The work of local Landcare Groups is invaluable to the community. The 2km Tucki Tucki Creek regenerative site along the Birdwing Butterfly Walk in Goonellabah is a wonderful example of their work.Goonellabah Tucki Landcare secretary Shaen Springall has been working with other volunteers on this site for over four years. They have planted native rainforest seedlings, poison noxious camphor laurel trees, and then weed the area by hand until the seedlings are large enough to form a canopy.A regenerative program has also started along the new development on Just Street in Goonellabah where the Tucki Tucki Creek flows. That is managed by Just Street Landcare coordinator Stephen Nelson.The Lismore App ran a story on April 9 this year about council destroying two years of hard work by felling camphor laurel trees that crushed the native seedlings (read here). At that time, Shaen Springall mentioned the group wanted to test the water quality of Tucki Tucki Creek so they could measure and monitor the health of the waterway over a period of time.Both Shaen and Stephen were keen to have their large-scale riparian rehabilitation efforts aimed at improving the ecosystem health of the Tucki Tucki Creek evaluated on a scientific basis. This will enable the Landcare groups to inform Council, funding agencies, sponsors and the wider community how the creek and stream bank environments are faring. The team first approached Lismore-based environmental consultancy Ecoteam in mid-2023.Ecoteam very generously agreed to monitor the health of the Tucki Tucki Creek bi-annually over a period of three years, on a pro bono basis. The major cost incurred by the company beyond staff time is sending test results away for laboratory analysis, at SCU’s Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) and further afield. Lise Bolton is the company’s Managing Director and a Chartered Environmental Engineer who specialises in soil and water management and treatment and is coordinating the bi-annual tests. Discharge from stormwater outfalls along the 3-kilometre length of the Tucki Tucki Creek, which is looked after by both Landcare groups, is just one factor contributing to stresses on the freshwater creek. The pace of housing developments nearby, farm stock further upstream, and the impact of flooding are others. The first suite of tests was carried out in early December 2023, and the second last Friday (28 June).(Lise and Ana evaluating aquatic life on the Tucki Tucki Creek. Photo: supplied)One of the testing sites was downstream from the stormwater outfall, which was extensively planted out in Stage 1 of the Just Street Landcare project. The second site was at Birdwing Butterfly Gully. Elements in the testing process include in-situ and laboratory water quality monitoring and a stream health, fish and macroinvertebrate assessment.Lise reported that the results from the first water quality testing showed no major contaminants, including hydrocarbons, pesticides, or PFAS, were present, and metals were within guidelines limits. Some nutrients were elevated slightly above the Australian and New Zealand guidelines (ANZECC) for fresh and marine water quality, but overall, the water quality was fair at the time of sampling. Macroinvertebrates (aquatic creatures including insects, worms and crayfish), fish species and overall creek health were also assessed at the two sites.However, the assessments found overall species abundance (fish and macroinvertebrates) were very low, indicating urban pressures have impacted the types of fish species present. Lise explained that a Stream Invertebrate Grade Number Average Level Score or ‘SIGNAL’ Score provides information on the health of a waterway by assessing the abundance and types of macroinvertebrates present. A SIGNAL Score of 3.3 was calculated for both sites. SIGNAL Scores of less than 5 indicate pressures from the urban catchment, which result in poor water quality and pressures on aquatic species.‘Ongoing monitoring and assessment of biological, physical and chemical indicators will provide important information for the ongoing improvement of Tucki Tucki Creek and could act as a precedent for urban rivers and catchments in the Lismore LGA,’ Lise concluded.Shaen and Justin are confident that future Signal Scores will reach a 5 and above as their regenerative work continues and the natural growth matures.About Eco TeamEcoteam – a division of parent company Ecotechnology Australia Pty Ltd - has been in existence since 2003 when founder Dr Keith Bolton identified the critical need for ‘natural solutions for environmental challenges’. A former post-doctorate fellow at Southern Cross University, Keith has guided the company’s expansion to its current position. Ecoteam environmental consultants design, operate and manage water, wastewater and stormwater systems, as well as providing soil, water, mould and asbestos contamination testing and remediation. The company is a local success story.Ecoteam has a staff of 20, including environmental scientists and engineers, an administration team and a water treatment services operations team including aboriginal employees who work in the communities where they live. Ecoteam provide a wide range of services for public and private sector clients – often at massive scale. These clients include Lismore City Council, Logan Shire Council in Queensland, and a number of other local councils and state government departments.

