The NSW RA (Reconstruction Authority) began to demolish the next lot of buyback houses yesterday, this time on Baillie Street, North Lismore.The activity will occur for the rest of the week as there are several homes to be demolished in an area that floods regularly as the Wilsons River wraps itself around the street, along with Wotherspoon Street on its way to the CBD.The RA says that demolition only occurs after a "strict risk assessment".Buyback house demolition has divided the community, as has the flood recovery itself.Three short years ago, Lismore came together as a community to rescue those caught in the floodplain on 28 February 2022, some on their verandah standing in waist or chest-high fast-flowing water or those on their roof.At that time of the flood, Lismore was more unified than at any other time in its long history.Three years on, it feels like we are a more divided community than ever.It began with the $800 million announcement by the state and federal government for the Resilient Homes Program ($700 million) and the $100 million Resilient Lands Program in October 2022.This was after the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation had tabled in parliament a costing of $1.5 billion for 2000 house buybacks, 2000 house raisings and 2000 home retrofits.The $800 million has today become $880 million for the Resilient Homes Program (RHP) after the state and federal governments threw in another $90 million each last year.It has long been known that the initial $1.5 billion was never going to be committed. The February 2025 estimate from NSWRA CEO Mal Lanyon is for a maximum of 1,300 house buybacks.The reason given for the house buybacks was to remove the most vulnerable homeowners/renters from the floodplain and reuse the land for community purposes.The initial debate was around affordably relocating the buyback houses that did not suffer irreparable damage, thus saving some historic Lismore big scrub hardwood homes.This is where the community division begins.Maybe in retrospect, the NSWRA should have started the Resilient Lands Program (RLP) before or at the same time it started the RHP. After all, you have a home to relocate but nowhere to move it to. Everything is clearer in hindsight. We need to keep in mind this type of program had never been rolled out before in NSW.Affordability became a key issue. People bought or rented in the Lismore floodplain because it was cheaper. In conversations with real estate agents, it was their first step on the Lismore property ladder as a first home buyer. The other types of people on the floodplain were generational Southies and Northies.These houses were $300,000 to $350,000 (approximately) in 2019. Then, during the COVID years, prices increased in a way Lismore hadn't seen before as people moved out of capital cities and into the regions. House prices were now around the $500,000 to $550,000 range.The dilemma for those with a house buyback offer was that $500,000 would not buy them a house out of flood. That cost is more likely $700,000 plus. So, a $200,000 loan would be needed to move. Of course, getting a loan depends on your age and financial situation.If you were to relocate a house, a block of land would be around $400,000, with removal costs of $120,000 to $150,000 plus renovation costs to make it liveable, including landscaping. Again, the price was north of $650,000 at best, depending on where you purchased the land.In Lismore, for a flood-affected buyback person to move into similarly priced accommodation, they would be looking at a townhouse or unit. Simply put, the supply of these housing types is very low in the LGA, and no new construction has begun to date.The affordability scenario combined with a housing crisis has exacerbated the situation.To complicate matters, squatters then move into various NSWRA-owned buyback houses, especially Pine Street, claiming everyone has a right to have a roof over their head.The flood recovery, which includes house relocation, raisings, retrofits and demolition, along with the development of identified land through the RLP, is moving far too slowly for some. One Lismore Facebook page admin put out a nationwide call "For all that are homeless to come to Lismore and I will give them addresses of the 100's of empty homes here."This type of situation may slow progress further, or it may spur the NSWRA into acting faster, leading to more demolitions and fewer relocations as the RA tries to avoid more costly court action.When asked about the latest demolitions and the reuse of materials, a spokesperson from the NSW Reconstruction Authority said, "Our aim is to recycle and reuse materials from homes during all demolitions. So far, contractors recycled more than 70 per cent of all materials. This includes timber, metal, concrete and organics. "To date, 55.12 tonnes of metal, 883.46 tonnes of concrete and 62.48 tonnes of timber have been recycled. Over 1000 tonnes of materials have been recycled."Our priority is to relocate bought-back homes as much as possible however some have had to be demolished because they were structurally unsound, severely dilapidated, in high-risk areas or were unsafe to live in because of the presence of asbestos."We expect more demolitions will need to take place as part of the program however that decision is only made after a strict risk assessment."Eight homes were recently assessed as needing to be demolished because they were deemed high risk or impacted during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred."Neighbours in adjoining properties and previous owners of the homes have all been notified ahead of any work starting."Community members interested in enquiring about the recycled materials should contact the demolition contractors engaged by RA:• TCDE: www.tcde.com.au/contact• Mackay & Sons: www.houseremovals.com.au/contact-us/"For ongoing updates, please visit the RA website at www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/northern-rivers."There is a part of the community that disagrees with the NSWRA house demolitions. They are holding a community gathering on Baillie Street, North Lismore between 9:30am and 11:30am today. Reclaim Our Recovery says it is an open mic where you can have your say.A statement from House You said that 50 homes have been demolished with a further 62 to go by mid-year, making a total of 112 Lismore flood-affected homes.The NSWRA put 31 homes up for relocation, with multiple offers on some properties. The latest RHP figures for the NSWRA on March 28, 2025, showed that there have been 624 Buyback offers, with 540 approved. That leaves 397 more homes that will be relocated and/or demolished throughout the next few years.The Lismore community understands the RHP and the RLP have had major issues; however, nothing can change the last three years of our flood recovery.What has changed in the last three years is the shift from a united community willing to help each other in every way to a deeply divided community where verbal abuse is dealt out from both sides of the housing debate, and that is sad.

