Greens MP Sue Higginson will host a Riverfest town hall meeting at the Lismore Regional Gallery tomorrow (Saturday, 4 October) from 10am to 3pm to chart the course for rescuing the Richmond River.The gathering will feature presentations from engineers, water quality experts, landcare experts, councillors, First Nations Native Title Holders, Ozefish and two men on a Richmond Tinnie Trip. The gathering will be a conversation open to all who love the River and want to work to make it clean, full of life and swimmable once again. Greens MP, spokesperson for the environment and North Coast and Lismore local Sue Higginson said “The people of the Northern Rivers deserve a healthy, living River. For too long we have witnessed our River mismanaged, neglected and fall towards ecological collapse, all while study after study confirms exactly what we know,”“We first put forward the Revive the Richmond River Recovery Plan in 2019. It was the first of its kind and set out a plan for community-led solutions: restoring wetlands, catchment restoration, stock proofing riverbanks, supporting Landcare, and working with First Nations rangers and Native Title Holders to care for Country. It is a plan that tackles the root causes of river degradation and builds resilience and community cohesion across the whole catchment,”“At this town hall, we will update the plan with input from the community and the latest evidence, the costed proposals from Rous County Council to buy back the lowest lying agricultural land and return it to wetlands. These are proven measures that will cut blackwater, prevent fish kills, and restore the health of the river.”“It is also time to establish a Richmond River Commissioner to lead this work, with the powers and funding to deliver a whole-of-catchment recovery. The community has the knowledge, the ideas and the determination. What we need now is a government that listens and acts,”The community town hall is part of the month-long Riverfest program, bringing together river groups, scientists, landholders and residents. Everyone is invited to participate in workshops, contribute ideas, and help prioritise the next steps for the Richmond River.

Lismore businesses took centre stage last Saturday when the 2025 Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards were announced in Ballina before a packed audience of business leaders from across the region.Lismore celebrated six category 'Winners' and thirteen 'Highly Commended' awards from the twenty-nine categories.“With more than 240 entries in this year’s Regional Awards, our judges faced an incredibly tough task. They confirmed that the calibre of businesses was nothing short of outstanding, and every business deserved high recognition to advance as a Regional Finalist. Our leaders should feel immensely proud of their achievements and take a strong message of congratulations and recognition back to their teams,” said Jane Laverty, Regional Director, Business NSW.After securing wins in Excellence in Business & Professional Services and Excellence in Sustainability, along with a Highly Commended recognition for their Outstanding Trainee, Kirra Connel, Collins Hume went on to claim the ultimate honour of the night — the 2025 Northern Rivers Business of the Year Award. The award was proudly presented by Professor Mike Ewing, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Arts at Southern Cross University, the event’s Major Sponsor.Collins Hume was recognised not only for the professional services it provides but for the way it embodies business excellence in every dimension. From cultivating a strong and values-driven workplace culture, to embracing innovation and championing community initiatives and sustainable practices, Collins Hume stands as a benchmark for what it means to be a modern, purpose-led business.“We are incredibly honoured to be named 2025 Northern Rivers Business of the Year. These awards reflect the dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to deliver with excellence, innovate with purpose and make a positive difference in our community. This recognition is not just about our business, but about the role all Northern Rivers businesses play in building a thriving, sustainable region,” said Collins Hume CEO Chris Atkinson.Northern Rivers 2025 Regional Business Awards: Excellence in Retail & Personal Services, sponsored by Ballina FairWinner: DIMATTIA & CO Group, ClarenceHighly Commended: PJs Fruit & Veg, LismoreExcellence in Trade, sponsored by WinslowWinner: Joel Jensen Constructions, LismoreExcellence in Construction, sponsored by WinslowWinner: Avid Constructions & Contracting, BallinaExcellence in Manufacturing, sponsored by WinslowWinner: Norco Co-operative, LismoreExcellence in Business & Professional Services, sponsored by TelstraWinner: Collins Hume, Ballina ShireHighly Commended: Newton Denny Chapelle, LismoreExcellence in Health, Care & Wellness Services, sponsored by ACE Community CollegesWinner: Richmond Valley Aquatics, Richmond ValleyExcellence in Agriculture & Primary Industries, sponsored by Ballina RSLWinner: Mountain Blue, LismoreExcellence in Creative Industries, sponsored by Jempire EventsWinner: Creative Road, Byron BayOutstanding Visitor Experience, sponsored by Ballina / Byron Gateway AirportWinner: Home AlstonvilleHighly Commended: Contained in Nimbin Accommodation, Nimbin/LismoreOutstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration, sponsored by Discover BallinaWinner: Jacaranda Festival, Clarence ValleyExcellence in Sustainable Tourism, sponsored by Elements of ByronWinner: Vision Walks – Eco Tours, Byron BayHighly Commended: Contained in Nimbin Accommodation, Nimbin/LismoreOutstanding Trainee / Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by CBAWinner: Cooper Bloor, Potager, Tweed ShireOutstanding Employee, sponsored by TURSAWinner: Mark Myers, Norco Co-operative, LismoreHighly Commended: Kelly Field, Federal Hotel, AlstonvilleOutstanding Young Business Leader, sponsored by TAFEWinner: Nikki Wormald, CASPA, LismoreOutstanding Business Leader (20 employees or under), sponsored by Northern Rivers HousingWinner: Tracy Anne Ward, South Lismore Post Office, LismoreOutstanding Business Leader (21 employees or over), sponsored by WinslowWinner: Lisa Smith, Biala Support Services, Ballina ShireHighly Commended: Damian Chapelle, Newton Denny Chapelle, LismoreExcellence in International Business, sponsored by Northern Rivers NSW brandWinner: Gather By, Ballina ShireHighly Commended: Norco Co-operative, LismoreExcellence in Diversity & Inclusion, sponsored by TURSAWinner: Sistability, Ballina ShireHighly Commended: Indigo Rose Disability Support Service, LismoreEmployer of Choice (20 employees or under), sponsored by Ballina FairWinner: McGloin Baker, Tweed ShireHighly Commended: Joel Jensen Construction, LismoreEmployer of Choice (21 employees or over), sponsored by Clarence PropertyWinner: Biala Support Services, Ballina ShireHighly Commended: Social Futures, LismoreExcellence in Innovation, sponsored by Southern Cross UniversityWinner: Maclean Medical, Clarence ValleyHighly Commended: Norco Co-operative, LismoreExcellence in Sustainability, sponsored by Social FuturesWinner: Collins Hume, Ballina ShireOutstanding Community Organisation, sponsored by Northern Rivers HousingWinner: The Community Transport Company, Tweed ShireHighly Commended: Our House, LismoreOutstanding Local Chamber, sponsored by Business NSWWinner: Business MurwillumbahHighly Commended: Business LismoreOutstanding New Business, sponsored by Clarence PropertyWinner: Care Easy, Tweed ShireExcellence in Micro Business, sponsored by ACE Community CollegesWinner: Tweed Real Food, Tweed ShireExcellence in Small Business, sponsored by TAFEWinner: McGloin Baker, Tweed ShireHighly Commended: Joel Jensen Construction, LismoreExcellence in Large Business, sponsored by Healthy North CoastWinner: SEE Civil, Tweed ShireHighly Commended: TSA Riley, Ballina ShireNorthern Rivers Business of the YearCollins Humes, Ballina“The Northern Rivers Business Awards are all about celebrating and showcasing the diverse talent we have in the Northern Rivers business community, and this year’s finalists and winners should feel incredibly proud to be named as the region’s leading businesses and leaders for 2025,” said Mrs Laverty.Winners of state-aligned categories will now represent the region at the State Business Awards to be held on 29 October in Sydney.“I am very much looking forward to seeing Team Northern Rivers, our regional winners, represent our broader business community of over 30,000 businesses on the State stage,” Mrs Laverty said.

