bontea, the Executive Director of Child, Youth, Family and Disability, gave a talk on myths surrounding foster care - there is a determination to break them.“There's still lots of myths around that people don't disbelieve. You have to own your own home - not true. You can't be single, you can't be gay, you can't have your own children, or you have to have your own children.”CASPA has taken large steps to make the process of fostering much easier and quicker, and you don’t even need to have the space or take someone on full-time, “A good thing about CASPA is that we have other ways that people can be foster carers.“We have models where we have children stay in their own home, and the carer can go to them.”If you are interested, there is training and checks to be done, but it should not take more than 6 to 8 weeks before you can take on the caring role.Christmas elves spreading cheer and candy canes!Peter Freer, Chief Operating Officer of CASPA, also gave a talk on how he has been helping the CASPA Kids. Peter is overseeing a program to give CASPA Kids exposure to experience in trades called Hammers for Hope.“We've got a large property portfolio where kids and clients live, and to get external trades to do maintenance was difficult. So I suggested we make an internal team. “This is an opportunity for our kids to enter a program to get some skills, whether it be work experience, traineeships or the big hope - apprenticeships.”Mr Harrison had the Hammers for Hope team removed and replace his bathroom. He was very impressed with the workmanship.Danni and the CASPA team were very excited about the outcome of the day, even if the weather did not reflect the fun and the happy mood of the carnival goers who braved the weather. There are even talks of making this a regular event and maybe even more than once a year!