UPDATE: Mickalya has been locatedORIGINAL STORYPolice are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from Lismore.Mickalya Schipp, aged 15, was last seen in Lismore, about 12.20pm on Friday 28 March 2025.When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Richmond Policer District were contacted and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.Mickalya is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 145cm tall, of medium build, with dark brown shoulder length hair, freckles and grey eyes.She was last seen wearing black pants, a black cropped hooded jumper and wearing glasses.Mickayla is known to frequent the Wollongbar, Alstonville and Lismore areas.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis.The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The Easter School Holidays are on our doorstep. Term 1 2025 ends this Friday and students will return to school on Wednesday, April 30.If you are not hitting the road for the holidays and wondering how to entertain your children, the Hockey & Multi-Sports Camp returns for all children aged 5 years and over.With financial support from NSW Department of Regional Youth, Far North Coast Hockey Inc. offers FREE entry for youths aged 12 years and older for the full 4-day event.To ensure the most affordable holiday care in the Northern Rivers, children aged between 5 and 11 years can attend all 4 days of the camp for a registration fee of $85.00.Lunch, morning tea, and equipment are provided throughout the 4-day camp.The camp aims to provide an environment where children can explore different sports, build skills, and make new friends.The camp presents an opportunity for children to connect with others outside their school zones, while demonstrating the amazing benefits Sport gives to children:Break down social barriersBuild inner strength and resilienceExperience less stress and anxietyForm supportive relationshipsAll camp staff, coaches, and volunteers have essential qualifications including WWCC, coaching certificates, and experience. A Child Safety Officer, First Aid & CPR Officers, and a Child Support Worker will be onsite to ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all participants.The diverse line-up of sporting sessions allows children to find a sport that suits their own personal attributes, whether it is individual, partnered, or team-based. This camp provides an opportunity to discover which sports may interest them in the future.Hockey-Hockey is one of the most skilful team sports in the world, and yet we teach the game so that every participant knows they can play the game well, and if there is a passion for team sports they may not have yet discovered.For returning camp attendees, their hockey capabilities will be continued to the next level in the Hockey-‘Play-On’ series to further their skill and competencies. For seasoned or regular competitive players, Francisco, will be lead a special squad dedicated to ensuring our experienced players are challenged with a new range of engaging drills and games, providing specialized attention and directly focusing on individual strengths.Table Tennis-A fast-paced, individual sport taught by leading Far North Coast Table Tennis coaches, available for further development, locally in our own back yard.Taekwondo-Developed through individual effort. Ree & Damian from Jung Shin Taekwondo, with over 30 years of experience, instruct on kicking, punching, blocking techniques, as well as coordinated foot and body movements, among the individual sporting challenges.Tennis-Sessions are delivered by On Tour Tennis in Lismore. Dean and his team bring their enthusiasm and equipment to showcase the very best of one of the most popular racquet and ball sports.Fitness Kidz-A locally owned and operated organisation providing unstructured physical and creative activities on the last day. Children use their imaginations to tumble, roll, race, and team-up, to create their own adventures.Places will run out with this event being one of the most popular diverse holiday programs for kids in the Northern Rivers region.Register Now at: AUTUMN HOLIDAY HOCKEY & MULTI SPORTS CAMP. The Details:AUTUMN HOLIDAY HOCKEY & MULTI-SPORTS CAMP- 14 – 17 April, 2025.Free for all children aged 12 years and older, or $85 for children aged 5-11 years.Sporting camp during the Autumn holidays for children aged 5 and above.4 days, 5 different sports modules, with a focus on hockey.Monday 14th to 17th April (9am – 3.30pm)Goonellabah Hockey Turf Fields (Oliver Av. Behind Workers Sports Club)

Eligible homes and businesses in Lismore with a nbn Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connection can now unlock the benefits of Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) by upgrading to a full-fibre connection#. Upgrading to full fibre delivers a range of benefits for customers when compared to copper connections, including smoother video calls, enhanced streaming, quicker response times for gaming, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously – including smart TVs, home security systems, and smart home technology. To upgrade to full-fibre, eligible new and existing customers have to place an order for an eligible high-speed plan (at least 100 Mbps download) through an internet service provider.To help customers understand and take advantage of this opportunity, the nbn Local team will be visiting Lismore from tomorrow (Tuesday 8th April) to Sunday 13th April. During this time, the team will be available to meet with residents and business owners to discuss how they can upgrade from FTTC to FTTP, the benefits of full-fibre connectivity, and the steps to access higher-speed tiers.Residents and businesses are encouraged to drop by to learn more about the upgrade process and to discuss eligibility and next steps with nbn representatives. Residents and businesses can also get tailored advice on how full-fibre connectivity can meet their home or business needs at the event.Fibre to the Premises delivers fibre optic cabling directly to homes and businesses, enabling higher speeds, including access to our nbn Home Ultrafast plan with download speeds close to 1Gbps#. Improved reliability with fibre technology providing a more stable connection, particularly during peak usage periods and future-ready FTTP infrastructure help ensure communities are ready for emerging technologies and growing data demands.Eligible customers on a Fibre to the Curb connection can check their upgrade availability and arrange for the upgrade through their preferred retailer service provider#. Head of nbn local NSW Tom O’Dea said, “We are pushing fibre deeper, into more cities, towns and communities across regional NSW,” he said.“Upgrading to full fibre means whether you're working from home, streaming movies and sport, gaming online, or connecting with loved ones, a fibre upgrade can help make a difference to an online experience, especially when multiple people are online at the same time.“Upgrading to full fibre when it becomes available will mean customers can access faster speed plans when new hyper-fast residential and business products are launched from 14 September 2025.”Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers Director Anthony Schreenan said, "Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers encourages local residents to take advantage of the opportunity to speak directly with the nbn Local team.“It’s fantastic to see initiatives like this that are helping our community connect with the future. Upgrading from a nbn FTTC to FTTP connection means the opportunity for faster, more reliable internet – a real boost for our residents, businesses, and local economy. I encourage everyone to attend the sessions and learn more about how this upgrade can benefit them,” he said.To find out more about the benefits of upgrading to FTTP or to confirm your eligibility, visit https://www.nbnco.com.au/connect-home-or-business/check-your-address or speak to your Telco, or drop by to meet with the nbn Local team during their visit to Lismore:Tuesday 8th / Wednesday 9th April Lismore Square Shopping Centre -9am to 5pm Thursday 10th / Friday 11th April March Lismore Central Shopping Centre – 9am to 5pm  Saturday 12th April Lismore Farmers Market – 9am to 1pm Sunday 13th April Sydney Tools Complex Bruxner Highway – 10am to 3pm(# Refer to nbnco.com.au to understand the terms and conditions which may include amongst others, placing an order for an eligible high-speed plan through your preferred internet service provider.”)