This is the first long weekend since the King's birthday in early June. If you are taking to the roads this long weekend, you can expect to see police out in force in New South Wales to ensure the safety of all road users.Operation Labour Day 2025 started at 12.01am this morning (Friday, 3 October 2025) and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday, 6 October 2025.Officers will be targeting drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seat belt and helmet offences, with double demerits in place for the duration of the operation.Operation Labour Day will be led by officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist police from all police commands and districts across the state.Since Wednesday, 1 January 2025, 271 people have died in crashes on NSW roads – 192 of those in regional areas.Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, has urged drivers to take extra care on the roads this long weekend as the state heads into one of the most anticipated times of the year.“As we welcome in one of the best times of the year, we're pleading with drivers to be careful on the roads,” Minister Catley said.“No one can afford the price of a split-second decision gone wrong. It could mean years behind bars, the loss of a loved one or losing your own life. It's simply not worth it.“Make the right decision, one that gets you and your family to and from your destination safely, and you’ll make it a weekend to remember for all the right reasons.“While many of us spend the long weekend with our families, police officers are on the roads pulling over dangerous drivers, responding to crashes and delivering heartbreaking news. Their work saves lives and we thank them.”Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver APM, said the aim this weekend is to ensure all road users get to their destinations safely.“New South Wales Police Force is committed to ensuring our roads are safe, and we need everyone to do their part,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.“You can expect to see officers anywhere, anytime on the road to deter any dangerous behaviour that impacts the safety of road users.“This means not driving while you are tired, taking breaks on long trips, driving to the conditions and not getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken illicit drugs or are impaired in any way.“All road users need to be constantly aware of the ever-changing circumstances they find themselves in.“Being distracted includes simply not concentrating on what you are doing, whether it be driving, riding or crossing the road.“When it comes down to it, we are responsible for our behaviour behind the wheel, and we urge all road users to do the right thing – it could save your life.”Transport for NSW Executive Director of Transport Safety, Chadi Chalhoub said everyone on the road has a responsibility to obey the rules and make safe decisions to ensure everyone has a safe long weekend.“Every decision you make behind the wheel can be the difference between someone reaching their destination safely or tragically never returning home, and no one should lose a loved one because someone didn’t follow the road rules,” Mr Chalhoub said.“There are simple things everyone can do to help make our roads safer. That includes staying under the speed limit and driving to the conditions, wearing a seatbelt, never driving when tired, not using a mobile phone while driving, having a Plan B before drinking and never, ever driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.“Fans attending the NRL Grand Final on Sunday are encouraged to take public transport as travel is included with match tickets. However, if you must drive, you must pre-book parking before and are reminded to allow extra travel time, be patient and drive safely as the roads are expected to be busy.”Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com, calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

