Free virtual health care is now available to every person in NSW for urgent conditions, following the completion of the rollout of NSW Health’s virtual urgent care service.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says this means people across the Lismore electorate can access urgent clinical care for injuries and illnesses from home, without needing to visit a hospital or GP.“Often people’s first thought for urgent conditions is to go to straight to the Emergency Department, because they can’t find a GP at the time. Our EDs are attended by many people without life-threatening conditions.“Now you can make a phone call to Healthdirect first to have your condition assessed.“A registered nurse will assess your condition over the phone and, if virtual care is appropriate, arrange a video-call appointment with a clinician, whether that’s a doctor, nurse or allied health professional.“You’ll receive expert advice on treatment options, prescriptions if needed, and referrals to follow-up care,” Ms Saffin said.Virtual care is available 7 days a week between 8am and 10pm by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.NSW virtual urgent care services are equipped to manage a wide range of health concerns, including coughs, colds, fevers and flu; treatment for vomiting, diarrhoea or mild infections, rashes and skin irritations; or minor injuries such as sprains and small cuts.This service builds on the NSW Government’s budget emergency department relief package, which includes:$100 million to back in our urgent care services to provide a pathway to care outside of our hospitals;$70 million to expand emergency department short-stay units$15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real-time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;

'To honour the police officers who have served the people of Lismore and in memory of those officers who have lost their lives in the course of their duty'.Those words are written on the Lismore Police Memorial on Molesworth Street. Yesterday, the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise, representatives from Janelle Saffin and Kevin Hogan's office and Sergeant Ed Howarth from the Lismore Police Station laid flowers at the base of the memorial to pay respect to the two police officers who were killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah, Victoria.59-year-old Detective Neal Thompson and 35-year-old Senior Constable Vadim De Waart had travelled to the rural property, north-east of Melbourne, alongside eight colleagues to execute a search warrant. Another officer remains in hospital after being shot in the lower body.Police say the suspect, local man Desmond Freeman, 56, is heavily armed and still at large.Richmond Police District Commander, Superintendent David Roptell said, “Earlier today, officers attached to Richmond Police District attended a memorial in Lismore to pay respect to the officers in Victoria who lost their lives in the line of duty. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, policing colleagues and the wider community as they navigate this difficult time.”Rotary's Ken Arnett encouraged the rest of the community to lay flowers at the memorial in tribute to the two dead officers.POLICE MEMORIAL HISTORYThe Lismore Police Memorial was officially unveiled on 23 July 2003 by the Honourable John Watkins MP, NSW Minister for Police.Ken Arnett had noticed there was a memorial for the many soldiers who fought and died in all Australian wars, but nothing for our police officers who died in the line of duty."On the 29th of September in about 1998 or 1999, there was a bunch of coppers over here in the Memorial Gardens all standing around a Padre. I thought, what is going on over there? So I went over and had a listen, and found out that the 29th of September is their Memorial Day. And I looked around that park over there and saw a monument for the Boer War, World War Two, World War One, Vietnam, a whole lot more, but nothing for the coppers."It struck my mind that we should do something about this. So, the Reverend Graham Davis was working in council in those days, and I came up with this site to put up a memorial, and it took us two or three years to get it done."The memorial was paid for by the people of Lismore (half) and the state and federal governments.