With just under four weeks until we head to the polling booths for the 2025 Federal Election, the Lismore App today launches its 2025 Federal Election button.On the front page of the Lismore, you will see an orange button with a white tick. This is all the information you will need to vote for your preferred candidate, this includes all Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) information.There are some important details to note at this stage of the election campaign.You need to enrol to vote, if you haven't already, by 8pm tonight, Monday, April 7, 2025. You can do that by clicking here.If you are uncertain, you can check your enrolment by clicking here.And, if you have changed address, and need to update your electoral information, you can do so by clicking here.Again, all of the above needs to be completed by 8pm tonight.There are currently five candidates registered to contest the seat of Page. They are:Kevin Hogan - The NationalsDr Luke Robinson - The GreensWendy Backhaus - LaborAndrew Grady - Family First PartyJennifer Baker - Australian Citizens PartyThis is half of the ten candidates that ran in the 2022 Federal Election campaign in Page. Missing is the One Nation Party, Liberal Democratic Party, Australian Federation Party, Indigenous Party of Australia, United Australia Party, The New Liberals and any Independents.Family First and Australian Citizens Party did not run a candidate in 2022.Pre-poll voting will begin on Tuesday, April 22, after Easter. We will be adding a Pre-poll Voting button as the date gets closer.We will also be adding a Where to Vote button for those who like to vote on election day itself, Saturday, May 3.

Work is set to begin on a $1.3 million fibre optic network, which will improve the resilience of Lismore’s flood management infrastructure and better protect the community. This vital project, funded by the Albanese Government and administered by the NSW Government, will install a 10-km fibre optic cable to connect Browns Creek, Gasworks Creek, Magellan Street and Lower Hollingworth Creek pump stations to Lismore City Council’s central control system. This will mean that Lismore City Council can remotely activate, monitor and survey pump stations to reduce future flooding. The project has been funded as part of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP), where the Australian Government provided $150 million to the NSW Government to support flood mitigation and resilience projects across the seven local government areas impacted by the devastating February and March 2022 floods. The installation of the fibre optic cable will be complemented by several other projects being undertaken by Lismore City Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio, including upgrading capacity at Browns Creek Pump Station, installing a new electric pump at Magellan Street pumping station, and installing mechanical trash racks at Browns Creek Inlet, Gasworks Creek and Lower Hollingworth Creek to protect pumps from debris. The NRRRP includes six projects focused on flood pump station and drainage improvements, totalling $31.27 million that are being delivered by Lismore City Council in partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority. For more information on the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, visit https://www.nema.gov.au/our-work/resilience/the-northern-rivers-recovery-and-resilience-program. NSW Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “This is what real action looks like when it comes to building better infrastructure to make sure our community is better prepared, safer and able to recover from the devastating impact of floods,” “This upgrade of our local pump stations will make a huge difference to the lives of people working and living in Lismore, it is really welcome support for our community because it helps us prepare for the future.” Lismore Mayor Steve Kreig said, “As one of the first major projects being delivered under Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio Resilience program, the project marks a significant step forward in our ability to prepare for and respond to future flood events,” “Recent ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred reinforced the need for the automation that this project will provide. Our people did an amazing job implementing and then shutting down the flood management operations, but we can leverage technology, like this fibre optic connection, to not only improve our preparations and responses but also make our community safer and more resilient.” NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said, “The NSW Reconstruction Authority is proud to be assisting councils like Lismore City to improve safety through vital works as part of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program. “As we saw during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, technology can play a critical role when it comes to flood management, and this project will not only revolutionise how Lismore City Council operates its flood management infrastructure, but it will greatly improve safety for workers by reducing manual operations, allowing them to prioritise other tasks in a disaster.”

BreastScreen NSW will begin reporting women’s breast density later this month to help women better understand their breast cancer risk. Breast density refers to the ratio of fibroglandular (dense) tissue compared to fatty tissue. It’s estimated up to 40 per cent of women who have screened with BreastScreen NSW have dense breast tissue and for most women, their breast density reduces as they age. While having dense breasts doesn’t mean a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer, extremely dense breast tissue can reduce the visibility of cancers on a mammogram and is a known risk factor for breast cancer. NSW is one of an increasing number of states and territories providing this important information to help women make more informed decisions about their breast health and improve health outcomes. Breast density reporting will be phased in over coming months using new technology recently implemented by BreastScreen NSW. Information relating to a woman’s breast density will be provided as part of women’s regular screening results. There will be no change to women’s appointment times or how long it takes to receive results.  BreastScreen NSW recommends women with high breast density speak with their doctor about their individual breast cancer risk factors and whether they may need additional testing. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with breast density just one of many risk factors of the disease. Age is the biggest risk factor, with more than 75 per cent of breast cancers occurring in women aged over 50.  Family history, genetic, reproductive and modifiable risk factors like diet and alcohol consumption can also increase a person’s risk of the disease.It is important to recognise that regardless of an individual’s breast density, mammography remains the best breast cancer screening test, with 98 per cent of breast cancers treatable if caught early. Regardless of their breast density, women aged 50 – 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years. BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years.  Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.  For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.   Minister for Health, Ryan Park said, “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in NSW, with almost 7000 women expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2025 and more than 1000 women expected to lose their life to the disease. “We are committed to providing women with the information they need to best take care of their health. “By incorporating breast density reporting into routine practice, we can have a better understanding of how breast density affects the women of NSW, contributing to better cancer outcomes for women.” NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said, “It’s recognised globally that informing women of their breast density is best practice to help women understand their breast cancer risk and improve their health outcomes. “We know women want this information to make informed decisions about their breast care as well as have a better understanding of their breast cancer risk. “It’s important to remember it is common and normal to have high breast density and regardless of your breast density a free mammogram every two years remains the best way to detect cancer in its earliest stages.”