An Investigation is underway following the two-car accident on the M1 earlier this afternoon, where a man has died.About 2.35pm (Thursday, 2 October 2025), emergency services were called to the M1 southbound at Bangalow following reports of a two-vehicle crash.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended and were told two vehicles – an SUV and a four-wheel-drive – had collided.The driver of one of the vehicles died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified.The driver of the other vehicle, a 44-year-old man, was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.A crime scene has been established, and inquiries into the incident are underway by the Crash Investigation Unit.As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Motorists are urged to avoid the area and follow the directions of police and traffic control southbound on the M1.Reduce your speed, prepare to merge, expect delays. Traffic is expected to remain heavy for several hours.For live traffic updates, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/251367.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

UPDATE 6:25PMIncident has ended, and traffic is flowing again. You may experience delays.ORIGINAL STORYA two-car accident on the Pacific Motorway has closed traffic heading in a southbound direction between Ewingsdale Road and Tamarind Drive.The accident happened around 2:45pm.Emergency services, Transport for NSW and tow trucks are in attendance.Southbound motorists, prior to the crash site, are forming a single lane and using the slow shoulder to pass.Ongoing police investigations are expected to take some time.Diversions:All southbound vehicles: Ewingsdale Rd, Hinterland Way, and return to the motorway at Tintenbar.Unless specified otherwise, operators of Class 1,2 & 3 vehicles travelling under a Notice must consult their relevant enforceable network map to confirm a suitable approved alternative route.Operators of Class 1, 2 & 3 vehicles travelling under a Permit must not travel off the approved route listed in the permit unless an updated permit is obtained from the NHVR

The 2022 big flood caused significant structural damage to the majority of Lismore's remote road network. You may remember the photos from Tuntable Creek Road, where the road was completely washed away.The higher traffic roads, such as Tuntable Creek Road and Nimbin Road, were given preference by Lismore City Council to keep the Lismore LGA road network open. The engineering and structural solutions to stabilise the ground on which to rebuild a road took some time in the planning stages before construction could begin.Yesterday, Lismore City Council revealed that the first five roads to be restored under its Landslip Restoration Package have now commenced. Council is embarking on a multi-year process to reconnect communities and villages impacted by the 2022 natural disasters. These initial priority sites are:  Stony Chute Road, Stony Chute (near Zouch Road) Cawongla Road, Larnook (near Martin Road) Oakey Creek Road, Georgica (near McLennan Road) Terania Creek Road, Terania Creek (near Lawler Road) Wyrallah Road / Emily Street, Wyrallah (near Bridge Street)  Up to 60 damages will be repaired through to late 2027 under the package, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.   CMC Hull JV – a joint venture between CMC Group and JF Hull Holdings – has been selected as the construction contractor to deliver works on Council’s behalf. To support the effort, CMC Hull JV has established a site office and storage yard on Blue Knob Road in Blue Knob, north of Nimbin.   Motorists may notice increased heavy vehicle movement, noise and dust as work is undertaken, and are asked to please observe traffic controls, including ‘stop-go’ directions from ground personnel and all traffic lights in operation.    Forward schedules for landslip restoration works are now available via Lismore City Council’s new Project Pipeline, www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Flood-Restoration-Portfolio/FR-Landslip-Restoration-Package.   Lismore City Council thanks residents and visitors for their support as it works to rebuild and reconnect our roads and communities as soon as possible.

More women are taking part in breast cancer screening through the BreastScreen Australia program, with over 1.9 million women aged 50–74, or 52% of the target population, screening in 2023–2024. This is an increase from the 1.8 million or 50% who were screened in 2021–2022.Published today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the BreastScreen Australia monitoring report 2025 features the latest data from BreastScreen Australia on breast cancer incidence, mortality and screening participation. The program provides free 2-yearly screening mammograms to women aged 40 and over, actively targeting women aged 50–74. It aims to detect unsuspected breast cancer, providing an opportunity for early treatment that can reduce illness and death.Since the program began in 1991 to 2023, it is estimated that more than 26.7 million mammograms have been carried out and over 137,000 invasive breast cancers have been detected.‘In that time, the age-standardised breast cancer mortality rate for women has halved from 74 to 37 deaths per 100,000 women,’ said AIHW spokesperson Moira Hewitt.‘This decrease is due to the early detection along with advances in the management and treatment of breast cancer.’‘Continued uptake of breast screening is crucially important.’ The proportion of participants aged 50–72 in 2021 who rescreened within 27 months was 54% after having their first screen through BreastScreen Australia, 63% after their second screen and 78% after having their third or higher screen.Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women, with 11,540 new cases diagnosed in women aged 50–74 in 2021. Of these, 49% were detected through BreastScreen Australia. This was an increase from 10,935 in 2020.‘Incidence of breast cancer is much higher in older women, with 81% of breast cancers occurring in women aged 50 and over,’ said Ms Hewitt.‘In fact, women aged 70–74 are most at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, with an incidence rate of 427 new cases per 100,000 women in 2021.’