Following our earlier story of a woman's body being found in Casino and a man was arrested. The man has now been charged with murder.The woman was found critically injured at a home in Casino at about 2:30 this morning (Saturday, 29 June 2024) when police attended a home on Johnston Street following a concern for welfare report.Officers attached to Richmond Police District arrived and rendered first aid to a woman – believed to be aged in her 40s – suffering head injuries; however, she died at the scene.A 31-year-old man – who police will allege was known to the woman – was arrested at the home and taken to Lismore Police Station, where he has now been charged with one count of murder.The Casino man has been refused bail before his appearance in Lismore Bail Court tomorrow (Sunday, 30 June 2024).

A critical incident investigation is underway, and a man has been arrested after a woman’s body was located in Casino this morning.About 2.30am (Saturday 29 June 2024), police attended a home on Johnston Street, Casino, following reports of a concern for welfare.Officers attached to Richmond Police District arrived and assisted the woman; however, she died at the scene.The woman, who is believed to be aged in her 40’s, has not yet been formally identified.A 31-year-old man – believed to be known to the woman – was arrested at the scene and taken to Lismore Police Station where he is assisting police with inquiries.A crime scene has been established and a critical incident team from Tweed/Byron Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident – including all aspects of the response from NSW Police.That investigation will be subject to an independent review.Officers from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad are assisting officers from Richmond Police District in their investigations into the woman’s death.Anyone with information in relation to the incident is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.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.

A sunny Saturday will see many first-time home buyers, people looking to upgrade, and some looking to downsize viewing open house inspections throughout Lismore and the Northern Rivers. In two days' time (1 July 2024), more support will be available via the Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS or Scheme) to help eligible home buyers, including first-time buyers, single parents, and people in regional areas, buy a home sooner. 50,000 new places are now available for the 2024-25 financial year across three Scheme Guarantees:35,000 places for the First Home Guarantee (FHBG);10,000 places for the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (RFHBG); and5,000 places for the Family Home Guarantee (FHG). How does it work?Housing Australia works with participating lenders to facilitate loans to eligible home buyers who meet income eligibility thresholds and other eligibility criteria and don't have the 20% deposit typically required for a home loan. Eligible home buyers can apply for a loan through a participating lender who has been authorised by Housing Australia to participate in the HGS. Housing Australia provides a Guarantee to the participating lender of up to 15% of the value of a home loan under the First Home Guarantee or the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee; and up to 18% under the Family Home Guarantee. This enables the home buyer to buy a home without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. The Guarantee is not a cash payment or a deposit for a home loan. Eligibility criteria apply. For further information about the HGS visit Support to buy a home | Housing Australia.Housing Australia CEO Nathan Dal Bon said, "Housing Australia is delighted to offer 50,000 new places in a key Government housing program that provides more Australians and permanent residents with greater access to the property market, enabling them to bring forward plans to buy their own home."Housing Australia Chief Program Officer HGS Jennifer Chew added, "We look forward to continuing to work with our participating lenders and their broker networks to help more aspiring homeowners get their foot on the property ladder and experience the safety and security of home ownership."The HGS is an Australian Government initiative that is administered by Housing Australia and available through 32 participating lenders. Since inception in January 2020, more than 160,000 Australians have already bought or built their own home with support from the Scheme.