A great deal has happened since the last Talking Lismore podcast with Mayor of Lismore Steve Krieg. We have had a tropical cyclone and over 550mm of rain fell at the Lismore airport in the month of March.The Lismore App sat down with the mayor to talk about the resignation of General Manager Jon Gibbons, the state of our roads, the latest in finding a home for the Richmond River Historical Society, the recent Community Strategic Plan community meetings, and Lismore's future growth, which excites the mayor given the foundations being laid.On GM Jon Gibbons, Mayor Krieg said it was sad to lose him, emphasising the importance of family first."He's been here for nearly two and a half years and has made a real impact in Lismore, but we've had some pretty emotional discussions over the course of the last six to eight weeks, and there has to come a time where you put your family first," Krieg said.The mayor said that the process of appointing a new permanent GM is ongoing, and he is seeking advice from various sources to determine the best course of action during the interim period. As for the current state of Lismore's roads, the mayor acknowledged the frustration of residents and emphasised the council's commitment to road repairs. However, he stressed that the ongoing wet weather hinders effective road repairs."You cannot fix roads properly when it's so wet," Mayor Krieg explained, highlighting the futility of temporary solutions like pothole patching. He expressed hope for a dry winter to allow for meaningful roadworks and emphasised that funding is secured for disaster road repairs."We've actually got the money in place. We've got the people in place. We've have to pray for a bit of sunshine. That's what we need now to actually get in between now and Christmas, and as I said, right up through till the middle of 2029. If we get that run of good weather, people will see tangible and really good results, not only about our roads, but about our drains as well."The lack of state and federal support for business and primary producers has frustrated Mayor Krieg following Tropical Cyclone Alfred. He urged for faster rollout of assistance, particularly for businesses that lost trading days due to the cyclone. He expressed concern that the current support measures are inadequate and called for a reevaluation of the support system to be rolled out faster."The federal government was quick to announce that 13-week wage subsidy and that sort of thing might have its place, but it's the people paying the wages, the people that are impacted through their loss of trade, that is where we need to get better and roll that support out a little bit faster," he said.Lismore City Council has concluded a series of four community workshops aimed at gathering input for the development of the city's new Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The workshops, held in Wyrallah, Lismore, Goonellabah, and Nimbin, saw approximately 100 residents participate in discussions about the future of Lismore over the next decade.Mayor Steve Krieg expressed disappointment with the turnout despite strong initial registration numbers, attributing the low attendance to weather and other factors. The workshops were designed to provide a platform for residents to share their vision for Lismore, with an independent facilitator leading the discussions to ensure impartiality."It's not about what councillors want, this is an opportunity for us to listen to what the community wants to see Lismore look like over the next 10 years," stated Mayor Krieg. He emphasised that the council is committed to presenting a CSP that reflects the community's needs and aspirations before June 30. This is the first time the CSP has been rewritten in a number of years.One key topic discussed was the future utilisation of vacant land left behind by buyback houses. Mayor Krieg revealed that the Reconstruction Authority presented their future property strategy to the council in late February, outlining plans for nature reserves, light industrial, and commercial areas, particularly in North and South Lismore. You can listen to the full Talking Lismore podcast by clicking on the link.

New research from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has busted the myth that weight loss must be a linear downward trend to be successful. The study, recently published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, analysed data from more than 6,500 CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Online members over a year. (The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet is a scientific approach to weight loss, with self-monitoring tools such as meal plans, food diaries, and progress trackers.)It found that even those who experienced weight fluctuations or temporary plateaus – periods where little to no weight loss is recorded - were still able to achieve clinically significant weight loss over time. Two in three members lost at least five per cent of their starting body weight by 12 months, while one in three lost at least 10 per cent of their starting weight.  The study identified the most common weight loss patterns, each including at least one three-month plateau: 15 per cent of members lost weight for six months, then maintained their weight for a further six months, resulting in an average 11kg weight loss after a year (12 per cent of their starting body weight) 11 per cent lost weight in the first three months, then maintained for nine months, losing 5 kg after a year (nearly six per cent of their starting body weight) Nine per cent lost weight for nine months, followed by three months of maintenance, resulting in an average 16 kg loss (17 per cent of their starting body weight). Lead researcher Dr Gilly Hendrix said the findings reframe the concept of failure when it comes to weight loss. “The study gives hope to anyone who has ever felt disheartened throughout their weight loss journey,” Dr Hendrie said.  “The reality is weight loss isn’t linear. Periods of maintenance and small regains are normal - but with persistence, meaningful results can happen.” The study found that regular engagement with self-monitoring tools - like CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet’s meal plans, food diaries, and progress trackers - led to better outcomes. Highly engaged members saw more than 21 per cent weight loss over 12 months.Dr Hendrie said now is typically the time when many people hit a plateau and assume they’ve failed. “It’s common to start strong in January, only to feel stuck by April,” she said.  “But a plateau isn’t failure - it’s a sign to reset. Setting new goals, tracking food, and refocusing can make all the difference.” Find out more about the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet. Case study: Sarah Wolter's storyFor Sarah, understanding that setbacks were part of the process was key to her 83 kg weight loss on the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet. A serious neck injury left her fearful of exercise, and during the pandemic, limited movement and disrupted routines led to weight gain. But she refused to let temporary challenges define her. “Whether it’s stress, parties and events, or even holidays - there will always be times when the wheels fall off in a weight loss journey. The difference now is I know how to get back on track and overcome setbacks thanks to the skills I learnt on the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet. You can refocus and reset as many times as you need, just don’t give up.” Starting at 158 kg, Sarah lost more than half her body weight over two years. Today, she’s active, energetic, and no longer avoids photos, or feels like the odd one out in a room. “It’s not just about the numbers on the scale. It’s about how you feel, your relationship with food, and how you show up for yourself. Progress isn’t about being perfect, it’s about moving forward.” 