Finker Bubble owner Wen Chua was relieved to finally open her bubble tea shop on Keen Street a week ago. Wen arrived in Lismore about a year ago – and this It was her second attempt at trying to open the shop.In February, she was only three days away from opening - when Lismore’s biggest flood arrived and destroyed the new business.But, Wen knew she was not going to give up. Now, after months of renovations, she is now finally serving bubble tea to the Lismore community.“I always knew I would try and open again, I put a lot of money into the shop – and I had friends who helped me,” Wen said.“I love bubble tea – I know many people here haven’t had it before, and I want everyone to try it.”So, what is bubble tea?Bubble tea is a sweet drink, based on mixing milk with tea and adding toppings like coconut jelly, and popping balls – as well as fruit flavours such as strawberry, lychee and mango.Bubble tea is often referred to as a ‘chunky’ drink – because of the chewy pearls of tapioca that sit in the bottom of the cup – and you suck them into your mouth through a thick straw.It’s a drink that’s been popular with kids and adults all over Asia – and it’s a drink that Wen has grown up with.“As a child in Malaysia, nearly every day after school I would gather with my friends to drink bubble tea,” Wen said.“We would stand around in school uniform at the bubble tea stall on the street and drink bubble tea.”Wen said her favourite bubble tea is the one made with matcha tea, but the most popular one that’s sold in the shop is the brown sugar with fresh milk, cheese foam and boba (bubbles, or pearls of tapioca).“When you drink the cheese foam, you taste it first, then sip the tea, then combine it and the balance should be perfect,” Wen said.Finker Bubble will be open six days a week, Monday to Saturday from 11am to 8.30pm.This photo of the shop was taken by Wen just days before the flood arrived to destroy the shop.

For aromatherapist and holistic bodywork practitioner Anne Walker, finding a new space to open in since the floods has been tricky. But now, Anne’s business, Le Petit Aromatique Apothecary, has found a new home in Lismore’s Club Lane.In her new second floor premises, Anne has set up her massage clinic. But unlike her pre-flood shop location in the Star Court Arcade, she doesn’t yet have a shop front to sell her essential oils from. It’s something she hopes will change over time. For now, she’s just glad to be open again. ‘The little aromatic pharmacy’Anne first opened ‘the little aromatic pharmacy’ in 2019 after she visited the South of France and loved it.“Aromatherapy is very affiliated with French culture and I’d always dreamed of having an apothecary,” Anne said.“Usually an apothecary (pharmacy) is associated with herbal medicine but I wanted to open one dedicated to aromatherapy.“So, when I came back, I moved my massage clinic from Nimbin to Lismore and opened a shop front dedicated to selling over-the-counter aromatic medicine.“People would drop in and I would mix oils, creams or lotions on the spot. I would also do massages using essential oils.”The shop lasted three years, until the February flood destroyed her business.Like many other business owners, she had moved her stock up high, but it wasn’t enough.“I saved a few things that I’d put in the Star Court Theatre, but not much,” Anne said.“It was the second time I’d lost a business to flood – it happened to my previous business in 2017 as well.“Reopening this time took a while because I wasn’t emotionally ready for a long time. I needed to be in a good space to look after other people.“Then I found the Club Lane place when I was visiting the naturopath next door.“It’s a nice room with lots of light and a good affordable starting point for me.“I’m taking massage bookings and will have some apothecary items for sale and some flood stock is also available.“People can book in for consultations – I’ve been practicing remedial massage and reflexology for 20 years and bio-dynamic craniosacral therapy for ten years .“I also do aromatherapy massage and facials or feet treats.”Anne said she loves the essential oil single vetiver for grounding - but also likes to use rose, for grief and loss.The new Le Petit Aromatique Apothecary is located at Level 1, Suite 4 Club Lane, 71 Molesworth Street. If you would like to book in for an appointment, you can phone 0408 490 385, or visit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lepetitaromatiqueapothecary   