The upgrades have been completed, the fences are down, and the weekend weather is ideal for people of all ages to use the refreshed Goonellabah Skatepark.Lismore City Council finished the upgrade ahead of schedule, so the park is now open and ready to roll.Designed by skatepark specialists Trinity Skateparks with input from local enthusiasts, the new features include:New rampsManual padLoading dock and hydrantFlat railSlappy kerbIn addition to the new features, the upgrade includes drainage improvements, floor repairs and fresh paint to ensure a smoother ride and enhance the park's appeal.An official opening will take place in the coming weeks, but for those eager to test out the new features, the park is now open and ready to go.The upgrades were made possible thanks to funding from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities program.

The number of victim-survivors of sexual assault recorded by police rose by 11 per cent in 2023, the 12th straight annual rise, according to figures released this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).​Samantha McNally, ABS head of crime and justice statistics, said: “There were 36,318 victim-survivors of sexual assault recorded by police in 2023, with increases across almost all states and territories. ​“Accounting for population growth, the rate of recorded sexual assault victim-survivors has gone up from 126 per 100,000 people last year, to 136 victim-survivors per 100,000 people. ​“This is the highest rate of sexual assault victim-survivors recorded in our 31-year dataset.”​The majority of sexual assault victim-survivors were female (84 per cent). The most common age group was between 10 and 17 years at the date of the incident (41 per cent).​More than two in three (69 per cent) sexual assaults took place in a residential location. Most sexual assaults (69 per cent) were reported to police within a year. ​Family and domestic violence-related sexual assaults made up almost two in five (39 per cent) of all sexual assaults reported to police (14,059 victim-survivors).​The increase in sexual assaults was experienced in the Richmond Police District for the last six years (each year is a financial year, so July 1 2023 to June 30 2024)In the above table, Child reported as child, means the offence happened when they were a child, and they are still a child when reported i.e. current.Child reported as adult means the offence happened when they were a child and they reported when they were an adult i.e. historical.Richmond Police District Superintendent Scott Tanner said, “The vast majority of sexual assaults occur between victims and offenders who are known to each other.”“We have specialist police in the Child Abuse Squad whose sole job is to investigate and prosecute offenders for child sexual assault. They work with partners in the Department of Community and Justice to provide wrap-around support for the victims.”

Lismore Police are seeking information from the community to help identify the female depicted in the image below.She may be able to assist with enquiries in respect of an alleged malicious damage offence that occurred at Lismore on 29 May 2024.Anyone with information is urged to contact Lismore Police Station on 6626 0599, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au and quote C80106209.All information is treated in strict confidence.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a cracking winter weekend, with temperatures hitting the mid-twenties on Sunday.Partly cloudy is the forecast for Saturday, with a slight chance of a shower, but with a top of 22 degrees; who cares? Sunday will be a spring-like 25 degrees before a southerly change in the evening brings a cold change, rain, and colder temperatures for all of next week.So, make the most of the weekend weather.Following a busy weekend schedule for the last two weeks, it is very quiet this weekend, with markets the focus.The Lismore Farmers Markets will kick proceedings off at 7:30am at the Lismore Showgrounds. Fresh fruit and veg, some organically grown, local handmade items and live music from Al McLeod, who will be making his debut.It is the fifth Sunday in the month, which means the Nimbin Markets go back to back this Sunday between 9am and 3pm. It would be perfect timing to go for a bushwalk (Walks) in the hills and visit the markets.The Rock Valley Hall Markets are also on Sunday between 8am and 12 noon. There will be a BBQ breakfast, a local coffee cart, local garlic, honey, bananas and more, plus second-hand treasures, clothing and more.You can enjoy live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel (72 Bridge Street), North Lismore tonight