World-first research from the University of South Australia shows that autistic students are still struggling at school, despite efforts to improve services and supports.Conducted in partnership with Flinders University, the new study assessed the experiences of 225 autistic students aged 10-14, finding that they need increased support, acceptance and understanding to thrive and succeed at school. Capturing autistic students’ voices of their wellbeing at school and the critical factors influencing it, the meta synthesis highlights the challenges they experience with relationships at school, fitting in at school and the overwhelming sensory school environments. Specifically, the study found that:autistic students need more support to fit in at school and to experience positive relationships with their peers and school staffschool staff need to be more in tune with the needs of autistic students, and provide tailored supportsschools need to improve school environments to better cater for autistic students’ sensory needs. The findings emphasise the acute need for Australian schools to create more inclusive environments that recognise and respect autistic students’ identities. Lead researcher UniSA’s Dr Kobie Boshoff says that schools can better support these students by fostering positive relationships, offering flexible learning strategies, and ensuring physical environments cater to sensory needs. “Autistic students’ school experiences are often marred by being poorly understood, high levels of bullying, interpersonal difficulties, and academic struggles, all of which impact their mental health into adulthood,” Dr Boshoff says. “This research amplifies the voices of middle-year autistic students, allowing them to share their firsthand experiences and for us to learn directly from them about the support they need. “Wellbeing is strongly linked to how students see themselves, how others respond to their autism, and how they fit into the school environment. While some students embrace their autism as part of their identity, others try to hide it to fit in. Long-term masking can have detrimental effects on their mental health. “Positive relationships with peers are vital, yet many autistic students find it hard to make friends. As friendships foster a sense of belonging, schools must prioritise social inclusion alongside academic success. “Similarly, caring and supportive school staff can make a significant difference. When students feel understood, they feel safe, respected, and heard. Teachers who adapt their approach for different students, communicate clearly, and create flexible learning environments have a profound impact on student wellbeing. “A school’s physical and social environment also plays a crucial role. Noisy, crowded spaces and unpredictable routines can trigger anxiety, making it harder for students to engage. Schools that offer structured support, sensory-friendly spaces, and flexible learning strategies create a more inclusive experience.” This year, Australia launched its $42.3 million inaugural National Autism Strategy (2025–2031) to create a safe and inclusive society where all autistic people are empowered to thrive. In South Australia, a $250,000 state government trial is introducing autism inclusion teachers (AITs) in nine public high schools to better support neurodiverse students. While Australia's educational landscape is increasingly recognising the importance of inclusivity for students with autism, Dr Boshoff says there is still a long way to go. “Support for autistic students shouldn’t fade as they grow older - their needs evolve, and services must evolve with them. Yet, there’s a growing trend of assuming that older students require less support, when in reality, they just need different support,” Dr Boshoff says. “Every child deserves the chance to succeed at school. Schools play a critical role in shaping a positive and inclusive learning experience, but they need more funding, training, and professional support to make this a reality. “We must invest in practical solutions to ensure every individual autistic student feels valued, understood, and empowered to thrive.”

Aged Care is not a priority for the upcoming Federal Election; the cost of living, tax cuts, housing, and energy are all issues that will affect the May 3 result. Should Aged Care have more of a focus? After all, it affects wait times in our local hospitals when there are not enough aged-care beds to move older people into after an emergency department visit. And, the situation will only get worse in the coming years as our population ages.Ageing Australia is calling on all parties to ensure aged care remains a national priority ahead of the Federal Election, addressing the workforce crisis, supporting transition to the New Act, and improving access for older Australians.“The number one priority for aged care providers is improving the lives of older Australians. Unfortunately, we face chronic workforce shortages and challenges attracting and retaining workers, on top of financial sustainability pressures,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said. There is an estimated shortage of 4,043 registered in aged care alone. That figure is set to blow out to 17,550 by 2035. There is also currently an expected shortfall of up to 35,000 direct care workers. “To address the workforce crisis, we’re calling for streamlined migration, strengthened education and training, and a boost to incentives for regional providers to attract the workers needed,” Mr Symondson said. Ageing Australia is also calling for improved access to aged care, reduced wait times, strengthened affordability measures and support for innovative care models. “We know that people are sometimes waiting over a year for the home care package they need. Many are also waiting for higher-value packages to support their increasing needs. With increasing demand, the official waitlist of 81,000 packages is set to blow out over the coming months, and we’ll need many, many more.” “We need the right number of packages, at the right level, for the people who need them. Staying in your own home isn’t just a preference, it’s a fundamental part of maintaining their independence, dignity and connections to their own communities, close to family and friends.” Transition to the new act is also a priority, with more time needed to implement such sweeping reforms. “We all want these reforms to succeed, but the current timelines are so tight they border on the impossible. For the sake of older Australians, we need to get this right. Without more time, we risk confusion for older people and providers alike.” “Entire computer systems will need to be upgraded or replaced at massive expense to providers, yet we still don’t have the information or funds to get on with the job.” “We have the chance to build an aged care sector that all Australians can be proud of, but we need a measured approach to reforms of such magnitude and that means more time to get them right.” “Failure is not an option. The last thing we want to see is an older person receiving a lower level of care on July 1, just because we rushed reforms. The runway is getting shorter by the day.”