When Serpentine Community Gallery volunteers were cleaning up after the February flood, they lamented the lost artworks of Lismore. Not just for the art that was lost from the gallery’s walls – but for all the artworks lost in local houses and businesses.That’s when the idea to put on a free art exhibition was borne - to gift ‘free’ art to Lismore’s empty walls and damaged homes.Now, in a show of good will from Lismore’s art community, an exhibition of free art will be held at Two Mates Brewery on October 8, and the community is invited to get some free artworks – or swap over ones they already have.Exhibition coordinator Cassie Can is now calling local artists to donate some artworks to go into the exhibition. Art is not a luxury“As we rebuild in Lismore, art can be seen as a bit of a luxury, but it’s important to bring beauty back to our homes and businesses too,” Cassie said.“So, we want to make art free to everybody in Lismore – because as a town, we all lost something.“So if you have any artworks you don’t want anymore, you can donate them to this free art exhibition - and give them new life on someone’s walls.“Kids can donate art too – and people can also swap any works they already have for new ones.“You can just show up on the day with art, or donate artworks prior to the event. Then, people can take home the art they like on the day.Uplift spirits“It will be a beautiful gesture of generosity and a part of the vision to uplift the spirits of the people in Lismore.”Cassie said some of the Lismore Art Club members were keen to donate artworks.“They are passionate about holding this event in a region where we have so many artists and art appreciators,” she said.Cassie said the local brewery was donating the exhibition space out of goodwill to help rebuild the local community.Local face painter Rachel Creamer will be at the free day, painting faces.Family friendly day“We can all mingle and it will be a family friendly event with activities too,” Cassie said ““There’s a lovely grassy space out the back with a kids playground and gazebo.“Rachel, a local face painter will be there and we’ll have a needle felting workshop run by Nimbin Textiles – but there are limited spaces in this workshop and you need to prebook for it.“Kyogle gelato cart and Sam’s burgers will be there providing food – and we are also looking for donations of cake for morning tea.”There will also be live music performances from 11am to 4pm, followed by more music until 8pm.On the day, people can also donate money toward helping Serpentine Gallery rebuild the local community gallery space.Serpentine Gallery president, Susan, said the rebuild of the gallery is slowly happening - and it is expected to be open for 'Ink and Mud' - an exhibition by local printmakers in December.Cassie said it’s hoped this networking event can be the beginning of local artists connecting again after the flood.“We can put this community back together and start working and inspiring each other again,” Cassie said.If you would like to get involved, donate art or cakes, contact Susan on 0409 056 976.The exhibition will be held from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, October 8 at Two Mates Brewery at 8 Engine Street, South Lismore.  

The Gilchrist Foundation is a new charity supporting educational and sporting scholarships for students of all backgrounds and disadvantage.The Foundation has been established by the Gilchrist Family, with the mission of identifying eligible students and young sportsmen and women and assist them to further their education or skills through financial assistance together with active engagement and mentoring.The inaugural Gilchrist Foundation Dinner is set to be an entertaining and educational experience and will be held at the Ballina RSL on Friday 7 October.The dinner will give guests an opportunity to learn about the Foundation, meet current students being supported and hear from former Australian Soldier Anthony “Harry” Moffitt and his story of Eleven Bats….combat, cricket and the SAS. More information can be found about Harry Moffitt at https://www.elevenbats.com.au/ The night will include a unique raffle where attendees can purchase a personally signed Adam Gilchrist cricket ball as a raffle ticket and be in the draw for some fantastic accommodation and experience prizes.There are also a large number of unique prizes on offer in the online Gala Auction. Bidders do not need to be present on the night for the auction as all prizes are online and can be bid on at anytime in the countdown to the night.Prizes include a range of interesting items including a vintage-style bespoke cricket bat replica as used by Adam Gilchrist during his stellar career, the opportunity to brew your own beer and holiday packages. Bidding is open at https://app.galabid.com/gilchrist/itemsGo to the Gilchrist Foundation web site https://gilchrist.foundation/ for all dinner and ticket details or phone Julie on 0431 764 776.

U-buds and Doobers (not Ubers) were on duty last weekend, driving hundreds of people to and from Nimbin’s annual MardiGrass drug reform rally and festival.Nimbin HEMP Embassy president Michael Balderstone said having the drug free drivers was great – allowing people to enjoy the pro-cannabis drug reform celebration without having to worry about the usual police roadside drug testing.“Thousands of people were in Nimbin over the weekend and they came from all over Australia,” Michael said.“There was lots of passion for the roadside drug testing laws to change. Cannabis users are frustrated about not being heard and the lack of reason that goes with police saliva testing.“It has nothing to do with being impaired, it’s just about the presence of weed.”“The police told me they got more people this year with saliva testing than last year,” he said. “But we will have to wait for the official figures to come out.“Were any of those drivers actually impaired? It’s a huge impact on country drivers if they lose their licences – they need to be able to drive around.”“The frustration is also about not being allowed to grow our own cannabis – and then have to pay high prices for the legally prescribed stuff – and then still not be allowed to drive while using it.”Despite the police drug testing van being present on the side of the road on the way into Nimbin, Michael said there were not many arrests this year.“But I’m still waiting for the official numbers from police – we’ll know by next week,” he said.The annual MardiGrass is normally held in May, but was postponed due to flooding earlier this year. Michael said crowd numbers were still good, despite the change of dates. “People seemed to have a good time,” he said. “They enjoyed the weather and it wasn’t too crowded.”“Next year, I’d like to hold it in May again. That coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Aquarius Festival – a week after MardiGrass, so we might do something together.”One of the highlights of the festival were live DJs in Mingle park from 5pm each day – and the spectacle that is the law reform rally parade (complete with the big joint) on Sunday afternoon.“This year, Ponyland made a fantastic float for the parade – it was best rally we’ve had in years,” Michael said.“At the HEMP symposium, speakers included West Australian HEMP party politician Dr Brian Walker who spoke about drug law reform.“The Kombie convoy on Saturday was great, so was the 420 and the HEMP Olympix.“This year was the first time we had the MardiGrass marijuana music awards – and the winner was a Gold Coast reggae group.“Gary the bullet proof monk won the pot art competition with his banner ‘The law is the crime’ that hangs outside the embassy.”