with Katie Brooke between 6 and 9pm.On Sunday afternoon, enjoy the music of Hillbilly Skank between 1 and 4pm.The Marist Brothers Rams hit the road on Sunday to take on Murwillumbah at 2:45pm in the NRRRL. They will look to get back to winning ways after a tough loss at home last week to Evans Head. Northern United have a bye this weekend.In the Men's Premiere League for Football Far North Coast, Ballina and Alstonville kick off the weekends matches tonight at 8pm. Then, on Saturday Mullumbimby Brunswick take on Maclean, and South Lismore is at home to Lennox Head in the match of the round (1 v 3) with kick-off at 3pm.Sunday will see Richmond Rovers in a tough clash with second-placed Byron Bay at Neilson Park, East Lismore at 2:45 while Goonellabah take on Bangalow at Weston Park, also at 2:45.In the Women's Premier League, Ballina are at home to Lennox Head tonight, while Sunday sees Richmond Rovers travelling to Alstonville and ladder leaders Byron Bay at home to Bangalow.Fuel prices remained relatively steady again in the last week. Lismore is once again the most expensive town to buy fuel, with Casino and Ballina up to 18 cents a litre cheaper. Diesel is the only exception.Here are the latest prices in each town:E10 is 191.9 at the Ampol on Woodlark Street, the new 7-Eleven and the Ampol on Union Street, South Lismore, 177.9 at The United on Johnston Street and the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino, with the new Mobil (485 River Street) and The Metro in Ballina the cheapest at 173.5.Unleaded 91 is 193.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 179.9 at the United, Casino Roadhouse and the United on Johnston Street and 175.5 at The Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 203.9 at the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, Northside Liberty and Bakers Corner at North Lismore, 196.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, Casino and 186.5 at The Metro in Ballina.U98 is 208.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 199.9 at the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 195.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Diesel is 185.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 188.7 at the United in Casino and 185.5 at the new Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.Talking Lismore will release a new podcast on Sunday.The Living Lab on Woodlark Street is currently showing its Look Ahead exhibition. We spoke to Elizabeth Mossop from UTS (University of Technology Sydney) about how the exhibition came together and its results.By the way, Elizabeth will be Lismore's newest resident as she was packing boxes and moving to Bexhill.Check out Talking Lismore on the front page of the Lismore App Podcasts.Have a great weekend!

The Lower Richmond River Cane Harvesting Co-operative has started harvesting this week. You may or may not have noticed depending on where you live in the Northern Rivers.For those living in the town centre, the first sign is tiny black ash over your yard when sugar cane is burnt.The Co-op's harvesting in 2024 will be a lot easier with the use of a next-generation harvester funded by a State and Federal grant. Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said the Co-op was able to buy a $930,000 sugar cane harvester with the support of funding under the Supply Chain Support Program. “The Co-operative was heavily impacted by the 2022 floods, with sheds, machines, vehicles and parts damaged or lost. “As a cooperative they were excluded from flood recovery grant programs, and I took up their case with NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty and Federal Minister Murray Watt. “I advocated for a second round of the Supply Chain Support Program to include cooperatives, and the Lower Richmond Co-op successfully applied for a grant under that program. “Their new Case 9900 series harvester, the first to operate in NSW, has increased harvesting capacity, lower fuel consumption, longer engine life, and automatically adjusts to difference operating conditions. “And it’s great to know the harvester was bought locally from Days Machinery. Co-operative Chairman Pat O’Connor said the $875,000 Supply Chain 50-50 grant enabled the purchase the harvester, a workshop truck, a forklift and a facility upgrade to make the workshop more resilient to cope with floods. “There is no doubt that without Janelle Saffin’s intervention, harvesting co-operatives in NSW would not have received any assistance and it would have taken years to recover. “We greatly appreciate the work Janelle has done for this Co-operati9ve and the Sugar Industry as a whole on a number of issues.”