Northern Rivers residents are being urged not to touch or handle flying foxes or microbats, regardless of how distressed or injured the animals may appear, to protect themselves from infection and viruses, including the deadly Australian bat lyssavirus.The warning follows reports of a high number of sick flying foxes being delivered to local wildlife hospitals in Northern NSW and Southern Queensland in recent weeks. Regional Director North Coast Population and Public Health, Dr Valerie Delpech, urged the community not to handle any bats, particularly those that appeared sick or unresponsive.“Although it may be difficult to ignore the plight of an injured, distressed or sick animal, we urge residents not to touch or attempt to cover any bat they might come across; rather, call your nearest wildlife rescue service to come to its aid,” Dr Delpech said.“If you see a dead flying fox in a public area, contact your local council and ask them to dispose of it.“Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a flying fox or microbat should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action (such as those outlined in the NSW lyssavirus factsheet) after washing.“Anyone who has had contact with a bat should also seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess whether they are at risk of infection and to access post-exposure treatment and vaccination if required.“Getting post-exposure treatment as soon as possible is crucial, as there is no effective treatment once the symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus commence.“It is almost always fatal.”Dr Delpech said the warning was particularly timely with the warmer months of spring and summer approaching, when bats are usually more active.Lyssaviruses are a group of viruses that includes bat lyssavirus in Australia and rabies overseas.Australian bat lyssavirus can only be passed to humans from an infected flying fox or bat. Infection in humans can occur when bat saliva comes into contact with human tissue via an open wound or the eyes or mouth. Rabies is a closely related lyssavirus that can be carried by mammals such as dogs, cats, monkeys, and bats around the world, including in some of Australia’s closest neighbours, such as Bali and Thailand.If you see a bat in distress, injured or on the ground, do not try to rescue it and contact your nearest wildlife rescue service. Some local providers include WIRES on 1300 094 737, Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers on 02 6628 1866 and Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers on 02 6672 4789.For more information, contact North Coast Population and Public Health on 1300 066 055, or visit the NSW Health website.

The final weekend of winter is expected to be mostly sunny, with a windy Saturday, and cooler temperatures than the springlike 25 degrees we have experienced this week.Tomorrow (Saturday) is the day to secure any loose items, as the winds turn westerly and strengthen to 20 to 30 km/h in the morning, then tending southwesterly in the late afternoon. The winds are expected to be light on Sunday.The top temperatures being forecast by the BoM are 20 degrees, after a cool start, especially on Sunday, which is expected to be 6 degrees.There will be colder-than-normal conditions for the thousand or so participants in the 2025 Darrel Chapman Fun Run on Sunday morning.The 10km and Half Marathon runs get underway at 7am from Woodlark Street, just after the coldest part of the day, and the family-friendly 4km Walk/Run starting at 9am. Registrations are available on the day from 6am.Road closures will be in place on Sunday in the CBD and along Winterton Parade and Woodlawn Road.The run will begin on Woodlark Street, turn right into Molesworth Street and continue along Winterton Parade and Woodlawn Road, with runners looping back near the railway bridge on Numulgi Road.All roads adjoining the route will be closed to traffic between 5am and 12noon. Residents living along the route who have no alternative way to exit their properties are asked to speak with the on-site Traffic Control. They will assist with safely escorting vehicles within the closure area. However, where possible, residents are asked to stay off the road for the duration of the road closures (5am to 12noon).The other big event over the weekend is the Wardell River Festival. It is not within the Lismore LGA; however, the short 20km drive will see you in the middle of a celebration of music, community and river culture.The Wardell River Festival is a new one-day event by the Richmond River at the Richmond Street Community Greenspace (western end). It will showcase music, markets, food, art and activities between 1pm and 8pm.On Sunday, the monthly Lismore Rainforest Botanic Garden Butterfly Guided Walk will take place from 10am at 313 Wyrallah Road, Monaltrie (enter the Lismore Waste Facility and turn right).Linda will tell you about the mysterious habits of our beautiful local butterflies and the plants they depend on.Meet at the visitor's centre at 9:45am for an easy 1-hour walk. The cost is $5 for adults, with children free. Cash only.Email bookings are essential through publicity@friendslrbg.com.au.ARTSIt is the final weekend of the 2024 