For the local Year 9 and 10 students who attended a problem solving workshop this week – it wasn’t just about finding solutions to real world problems.According to workshop organiser Karen Ramsay, from the Rivers Academy of STEM Excellence (RASE) – it’s all about creating a resilient generation of problem solvers, who are changing things little by little.Read more news: Air quality monitoring program opens to local schoolsThe RASE schools program has recently been recognised for its amazing results – and has won the NSW Government Secretary’s Award for an Outstanding School Initiative.Karen said the program has been running in 12 local schools since 2020 and works with students and teachers in Kindergarten to Year 12. Participating schools include Kadina, Richmond River, Albert Park, Bexhill, Dunoon, Goonellabah, Lismore Heights, Lismore South and Wilson Park.Dunoon Public School students at a STEM Design Thinking Process workshop.“The Rivers Academy of STEM excellence focusses on using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) design thinking practices across the curriculum – in literacy and creative arts too,” Karen said.“It’s not a new way of thinking - businesses use it too.“We get our kids to think creatively and critically, rather than work out of textbooks.“We are getting them ready to face the world.“Today at a workshop, we have Lismore High School and three campuses of kids at a STEM process workshop.“We have Year 10 girls working on a problem about how to engage more year 10 girls in choosing STEM subjects.“This is their third day working on the problem and they brainstorm and identify why it’s a problem and what’s caused it. Then they work on their solution.“The idea is we keep things as authentic as possible, with real world problems - and they come up with amazing ideas.“The Year 9 boys chose any problem they wanted - and they chose to look at how there’s not much mental health help available here for young people Their solution is a mental health app.”Karen said the STEM thinking process they learn now are processes that will stay with the students as they move on from school.“The kids are also becoming more resilient - instead of thinking why the solution didn’t work, they ask why and what can I do about it,” she said.Karen and Zane - another RASE program staff member - attended an awards ceremony in Sydney last week, after successfully submitting the RASE program application into the Public Education Foundation, which manages the awards.They accepted a certificate on behalf of all the principlals in the academy. It was presented to them by Georgina Harrison, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education.

If you thought the taco love had left Lismore after the February flood, think again.Taco Love Bros owner Dylan Morris said it’s been a slow journey to get back to Lismore – but that he will reopen the Conway Street restaurant later this year.But first, he’s bringing all of his popular menu items from Taco Love Bros back to Lismore, at The Met, every Sunday.“Our home was innundated in the flood and we were forced to move to Casino - and we opened a business there on Barker Street,” Dylan said.“We are still displaced and living in Casino and not yet ready to open two businesses.“Before we open Taco Love Bros again, we want to be back living in Lismore again, but it’s going to take a while.“We will offer a better service to community when we are back home.”When the February flood hit Dylan’s Lismore business in February, he said it was fortunate he managed to save most of the shop gear.The building also fared well compared to other Lismore buildings that were completely submerged in the flood. Read about the shop beginnings: New taco business jumps another hurdle Still keen to be a part of the Lismore community, Dylan said he recently went to the Met for a beer one day and talked to Simon who is running the restaurant there.“Simon mentioned it would be nice to do a food collaboration,” Dylan said.“It would be a good way to be visible again and we could let the people of Lismore know we are coming back to our original location, while still having access to our food locally.“I loved the idea – it was a bigger venue and gave us a chance to offer our taste back to Lismore.”Taco Love Bros will be offering a taste of what they used to sell on their menu every Sunday at the Met on Keen Street from 1pm to 7.30pm. The menu includes tacos, nachos and quesidillas. Read more about Dylan: SUNDAY PROFILE: Taco Love Bros' Dylan Morris

Bread rolls, pies and Vietnamese food will be back this week when Millers Bakery opens its doors again.Six months after the flood, Millers Bakery owner Trent is happy to see work on the Woodlark Street bakery almost complete and hopes to be open this Wednesday or Thursday.“We are nearly ready to open – it just depends on the electrical work being finished,” he said.“It’s been a big job to get open again, but we have a good landlord who has fixed the floor and electricity to get the shop ready.“It’s lucky I have a big family here to help clean and repair things - without them, maybe we never would have come back."Trent said he and his family had taken on running the bakery only nine months before the February flood came - where he lost his bakery equipment to the water. “We have a big family business and have shops in East Lismore and Central too,” he said.The new Millers bakery will sell salad rolls, bacon and egg rolls and coffee – as well as pies, bread and a selection of Vietnamese favourites.“We’ll have pork belly roll and vermicelli rice dishes and beef soup,” Trent said.Millers Bakery will be open Monday to Friday, 5.30am to 4pm; Saturday 7am to 4pm and Sunday 7am to 2pm.