Elide Gava may not be a household name in the Lismore LGA, but she has been a household name in the Italian community for the last forty plus years.Yesterday, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin named Elide, more commonly known as Ellie Gava, the Lismore Electorate Woman of the Year, at a private function at St Carthage's Community Care in Goonellabah.(Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin talking about Ellie Gava's achievements yesterday.)Ms Saffin praised her community leadership and volunteering over many years. Ellie was to have travelled to Sydney to accept the award from Premier Chris Minns, but she took ill and couldn't make the trip. She wasn't too disappointed, though, because now she could share the award with her lifelong friends."I feel humble," Ellie told the Lismore App, "Humble and proud.""I don't think I've done anything spectacular. I mean, I did what I wanted to do and followed my dreams mostly, and I think I've achieved most of them."I suppose I do get a bit of acclaim for having done this, but I couldn't have done it on my own. I've got to say that the volunteers were a big help."I couldn't do it without them because the first day we started, there were 100 people, and in the next few months, it was a regular 70 to 75. That's a lot of work for the volunteers."They even had to buy the food in those days and prepare the morning tea and lunches, wash up and take the washing home."So, I get the blame for starting it, and I get the acclaim for running it, but it's the volunteers that need all the accolades."Ellie was referring to 1984, the year she had the idea to organise a support group for older Italians. She saw a need for local Italians to be able to meet up weekly, speak Italian, eat Italian food, play cards and tombola (bingo), so she started the Seniors Day Club.The Seniors Day Club is Ellie's legacy; it continues today and is expanding to Casino. The only difference today is that Ellie enjoys the day as a participant rather than a volunteer. It is now run by the staff at St Carthage's Community Care.In her speech, Janelle Saffin said, “When I look at the list of achievements and the many projects and community programs Ellie has initiated and been involved in, I realise this could also be called a lifetime achievement award.” “Ellie is known for her years of work supporting the local Italian community, particularly older Italians – and her efforts have enriched the wider community. “She is someone who would see a community need, think of a solution and work to make it happen. “Talk to anyone in the Italian community and they will have a story of what Ellie has done. That story involves a long list of achievements, such as The New Italy Museum, the Continental Music and Sports Club and Bocce courts that were on Uralba Street, The Lismore Friendship Festival (now called LisAmore!) Casa Serena accommodation for older Italians, the Italo Club (now the Marconi Club), getting the mosaic in Spinks Park to commemorate the early Italian settlers and more.   (Ellie Gava and Janelle Saffin share a joke)“As a child of Italian parents, Ellie understands the contribution made by Italian migrants to the social, commercial and agricultural heritage of this area, and she has helped document this history," Ms Saffin explained.  “Ellie has served our region as a teacher, a tuckshop parent, a seamstress, a judge of sewing and handicrafts at local agricultural shows.  Ellie thanked Ms Saffin for the award, and praised Chris Pauling (now one of Ms Saffin's Lismore backroom staff) for getting her the funding."And I think I have to tell you who my hero is because she is sitting over there today. That is Chris Pauling, who got us our first funding to start the daycare going. She's my hero."This isn't the first time that Ellie has received a prominent award. There have been three Premiers Awards since 2003, all for her volunteer work and the contributions she has made to not only the Italian community but, more broadly, the Lismore community.It is hard to deny Ellie another award for her selfless achievements throughout her life.

With just weeks to go until the Byron Coastal Charity Walk on May 3, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is encouraging locals and visitors alike to sign up and take part in this breathtaking coastal trek to support the delivery of critical care where and when it is needed most. The track is in excellent condition, ready to welcome walkers of all fitness levels as they journey along the stunning coastline, from Byron Bay to Ballina, all while raising vital funds for the Service. Among the many teams gearing up for the challenge is Bunch of Choppers, led by Mark Stephenson and his 16-year-old son, Cooper. The team is walking in gratitude for the service that saved Mark’s life after a serious water ski racing accident in early 2024. “You never know when you might need the service,” Mark said. “It’s a great cause, and they helped me a great deal in my incident. Being able to give back in this way is really special.” Bunch of Choppers has already raised an incredible amount for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, with donations flowing in from family, friends, and the water ski racing community. But Mark says it’s not just about fundraising—it's about giving back and ensuring the service is there for others in their time of need. “The response has been amazing—everyone has chipped in,” Mark said. “When I was in hospital, the amount of people that visited showed how much support was out there. This walk is our way of giving back and making sure the service is there for others when they need it.” With five weeks to go, there’s still time to register and be part of this incredible community event. Whether you walk 12km, 24km, or 36km, every step makes a difference. “Any support helps keep the choppers in the air. You never know if you or a friend will need it.” Join the challenge, enjoy the spectacular scenery, and support this vital cause! For more information or to sign up, visit https://events.rescuehelicopter.com.au/event/byron-coast-charity-walk/home.

Dangerous and damaging LGBTQ+ conversion practices will be banned from today.  The Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 makes conversion practices, which can include “conversion therapy” and suppression practices, a crime punishable by up to five years imprisonment. It also creates a scheme allowing civil complaints about conversion practices to be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW. Conversion practices are based on the false ideology that LGBTQ+ people have a ‘disorder’ or require treatment.  This can include psychological or medical interventions, counselling, or subtle and repeated messages that LGBTQ+ people can change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity with faith or effort. Anti-Discrimination NSW can investigate complaints about conversion practices occurring from 4 April 2025, and, if appropriate, try to resolve the matter through conciliation.  It can also refer matters to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in certain circumstances. It will also deliver information sessions and resources about the new law including free online videos and tools and referrals to support services.  Conversion practices inflict significant harm on members of the LGBTQ+ community. People who deliver or preform conversion practices that cause substantial mental or physical harm face up to five years’ jail.  Taking someone out of NSW to deliver “conversion therapy” carries a maximum three-year jail sentence.  The ban does not prevent general religious teaching or expressions of religious principles, or parental discussions with their children related to sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual activity or religion.  It is targeted at a practice, treatment or sustained effort directed at someone to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. This follows ongoing work by the NSW Government to progress reforms that ensure all members of our community feel valued, respected and equal. The Premier issued a formal apology last year to people convicted under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts, and the Government passed legislation that meant more of these offences were able to be extinguished. In September, the NSW Government supported all 19 recommendations delivered by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes, which examined the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people and found shortfalls in historical responses by the NSW Government. The Government established the inaugural LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council, which is working to develop NSW’s first LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy. The Government supported the amended Equality Bill which passed NSW Parliament after being introduced by the Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich. Attorney General Michael Daley said, “So-called ‘conversion therapy’ inflicts real and significant harm on members of the LGBTQ+ community.  “Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with LGBTQ+ people. They do not need ‘fixing’ or to be ‘saved’. “We are indebted to the survivors of this insidious practice who shared their experiences and advocated for this important reform.”  Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “These sorts of practices are incredibly harmful and dangerous, and they have severe and lasting health impacts. “Today, we’re bringing an end to them. “I want to thank the many individuals and groups who engaged with the Government on this legislation to make this ban a reality.” Founder and CEO of Ambassadors and Bridge Builders International (ABBI) Anthony Venn-Brown OAM said, “The ban on dangerous and discredited LGBTQA conversion practices is a welcome move.  “I grew up when being gay was a criminal offence and mental health professionals believed they could cure people of homosexuality.  “It caused me great stress and anxiety. I did everything to change it, including conversion ‘therapy’.  “I often thought of suicide. “After coming out, I’ve spent decades supporting people who were told they were broken and needed ‘fixing’. Today, people are still taking their lives – or contemplating it – over this issue.  “LGBTQA people should be celebrated, accepted and affirmed. This law will protect vulnerable people from harm, save lives and make NSW a safer place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.”  CEO of Equality Australia Anna Brown OAM said, "We stand with victim-survivors in welcoming this law which prohibits these archaic and harmful practices, which have already caused untold harm to LGBTQA people. "Abuse dressed up as pastoral care or guidance is a breach of trust and power. Telling someone they are broken or sick because of who they are is profoundly psychologically damaging. "Not only will this law save countless people from a lifetime of pain – and in some cases save lives – it also sends a powerful message that LGBTQA people are whole and valid, just as we are." Support:  If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed a conversion practice, you can have a confidential discussion with Anti-Discrimination NSW. Call 1800 670 812 (weekdays 9am to 4pm) or email: complaintsadb@justice.nsw.gov.au. For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact QLife on 1800 184 527, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 13 YARN on 13 92 76. 