Marine Rescue NSW has held its first ever multi-agency flood rescue and operational readiness exercise as the Service enhances its flood rescue capability to support NSW SES and other agencies during significant weather emergencies across the state.After receiving $3.7 million in state government funding following the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, Marine Rescue NSW developed a State Operations Group (SOG) with volunteers undergoing specific flood rescue and support training on the Service’s newly acquired multi-purpose vessels and associated vehicles and equipment.Following specific flood rescue and support training, 36 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Service’s Northern Zone are now endorsed to be deployed with assets at the request of NSW SES to support their flood response operations across the state.Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm said a real-time exercise was held at Copmanhurst to test Marine Rescue NSW’s flood rescue and support capability.“With involvement from NSW SES, a Marine Rescue NSW coordinated flood-specific exercise was conducted to see how our training supports a real-life scenario.“The learnings our volunteers had from working alongside NSW SES members were priceless and will better prepare us for a real deployment. “This exercise has quantified that our flood response training and capability is in line with NSW State Rescue Policy and the expectations of NSW SES who is the lead agency on flood response.“We will continue to develop and enhance our State Operations Group to ensure when NSW SES requests our assistance, we are best prepared to assist with any on-water flood rescue and support operation.“Communities across NSW can feel assured that Marine Rescue NSW’s SOG volunteers and assets (boats, vehicles and equipment) can be deployed statewide when requested by the NSW SES. For example it is possible that a Marine Rescue NSW volunteer from Point Danger could be deployed to a weather event at Condobolin on short notice,” Zone Commander Hulm said.Marine Rescue NSW Capability Manager Dave Bowing said volunteers involved in the Copmanhurst exercise were activated to simulate a real-time out of area deployment.“To make the exercise as real-life as possible, volunteers were tasked to assist NSW SES with a Tropical Low set to drop excessive rain on the Upper Clarence and Orara catchments.“The mission was for our crews to work with NSW SES teams to safely conduct evacuations, resupplies and rescues as requested in the Copmanhurst area.“14 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from five units (Point Danger, Brunswick, Ballina, Evans Head and Port Macquarie) supported by operational staff, three Marine Rescue NSW multi-purpose vessels and one inflatable rescue boat took part in the simulated exercise.“NSW SES also had 14 on and in-water operators and multiple assets to support the exercise.“Together, members launched and retrieved vessels, located and retrieved manikins and simulated live victims, navigated hazards and conducted resupply operations,” he said.Mr Bowing said Marine Rescue NSW’s newly acquired multi-purpose vessels performed well during the exercise.“These six-metre vessels have a low draught and can travel in very shallow water, allowing them to navigate through challenging areas.“They can also be launched and deployed in difficult locations, which is most likely during a real-life flood response.“The bow loading door on each vessel also allows our crews to safely move people and supplies on and off.“This exercise was the first of its type Marine Rescue NSW has ever conducted and it has informed refinements to our activation and deployment model,” Mr Bowing said. Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit, professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

Converge is the latest art installation in Lismore. It will get you thinking - it’s diverse, it’s dynamic and it’s a great reason to visit the city.Eleven artists in residence in a large, bright, disused space on Woodlark Street.“It’s like a new beginning. And Lismore needs new beginnings,” said Aunty Thelma in her Welcome to Country, weaving story and culture with her address.Lismore City Council, the State Government and the NSW Reconstruction Authority have all contributed to this innovative exhibition, highlighting the importance of connectivity and connection.At Converge, for around six months, local artists will share the space, working on and displaying their art, as well as holding workshops, welcoming exploration into intriguing concepts for the community.Matt O’Brien’s works were the backdrop of the speeches at the launch of Converge. His style of imagery catches the attention, as the images are like sepia tone photos.“All these works are about the place where I made them. So I gather soil, oak grass, from the place I visit, and make my own paints out of what I forage off the ground, and make work about the place that I'm at. “I'm sort of playing on the old traditional photograph here. I'm seeing change over time because we get to a point where we don't have any reflection when we notice big change. The change is always happening. “This is the general reminder for us to take notice of all the small things that are happening because that's what's contributing to the bigger change over time.”Matt talked about this image with the big yellow spots.