With our history of alternative lifestyles, it may not be surprising that microdosing psychedelics such as LSD or psilocybin is gaining popularity in the Northern Rivers region. So, Psychology student and Honours researcher Rebecca Bushby has decided it’s time to explore just what effects microdosing is really having on those who try it.Rebecca lives locally, but studies at Edith Cowan University – and she’s calling out for people to get involved with a confidential research study she’s doing for her Honours thesis.  “Lots of people are choosing to take psychedelics for depression, anxiety and ADHD,” she said. “But there’s not a lot of current research and we are still picking up from what was done in the 1980s.“There are considerable anecdotal reports of microdosing and a big interest in the topic of psychedelics in the Northern Rivers region, so I was hoping people could get in touch with me.“My study explores emotional competence and wellbeing in people who microdose psychedelics compared to those who have never consumed psychedelics.“The survey is confidential – we don’t take details from the person we are talking, particularly because we are talking about illicit substances.“We just want to understand why they are taking it and how.“Are they taking regulated doses and what are the effects? How does that correspond to their wellbeing.“We would like to see the practice decriminalized so people don’t have to do it unregulated.“With big pharma, we have to be careful how we approach it and bring some science behind it.“There have been clinical trials for psilocybin coming out and with mushrooms, we are able to extract at a certain growth size and calculate the correct amount to use.“Microdosers not have hallucinations or visual effects, but the underlying benefits combating suicide and depression are powerful.”Rebecca would like to hear from people in the next couple of weeks and is compiling an email list for people who want to find out the study results later. “This study will help contribute to the expansion of psychedelic research and education, and is an important extension to the growing field of psychedelic science,” she said.The study involves completing a one off anonymous online survey expected to take approximately 20-30 minutes.The study has been reviewed and approved by Edith Cowan University Human Research Ethics Committee. To take part, visit https://eaecu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ckZRrQe0ndyapgIf you have any questions or need more information please contact, you can contact Rebecca Bushby on rbushby@our.ecu.edu.au.

While NSW Forestry Corporation invites us to celebrate National Forestry Day today, conservationists are calling it a “day of shame for Australia”.At the heart of the issue is the logging of Australia’s native forests.Behind Forestry Corporation’s promise to plant 14.7 million seedlings to grow timber this year, is a long history of logging that doesn’t use plantation forests as the source.North East Forest Alliance spokesperson Sean O’Shannessey said the native forest logging industry “hides its appalling record of environmental vandalism behind the achievements of the sustainable plantation timber industry”.“There is no such thing as sustainable industrial logging in native forests,” Sean said.“Houses are not built out of native forest timber, they are built of softwood plantation timber.“Most of what they rip out of our threatened species homes is used for low value disposable products.“The most valuable products of our forests are water, carbon, biodiversity and tourism.“These are about 10 times the value of the trees taken by loggers, and are destroyed by driving bulldozers and chainsaws through them.“Courageous community volunteers are standing up for our forests all over NSW and will keep doing so until they are safe from forestry loggers."Forestry Corporation Forestry Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Anshul Chaudhary said “wood is the ultimate renewable resource, and the forestry cycle means organisations like Forestry Corporation can keep supplying the community with essential materials for generations to come”.“Native forestry is essential for sustainably supplying wood products for wharves, bridges, telegraph poles and our homes,” Mr Chaudhary said. “NSW’s two million hectare State forest estate and the renewable wood products it supplies actively sequester and store carbon.  “National Forestry Day also highlights the positive impacts of the state’s native forestry industry and the stringent environment it operates in. “NSW’s strict environmental regulations mean timber from native State forests is amongst the most sustainable in the world with the forests careful managed to provide timber while also supporting wildlife populations in concert with surround national parks and other forested land,” Mr Chaudhary said. “Timber harvesting operations take place in around 0.1 per cent of NSW forested land and all harvested areas are completely regenerated.” “In NSW State forests have been harvested for timber and regrown for over 100 years.“Today these forests are open to the public for free camping, mountain biking, four wheel driving and so much more. “