March and early April have been a trying time for Lismore and the Northern Rivers in terms of the weather. So, when the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts some blue sky, even if it is with the possibility of some more light showers, we better make the most of it.Saturday is mostly sunny, Sunday a shower or two and Monday sunny are the words from the BOM. The rainfall could be only 1mm Saturday and Sunday, so it looks like a good time to get out and about in the garden finally to get some domestic chores complete.Most sporting grounds will be closed, so that leaves Saturday morning free for most families with sport playing children.The most important event this weekend is the end of daylight saving on Sunday morning. At the 3am, our clocks will turn back 1 hour to 2am. Those with manual clocks in the house, office or older cars will need to make the change over the weekend.April is a fairly quiet time for events in Lismore as it involves Easter, ANZAC Day and school holidays (the last day of term is Friday, April 11).May and June are when the major events kick in, so make a note for:Nimbin Mardi Grass 2, 3 and 4 MayGemfest 17 and 18 MayPrimex 15, 16 and 17 MayBeef Week 24 May to 1 JuneLismore Lantern Parade 21 JuneAs for this weekend, the Lismore Farmers Markets get underway at 7:30am at the Lismore showgrounds. It doesn't matter what the conditions are, the Lismore Markets always go-ahead for fresh fruit and veg, coffee/tea, breakfast and plenty of other items for sale.If you are in the mood for some Jazz, the Lismore Jazz Club has the Subterraneans performing on Sunday afternoon from 2pm at the Lismore City Bowling Club at 171A Molesworth Street, Lismore CBD.The Subterraneans are on tour and stopping in Lismore to perform their original music. Cost is $15 for members and $20 non-members, cash at the door.Other live music around town, includes Sam Handford at the Northern Rivers Hotel tonight from 6:30pm, country band Outback Road on Saturday night from 7pm and Ghostown from 3pm in the beer garden for the Sunday Session.The Lismore Workers Club have added three new concerts:Kevin Bloody Wilson Wednesday, June 25Dorothy the Dinosaur Spectacular Show Sunday, July 27The Flying Forties Saturday, October 4You can check out more details or book by clicking here.The next live music performance is a FREE gig by Tommy Memphis on Saturday, May 17. Tommy will play iconic songs from the '80s that shaped a generation.Fuel prices have suffered rises and falls this week depending on where you live. Lismore was steady, Casino had price increases, while Ballina had price drops.Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 175.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore and the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street, 173.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 164.5 at the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 177.9 across most service stations in Lismore, 175.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Mobil on River Street.U95 is 186.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 194.9 at the Ampol on Dyraaba Street and the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino and 179.5 at The Metro (323 River Street) in Ballina.U98 is 194.9 at the two Liberty's on Ballina Road and Union Street, South Lismore, 195.9 at Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 188.5 at The Metro and the Mobil in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 188.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino and 187.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

NSW Farmers says Donald Trump’s trade tariffs will hurt Aussie farmers and American consumers. While the state’s peak farming body was disappointed the Trump Administration imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Australian exports, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin believed this latest trade challenge would be worked through and urged farmers to remain calm. “Considering the deep history we have with the US and our mutual beneficial partnership, these tariffs are really disappointing to Australian farmers,” Mr Martin said. “There’s no doubt our industry will feel the effects, some commodities more than others, but we have worked through trading issues before, and we’ll do it again.” According to the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC), Australian beef contributed to stable food supplies and prices in the United States, being consumed in more than six billion hamburgers every year. RMAC estimated the total impact to the American consumer as a result of tariffs on Australian red meat would be AU$600 million. NSW Farmers continued to work closely with the Australian Government through the National Farmers’ Federation and remained committed to advocating for free and open trade. “A tit-for-tat approach with the US serves no purpose,” Mr Martin said. “The reality is Australian produce is in demand because of its high quality, with other major markets such China, Japan and Korea, worth $3.9 billion, $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion respectively, and there are great growth opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. “What these tariffs mean in the short term is that Australia invest in these new market opportunities while our farmers continue to do what they do best: Pull on their boots and grow healthy plants and animals.” 