“It's about being seen. So if I'm walking around country on my own, discovering things, even if I may be the only person walking around, I'm still being seen by something bigger than me. It's not necessarily an animal or a human or anything like that. But it's about participation. “So, it's that sort of being seen and then having been seen. It is about being a bit more mindful.“On this exhibition, Matt said, “For me, personally, it's being in isolation, making work and questioning your own work. You get some feedback from exhibitions and awards. “But to be back in a room full of other contemporaries who have got great ideas, do different things to you, and are talking about art all day. It's about being back in a dynamic space. And it's so nice to have that connection.”Michelle Gilroy is inspired by Frida Khalo. She is taking a diversion from her normal subjects of pretty flying creatures like birds and butterflies, and has an introspective project for Converge.“I want to depict everyday scenes of my life, and it covers things like body issues. Reframing how people see people with disabilities. And reframing how I see myself.“I feel vulnerable. Because I'm doing mostly nudes.”Michelle’s works bring up the issue of self-confidence and what we find attractive in ourselves.  Michelle discusses her initial painting, “This is resting in your bedroom. With this one, I've got a urology bag, and it just kind of highlights that. The difference of ordinary and how it works, the medical issues, and still trying to feel like a normal woman.”We discuss the medical industry and what they are capable of doing now. Michelle’s subject confronts physical ideals of being at ease and aesthetic appeal - the ability to recline, and relax, with the reality of the urology bag. The juxtaposition of the relaxed and what we are not relaxed about.Michelle’s works will reflect different aspects of disability. “My next painting that I'm planning on, might be a bit imaginative. It's going to be under the sea. With the wheelchair at the bottom of the sea, that I'll be coming out of as a mermaid.”“I just asked, what can I bring? That's unique to me? And I decided on revealing aspects of myself. It's very vulnerable. But I think it's important because there are so many people that have different bodies with medical issues.”Annie Monks is an artist who’s work has started gaining attention in the city. She is coming to the close of an exhibition at Timbre and is keen to develop a more hands-on exhibition in the Converge space.“I am going to do a series of workshops around Aboriginal queer, women's pleasure around sex and intimacy.”Annie is a sex and relationship counsellor, “I'm a sexologist, and I'm a mental health social worker. I come from a really long family of artists."Taking inspiration from both, “the more academic and healing, and I always did art on the side. Now I'm finding a way to merge them together to use art for healing. “There is a lot of research at the moment around Aboriginal people not getting pregnant and STI prevention. There's no money going into Aboriginal sex and pleasure. So I am going to be running a series of workshops with other queer Aboriginal women in the community.“We're going to make ceramic pleasure toys. They're not necessarily sex toys. But things that bring you joy and pleasure and connecting back to your body in ways that feel authentic and beautiful. Whatever the pleasure is for you, help you find it and experiment and stay in that space.”Other artists in residence includes:Karenza Ebejer, a socially engaged video artist and documentary filmmaker. Her films focus on relationship to place, culture and identity and work is often made in creative collaboration with participants. Adrienne Kenafake, a multidisciplinary Australian artist based in northern New South Wales, working cross mediums of sculpture, performance and installation. She explores the potential objects as space psychological and extrasensory archives of emotion, story and place. Antoinette O'Brien, a multidisciplinary artist with a strong focus on figurative ceramics. She is deeply committed to community and responds to it through her work, which also considers place, sky, sea and soil as integral.Paul Walker, an independent dancer, performance artist and community arts worker based in Bundjalung country in northern New South Wales for over 20 years. Paul has been performing, teaching and making dance physical theatre, live art, interactive performances, cabaret and drawing.Chris Lego works across many mediums in self-publishing a zine screen printing as the Department of Nothing making small wearable sculptures and collages and painting. He also creates events, party decor and DJs a unique and sometimes chaotic mix of music.Stefanie Miriklis was raised in Northern NSW; her practice based on paper painting and printmaking now focuses on found objects and mosaics. Through this medium, she transforms memory and sentiment into thought-provoking visual ingredients that address the intimate implications societal adoption and abrupt climate change.