Archibald Prize exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.That leaves six sessions to view the incredible portraits created by the 57 finalists. The cost is $15 for general admission, $10 for concession holders, and children under 16 are free. Click here to book your tickets.MARKETSVisitors to the Lismore Farmers Markets will appreciate the sunny weather tomorrow at the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore.Fresh fruit and veg, breakfast, tea & coffee, live music by Croaker & the Honeybee and a happy community spirit will take place between 7:30am and 11:30am.The Nimbin Markets are backing up because August is a five-Sunday month. So, head to Cullen Street for food, coffee, recycled inventions, innovative ideas, and unique artisan wares that can only be made in Nimbin between 9am and 3pm.FREE STUFFThere are plenty of free activities for the family to do over the weekend, including the Rail Trail at South Lismore, the new skatepark in the CBD, bush walks and Heritage Park on Molesworth Street in the CBD. Check out the Things To Do button in the Lismore App.COMING UPAlstonville Wollongbar Fun Run - Sunday, September 14, from 7:30amNimbin Show - Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 212025 Lismore Workers Club Lismore Cup - Friday, September 26, from 12 noonLIVE MUSICThe Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore has Short Fuse performing Saturday night from 7.There are two major nights coming up at the Lismore Workers Club in September and October:Oh What A Night! - A musical tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: September 20 at 8pmThe Flying Forties - Penny Pavlakis, Greg Gould and friends celebrate the music of Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole and more with their 9-piece big band: October 4 at 8pm.CHEAPEST PETROL PRICESFuel prices were stable across the region this week. Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 176.9 at the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the EG on Diadem Street near The Square in Lismore, 171.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 173.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the Astron and Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 194.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 180.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street, and the two Liberty's on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

As Speech Pathology Week (24 – 30 August 2025) unfolds across Australia, two leading speech pathology experts say it's time to shine a light on one of the most under-recognised barriers to learning and inclusion in schools: communication disability.“Most people assume if a child isn’t paying attention or following instructions, they’re being defiant or distracted,” said Professor Natalie Munro, Professor of Speech Pathology at Southern Cross University.“But often, these are signs of a hidden communication difficulty, and we need teachers and parents to be empowered to see the difference.”A 2022 Australian study published in Communication Disorders Quarterly found that while more than 95% of people had heard of ADHD and autism, only 1 in 5 were familiar with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) – a condition that affects 6–8% of children, or around two in every classroom.“Language is invisible until it breaks down,” said Dr Anna Eva Hallin, Assistant Professor at Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet and Visiting Fellow at Southern Cross University.“A child might be mislabelled as ‘lazy’ or ‘naughty’ when really, they’re struggling to process spoken instructions, organise their ideas, or express themselves clearly.”DLD is one of the most prevalent – and least understood – developmental conditions. It can affect a child’s ability to listen, follow instructions, participate in group activities, comprehend what they read, and form friendships. Left unrecognised, it can lead to lower academic achievement, social isolation and reduced employment prospects later in life.“School is a communication-heavy environment. We need to work with teachers to recognise and respond to language challenges, otherwise we miss the opportunity to intervene early and support children to thrive,” said Professor Munro.While the shortage of speech pathologists in Australian schools is a major concern, both researchers argue that interprofessional collaboration is the most scaleable and sustainable way forward.“We’re not going to solve this with one profession alone,” said Dr Hallin.“We need educators, speech pathologists and psychologists to work together and we need to equip teachers with practical strategies they can use in the classroom every day.”Dr Hallin and Professor Munro are currently co-leading a global project called INCLUDE, which is trialling a digital coaching program designed to support teachers in enhancing the accessibility of their oral and written language in the classroom – without simplifying the curriculum. The program is being developed in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, and Uppsala University in Sweden, with pilot work underway at Southern Cross University funded by the Swedish Research Council.