Lismore’s longest running vegetarian restaurant and ashram, 20,000 Cows, is about to be reborn in a new format - as the Wolf and Lamb Cafe.Since the North Lismore venue was destroyed in the February flood, owner Marijonas Vilkelis (Mari) has been trying to find a way to reopen, including running a GoFundMe fundraiser to reconstruct the building.But now, thanks to his inspired collaborators Jodie and Manny, Mari has found a new home for his signature dishes, in Nimbin.Mari, cooking inside the 20,000 Cows North Lismore venue.“Jodie was inspired to create a vegan restaurant for Nimbin,” Mari said. “So now we are working together to bring a vegan menu to the new cafe.“Manny makes Maltese vegan food at the markets and will do part of the menu.“Some of the 20,000 Cows menu faves like potato croquettes, mellawah and middle eastern dishes and curries will be too.”Damage inside the 20,000 Cows North Lismore venue after the flood.Opening dayWhile the new cafe is not ready to open yet, Mari said the three of them (and a handful of volunteers) have been working hard to get it finished. He hopes to be open before Mardi Grass on September 16.“We keep hitting snag after snag,” Mari said. “We said we’d be open two weeks ago, about a month ago and we are still not there. “So we aren’t taking bookings - we’ll just open doors when we are ready.”The cafe will be open days and evenings, from Wednesday to Saturday and is located on Cullen Street, next to Tribal Magic.The new cafe’s name Wolf and Lamb, refers back to Mari’s famous cookbook of his recipes. Maris said he chose the name because in the bible, the Prophet Isaiah wrote a prophesy about "a day will come when wolf and lamb ... will be at peace”.“It seemed like a worthwhile thing to work toward,” he said. “Most people say a wolf won’t be vegan, but the way nature is now, is consequential and we don’t know what it was at the begin of existence – it’s become that from something else.“Humans aren’t the same as back then. I like to think that if we stop creating death and suffering, then the load on the planet will lessen.”His vision of a safe haven inspired the concept of calling the restaurant an ashram – an ancient Sanscrit word for sanctuary.Damage inside the 20,000 Cows North Lismore venue after the flood.History and futureMari first opened 20,000 Cows in Bridge Street, North Lismore in 1996. It was his sixth restaurant.Mari said his love of making food started in 1979 in Melbourne after he did his first 41 day fast.“I had a vision to create a restaurant and so I went on to do that,” he said.“Opening again in Nimbin gives me a chance to finish off the tracks that I started.“Now, the new restaurant is hopefully stepping a stone to heaven.“I have a theme I like to work with – that the definition of professionalism is a procedure toward self redundancy“So I’ll be teaching other people to make the food.“It will be a relief to have income again, as I’ve been living off my savings all year."

It might seem strange, but the connection between ukuleles, Lismore floods and storytelling is taking local SCU academic Jeanti St Clair to the Byron Writers Festival this weekend.Jeanti will join a panel of speakers discussing how creativity plays an important role in communities recovering from natural disasters. “The journey back from the emotional and mental trauma of climate disasters is huge,” Jeanti said. “If we can take part in a gentle creative process, it can help process traumas.“Part of the work is to create events that provide gentle opportunities for people to engage creatively in processing grief and trauma.“Particularly with single experience events, often you can benefit from sharing your stories – it can be a creative and therapeutic expression.”Flood Stories ProjectJeanti’s Flood Stories project began in 2017 after the Lismore flood and culminated in audio walks through the streets of Lismore.The project continued this year after the February and March floods, when Jeanti again gathered flood stories from people in the Lismore community who had been affected by flooding.“I have now updated the Flood Stories website to make space for other projects - and I’ve teamed up with local photographer Raymond De Weerdt to capture pictures of civilian rescuers.“We are talking about holding an exhibition next year and publishing a book called 'Rescue', capturing the experiences of the flood rescuers, their terrifying moments on water and the experience problem solving in doing it.“After some of the rescuers told me their stories, they said ’I didn’t know if I could tell it again, but I feel better for it'.“The creative methodology helped them process their experience – they felt seen and acknowledged.”The Creative Recovery panelThe Creative Recovery panel will be at the Byron Writers Festival at 11.30am, this Sunday, August 28.Jeanti said on the panel will be other locals talking about a similar process of engaging communities in mental health recovery - talking about bushfire recovery and other projects in Wollongbar and Ballina.“I’m involved with a larger collective alliance of creatives, teachers and mental health professionals - and we all came together as the creative first aid alliance,” Jeanti said.Ukelele ClubAs well as her flood stories project, Jeanti is using the power of musical expression to help the Lismore community recover from the floods.“I’ve started the ukulele club and we will have monthly uke events where people can gather, strum and sing along ,” she said.“It activates positive hormones and switches on the vagus nerve and makes you feel happier.“Byron Music donated ukeleles and I’m giving them away to flood affected people who come to the club.”If anyone wants to join the uke club, look for Lismore Uke Club on Facebook for updates.Byron Writers FestivalThe 2022 Byron Writers Festival will take place this Friday 26 August to Sunday 28 August.More than 140 writers and thinkers will converge on Byron Bay to explore the theme ‘Radical Hope’ and celebrate the power of words with festival audiences.The event takes place on the grounds adjacent to Elements of Byron Resort (144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay) and includes five stages, hosting sessions on a range of topics such as the environment, social issues, the arts, science, crime, poetry, politics, memoir and fiction.This year’s line-up includes best-selling authors Trent Dalton (Love Stories), Hannah Kent (Devotion) and Rob Drewe (Nimblefoot), artist Ben Quilty (Free Fall) and actor Bryan Brown (Sweet Jimmy), authors and commentators Indira Naidoo (The Space Between The Stars), Sarah Wilson (This One Wild and Precious Life) and Julia Baird (Phosphorescence), prize winning poet Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis (Costa's World) and British philosopher A.C. Grayling (For The Good of the World) amongst many more. 3-Day and 1-Day Passes are available as well as tickets to a selection of Feature Events and workshops. Tickets can be purchased online via byronwritersfestival.com/tickets or from the onsite Festival box office from Friday 26 August.