“It’s transcending cosmic boundaries, a fusion of Scott Sinclair and Aaron McGarry's celestial talents. Their collaborative synergy channels the harmonious balance of the cosmos defying artistic convention with materials and processes that resonate across galaxies.“Lismore has long been known as a creative powerhouse proudly boasting a large, diverse and talented artistic community,” Mayor of Lismore, Steve Krieg said. Cr Kreig, "I'm excited for the possibilities for Lismore, creating a space to come together and exchange ideas, techniques and skills.”Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is greatly supportive of the project saying, “For every dollar spent on the arts in NSW, it is worth $1.88 that goes into the economy of New South Wales.”  "This is particularly important at any time, even more so as we're on that journey, still of recovery, reimagination, reimagining and rebirth.”Kristy Clarke from the NSW RA said, “I think this is such a fantastic opportunity to showcase the amazing talent that we have in the region and also mentor up-and-coming youth and arts in the region. So great to be a part of this very exciting project.”Aunty Thelma encompassed art and talent when she said, “When you take time to look at a piece, you get a little bit of an idea of the territory or the person who has done it. And that to me, is great, because we aren’t all the same. And I have always wanted to be me. Though I would like to be a little taller!”The space at Converge will not be open to the public until the artists have finalised their set up. You will find Converge at 123 Woodlark Street, if you would like to peep in the windows. We will let you know when you are able to go inside and meet some extraordinary people.

The Northern Rivers Salvation Army launched its brand-new Disaster Services Catering Vehicles at its Goonellabah headquarters yesterday.Captain Philip Sutcliffe explained that The Salvos started helping the Lismore and Northern Rivers communities in 1891. So, they are celebrating 133 years in 2024."We've been standing alongside the community through all the highs and lows. Over the last 80 years, we've also been providing catering support in emergencies and disasters. Since November 2016, the Woolworths group has been our national partner in helping us deliver our emergency support when the community needs it most."February 2022 was when Lismore certainly needed support.Sunday, 27th of February 2022, was when Captain (Capt) Sutcliffe felt the community would need help as the flood situation worsened each hour. He was the first person of all the charity organisations on-site at SCU and quickly realised the kitchens would be out of action due to renovations and The Salvos local fleet of vehicles had been decommissioned.A quick phone call to the Grafton office ended with the emergency vehicle catering truck being driven to Lismore. It arrived as they were putting up the road closed signs, which meant our roads were cut off for the next couple of days.On Monday, February 28, Capt Sutcliffe rang his Woolworths contacts well before opening time and organised to buy all the food they would need for that day."At about 6:30am, we started cooking at the university and served over 3,500 meals to evacuees on that very first day out of a truck that's designed to do 250 per sitting. It was a very, very long day.""We continued to serve on-site for the next 21 days, serving over 21,000 meals in total, along with refreshments and drinks. We had one-week off-sight from the university before returning again for the second major flood."Capt Sutcliffe acknowledged a number of businesses that helped The Salvos at that time, such as Woolworths, Southern Cross University, Norco, the Casino Food Co-op, Beach & Bush Distributors and One Fine Kitchen.For the last two and a half years, The Salvos has continued to provide practical and financial help to those who need it as they rebuild their lives.In the Northern Rivers alone, the Salvation Army has distributed over $10 million to 11,100 individuals, making a genuine positive impact on these community members' lives as they recover and rebuild."Since the floods we've worked tirelessly to get our community equipped with the resources it needs to respond to future disasters and emergencies. We live in a world where we know that we will have another flood, we will have more bushfires, we will have other events, and we wanted to make sure we had the best equipment available.That equipment includes a full walk-in cool room, a small catering trailer, and the flagship of the Northern Rivers fleet of emergency catering equipment, a completely self-sufficient truck."This is a full commercial kitchen on wheels built locally at Food Trailer Kings in South Murwillumbah. It was great that the money from Woolworths was able to be invested back here in the Northern Rivers."This setup allows us to be completely self-sufficient and roll up to any disaster and be ready to go in minutes. It has generation water storage, wastewater storage, fridges, freezers, gas ovens and the work."We are so excited to be able to establish a comprehensive emergency services fleet here in the Northern Rivers, and we will be here to serve the community in many ways in the days, weeks, months and years ahead."This is a great blessing for us. We are so thankful to Woolworths and the rest of the wider Salvation Army for allowing this money to come back into this region. And it is a great blessing for us not to just serve in disasters, but also community events and functions as well. We will be present in a lot more spaces now because we can come and cater for these events and functions.