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, is calling on communities across the electorate to nominate people and organisations for the 2026 Multicultural Awards.  Leaders, volunteers, change makers, innovators, artists, creatives, and sporting trailblazers are recognised through the program for their inspiring contributions to social cohesion and harmony in NSW. The medal nomination categories for 2026 include:Community Harmony MedalLifetime Community Service MedalArts and Culture MedalCommunity Languages Teacher MedalInterpreters and Translators MedalMulticultural Health MedalMulticultural Not for Profit MedalMulticultural Youth Support MedalRegional Unity MedalSports MedalBest Report in Multicultural MediaMulticultural Publication of the YearMulticultural Marketing Campaign of the YearThe Multicultural Honour Roll is a posthumous recognition commemorating the impact the recipient had during their life on influencing an inclusive harmonious society.Ms Saffin said this is the opportunity to nominate a local person or organisation that has made an important contribution to an inclusive and harmonious society. “I’d love to see our local heroes get the kudos they deserve.”    The awards will be presented at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner in March 2026 – one of the biggest multicultural events in Australia.Nominations close 11.59pm on Sunday, 28 September.For more information and to nominate, please visit: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/multicultural-community-medals/.

Today marks four weeks until the 2025 Lismore Workers Lismore Cup raceday takes place at the Lismore Turf Club in North Lismore. So, get your glad rags ready, Lismore, book your package and mark your calendar.The sun is shining, and that is exactly what Secretary Manager Scott Jones and Operations Manager Daniel Kedraika are wishing for in 28 days.Lismore and the Northern Rivers' wet weather since March has meant that there have been no race meetings since February. However, conditions at the moment would see the Lismore Cup run and won if the rain stays away in the week leading up to the Cup."It's amazing what a couple of weeks straight of sun will do," Daniel told the Lismore App. "We're going, very good. We'd race today if we had to, and I just hope we can keep the sun."The Lismore Cup has had a chequered history over the last six years.About five thousand people enjoyed sunny and successful racedays in 2018 and 2019 before COVID hit in 2020, with a limited crowd allowed entry. 2021 was cancelled due to COVID restrictions, while 2022 was the year of the big mud, when a storm swept through after two races, which put a stop to racing for the rest of the day, including the Lismore Cup. This was run in Grafton later.The Lismore Cup in 2023 was run on a Thursday still, with no gazetted half-day public holiday, so crowds were down. The Lismore Cup was moved to a Friday for the first time in 2024, but the rains came down and the raceday was cancelled.Roll on the Lismore Cup in 2025.Warm sunny weather has seen the grass grow and dry to where the course is looking in good condition. A new rail from Racing NSW is being installed, and preparations are underway for what will hopefully be another five thousand-strong crowd enjoying a day at the races.As it coincides with the 2025 Masters Games this year, where each participant receives a ticket to Lismore's premier raceday, the turnout should meet all expectations."We're all set up and ready to go. We've got the VIP Marquee, Trackside Tables, and we'll have a luncheon upstairs. Everything is selling quickly. We're probably at two-thirds sold for the Trackside Tables, I'd say just a bit less than half for the VIP Marquee and we're just about sold out upstairs.For those who are worried about another washout. All tickets are fully refundable."Absolutely, worst case scenario, we wash out, then everyone will get a full refund," Daniel confirmed.You can check out the package options by clicking here.There is also the Fashion on the Fields event. Heats will take place at 1:10pm, following Race 2, with the finals to follow Race 3 at 1:50pm.The categories to be judged are:Best Dressed ManBest Dressed CoupleBest Dressed Lady (-40)Best Dressed Woman (+40)General admission to the 2025 Lismore Workers Lismore Cup is $20 for early bird tickets booked online, $25 on the day. For those wanting to attend the After The Last party with the Billy Gudgeon Band, the entry fee is $10, with entry after 4 pm.Viva Racing Calcutta Golf DayThe golf day is held on Thursday, 26 September, the day before the Lismore Cup."The golf day was a big success last year. We got that through before the rain started to drop, which was great. It was sold out. From memory, I think they might have had a cancellation the morning off, but because they sold out, we had some reserve teams standing by. We're probably two-thirds of the way through, selling it out this year as well," Daniel explained.