NSW parents have delivered eight new names into the Top 100 baby names list, showcasing the latest trends in the names being chosen for our newest residents.Breaking into the top 100 for the first time are boys’ names Louie, Ibrahim, Myles, Matteo, Grayson, Maverick and Malakai, with Lainey making the list for the girls.Charlotte claimed the top spot, jumping up from 5th in 2023, while Noah nails it for the boys, beating previous favourite Oliver.It represents a first entry into the top 10 for Hazel, with Harper making the cut again after six years.Making room for these newcomers, Lily, Ava, and Matilda were pushed out of the top 10 altogether.The biggest mover for the girls is Lainey, jumping an impressive 78 places as this year’s rising star, with Elodie making a significant gain, climbing 62 spots.For boys, a notable shift in the rankings includes Elijah, making an entrance into the top 10, climbing six places to secure 10th. Meanwhile, William dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in 27 years.While Grayson jumped 63 places to 93rd and Louie leapt 46 places to reach number 65, Elias experienced the biggest drop, falling 28 places to 87th, with Hunter not far behind, dropping 24 places to 49th. All births in NSW must be registered with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages within 60 days of the child’s birth and can be done for free on the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88. After registering the birth of a baby, families can access NSW Government services like education and Centrelink.For more information on registering your baby, please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/births/register-your-baby. For the full list of the top 100 baby names for 2024, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/births/popular-baby-names Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said, "Welcoming a new baby into the family is one of life’s most exciting moments. It’s a time filled with joy, love and new beginnings."Choosing a name is a deeply personal moment, whether it’s for your first child or your third. Every one of these names is a top gun choice and a decision that carries meaning for a lifetime.“These trends show the baby name landscape in NSW continues to be diverse, with parents embracing both modern and timeless choices.  "Congratulations to all the families across NSW who welcomed a newborn last year. May this year be filled with love, laughter, and precious memories.”Registrar for NSW Birth, Deaths & Marriages Theresa Fairman said, “Parents are making creative choices when it comes to naming their children, and this top 100 proves evolution in preferences."From classic favourites to emerging trends, the names chosen by parents reflect the ever-changing NSW community and its growing families.”

Yesterday's Lismore High Campus Tiny Home project ended with huge smiles and a lot of excitement all around after a local family who lives next to the school outbid everyone to buy the Tiny Home built by its students.Lauren Flint, her husband Khan Quinlan and their six children have been living in a four-bedroom house very close to Lismore High since December."Two of our boys are in Year 7, so we wanted to support the school," Lauren told the Lismore App, "This is now my husband and my room, and the kids will have the house," she laughed."This is an instant convenience for us. We've been looking at renovating, and all the different options, and definitely putting a granny flat out the back was an option for us. So, when this came up and the ability to support the school, we wanted to do it."A large crowd had turned up for the Tiny Home auction after about a dozen students gave their time to learn a new skill and create a Tiny Home thanks to initial seed funding of $50,000 from the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP).Jill McCall from RIEP started the project by offering Lismore High's Principal, Chris Williams, the seed money to create a legacy project that will also benefit the students involved."It was post-flood, so it felt like a really important project in terms of looking at issues around sustainability and issues around housing. They've got a really strong STEM project here, so I thought it was really good in terms of that."They were just absolutely happy to run with it. The school has had such a huge commitment and poured lots of resources in terms of teacher resources, time, energy and enthusiasm into it."The group of students who gave up their time each week, along with dedicated teachers like Dean French and a host of local businesses, then created a quality Tiny Home to sell.At 4:30pm, with six registered bidders, the first bid came in at $40,000. As Dave Eller from the Lifestyle Group worked the crowd and the bidders, the number rose to $45,000, $50,000, $55,000 and then $60,000 before the bidding slowed to single digits with an offer of $61,000."Get out of here. There's a five in that other pocket," Dave said, "I'm sure of it."Dave accepted $62,500 before Lauren came back decisively with the wing $65,000 bid, and Dave brought the hammer down to loud applause from the crowd and big hugs among the family.(Auctioneer Dave Ellery brings the hammer down on the winning bid from Lauren Flint)The $65,000 winning bid not only means more comfortable living for Lauren and Khan, but it allows Lismore High to build another Tiny Home later this year, and there is no shortage of student applications."This is a legacy project," Principal Chris Williams said, "So, it's here to stay, and we want to keep doing this every year. We want to keep fostering strong partnerships and connections with our local trades people, and we want to be the go to for them if their looking for someone to join their team as a tradesperson. We want to give them first dibs."The kids who are working on the home are now working with them."Chris is referring to the two full-time apprenticeships that have come from this project, as well as a school-based apprentice who goes to school four days a week and works one day in the industry. They will complete a qualification across two years of Years 11 and 12. When they graduate school, they would have completed the first year of an apprenticeship.As the first Lismore High Tiny Home project has proved so successful, there are 47 applications for the next build. A situation that really pleases an already happy principal."This money means we can order another kit, and those funds will also pay for the staffing, to be able to release the staff a day a week to work with the kids to buy the consumables for the next project."Two of Lauren and Khan's children started Year 7 at Lismore High Campus this year. In three years' time, they might be picked to build the 2028 Tiny Home and complete the circle.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has its supporters and detractors, especially since the Lismore to Bentley section was opened in December 2024.There are a number of businesses at the start of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in Lismore and at the end in Casino; however, there is not much in between.That will change if a development application (DA) is successful for a farm stay, microbrewery, cafe, and wedding venue at Fernside, about 13km west of Lismore. The operation expects 50% of its trade to come from Rail Trail users.The farm stay part of the operation already exists, with four (4) guest rooms being utilised. Another bungalow will be built on the south side of Kyogle Road, with the rest of the facilities on the north side of Kyogle Road.The DA says the new venture will create a farm experience compromising a farm production brewery (utilising raw materials grown/sourced on-site), a café/restaurant, and a function centre (weddings etc). All parking will be provided on-site.The brewing infrastructure & components will be housed within an existing farm shed.The initial production will be a maximum of 2,500 litres per week, with the ability to increase that to 7,500 in Stage 3 of the development. There will be a cellar door for people to buy the product.The café/restaurant will initially seat 50 people, but it can increase that to 100. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available.As for the farm experience, it may include farm tours, horse riding, school groups, fruit picking, cattle husbandry and crop management.The site is located just south of the Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT).From the Bungabee Road car park, cyclists can follow Bungabee Road south and access the site via an existing gravel farm track, which is about 2.5km.Based on data from the Tweed section of the NRRT, it is anticipated that around 50% of its customers will be rail trail users. There will be facilities for cyclists on-site, including a bike repair station, limited spare parts, tools, a charging facility and an air pump.The facility is expected to be open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm with the restaurant open Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm to midnight, with a maximum of six weddings/functions per year in Stage 1.The hours will increase and the number of weddings/functions will increase as it moves into Stage 2 and Stage 3.