(A camera records all shots on the $200,000 second hole at the Lismore Golf Course)The $200,000 hole-in-one competition is on again. There were certainly plenty of nerves from seasoned golfers trying to win the cash on the second hole at the Lismore Golf Course.The bonus this year is that there are more prizes for nearest the pin throughout the day."This year, there'll be a prize for nearest the pin on that hole, about $1,000 worth of TAB vouchers or something along those lines. And then on all the par threes, there'll be promotional giveaways for nearest the pins and stuff from the golf club. They're really getting behind it this year, which is really good. The golf day is a 4-person Ambrose with a 12pm shotgun start. The cost is $600 per group of four.When the golf is finished and the presentations have been handed out, the Calcutta begins.A Calcutta is when people buy raffle tickets for the Lismore Cup. A raffle ticket is drawn for each horse running in the cup. Those lucky people are then the 'owner' of the horse at that point. An auction is then held, with anybody present able to bid on any horse at the auction. The highest bidder buys the horse, with the raffle ticket owner usually receiving half of the money. The rest goes into a growing pool of money.When it is know who has run 1st, 2nd and 3rd, the pool is divided between the 3 owners. Daniel said last year's winner received around $12,500.Anyone can be part of the Calcutta, head to the Lismore Golf Club in East Lismore around 5pm.Scott and Daniel get a test run in two weeks when they hold a Rousillon Race Day on Thursday, September 11, weather permitting.It would be nice to see a full house at the Lismore Turf Club on Friday, September 26. Lismore loves a social event, and the 2025 Lismore Workers Lismore Cup deserves a change of fortune.

The Regional Accommodation Providers Group (RAPG) members, who are all not-for-profit organisations, led by Lismore's Our House, are headed to NSW Parliament next week to showcase how they offer a home-away-from-home for country patients needing medical treatment and their families. Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and Wagga Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr are co-hosting RAPG’s 11th annual conference on September 10-11, which will be attended by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park and another 16 Labor, Liberal, National and independent MPs. Ms Saffin thanked RAPG members for partnering with NSW Health to provide purpose-built accommodation for people accessing cancer care and other medical services in major regional centres across New South Wales. “When I was Federal Member for Page, I secured establishment funding for Our House near Lismore Base Hospital, and what a tremendous value-for-money investment that facility has been for the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands,”  “Dr McGirr and I, as Chair and Deputy Chair (former) of the Legislative Assembly’s Select Committee on Remote, Rural and Regional Health, appreciate how regional accommodation providers complement our health system by helping it run more smoothly. “On the human level, these facilities are staffed by experienced and empathetic locals who give patients a safe, affordable and comfortable place to stay, reducing trauma, stress and financial burdens for their guests. “Having this conference in Parliament House is about lifting the RAPG’s public profile and strengthening the relationship between its members and the policy makers, to meet the health care needs and demands of regional, remote and isolated communities,” Ms Saffin said. Lismore’s Our House founded the RAPG 12 years ago. Our House General Manager, Ruth Harrison, said RAPG members collectively offer 81,760 bed nights for patients and their families each year. “A total of 12,955 patients were supported in 2024-2025. “RAPG accommodation centres encourage patients to access specialist health care when it’s needed, not just when they can afford it. Regular motel accommodation is often unavailable or unaffordable for many patients. “Treatment centres run more efficiently when patients are co-located, and schedules can be adjusted as needed. “Our members work closely with IPTAAS (Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme) regional teams, preparing paperwork for patients and bulk-billing accommodation, further reducing stress for patients,” Ms Harrison said. RAPG member facilities represented in Sydney will include Lismore’s Our House, Albury’s Hilltop Fight Cancer Foundation; Dubbo’s Macquarie Home Stay; Griffith’s Cancer Therapy Accommodation; Maitland’s Health Stays; Orange’s Cancer Care Western NSW; Port Macquarie’s Rotary Lodge; Wagga Wagga’s Lilier Lodge (Can Assist); Mildura’s Health Stays; Waverly’s Elizabeth Hunter Lodge (Uniting Care); and Orange’s Ronald McDonald House. 

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."