(The new walk-in cool room trailer)(The new small catering trailer)Capt Sutcliffe thanked Woolies a lot during his opening speech, but that is because the company has given $12 million to The Salvos in the past five years. In that time, The Salvos has provided over 600,000 meals, 350,000 refreshments over 2,680 disasters allowing them to purchase over 200 pieces of equipment that are used regularly.With the south-east of Australia on La Niña Watch this spring and summer, the timing could not have been better to receive the three pieces of catering equipment. Better to be prepared.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, "They (Capt Philip Sutcliffe and his wife Donna) say they are blessed to be in this community; I say we are blessed to have them here. Thank you for everything that you have done and that we know you will continue to do.""Having this equipment will really make a big difference because I saw what you did with nothing, and I know what you'll be able to do with all of this."Ms Saffin was asked for the next piece of funding for The Salvos now that they have this wonderful new equipment. And that is a shed to keep the equipment not only dry but safe.That conversation started over lunch cooked by the Salvation Army Team.

Police are appealing for information and footage after a teenage girl was approached at Evans Head.About 2pm yesterday (Wednesday 26 June 2024), a man allegedly approached a 14-year-old girl at the foreshore of Evans River, Elm Street, Evans Head and touched her leg before walking away.Officers attached to Richmond Police District are investigating the matter and are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time and has dashcam or CCTV footage.The man is described as being of Asian appearance, aged between 20-30-years-old, about 170cm tall, medium build, with black hair and acne scars. He was wearing a t-shirt and black shorts.Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage or information that may assist investigators is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.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.

From 12 July, thousands of people with common skin conditions will be able to receive treatment from their pharmacist under the next phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial. Eligible people can visit a participating pharmacy to be treated by an appropriately trained pharmacist for impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema and mild plaque psoriasis. Under the trial, patients will not have to pay for the consultation, but will pay for the cost of medicines they receive as part of their treatment. The University of Newcastle is leading the trial in association with the University of Technology Sydney, University of New England, Charles Sturt University, The George Institute for Global Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, peak bodies, and other professional organisations. For the duration of the trial, participating pharmacies will be remunerated for each skin condition consultation they provide to avoid patients paying a fee for the service. The trial will close on 28 February 2025, or when the maximum number of trial-supported consultations has been reached. It follows in the footsteps of the urinary tract infection (UTI) and oral contraceptive pill trials. Since 1 June 2024, authorised pharmacies and pharmacists can now offer the UTI service as part of usual business. All pharmacy trials will undergo a detailed evaluation in 2025. Pharmacy recruitment has commenced, initially focussing on those who participated in previous UTI and oral contraceptive pill trials. Once enrolled, pharmacists must undergo the required additional training and ensure pharmacy spaces meet the requirements of the authority. Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “We know how difficult it is to access a GP – there were fewer GPs in NSW in 2023 than there were in 2018 - that’s why we’re making it easier for people to gain access to simple treatments and the medications they need for non-complex conditions. “We’re doing this by empowering pharmacists to consult and provide medications – we’ve done this for urinary tract infections as well as the resupply of oral contraceptive pill. “And soon, this initiative will expand to certain minor skin conditions. “Thousands of people in NSW experience common skin conditions and anyone who has had or cared for someone with one of these conditions knows how uncomfortable they can be. “The findings from the trial will help to inform the services and models of care pharmacists can provide in future.” Pharmacy Guild NSW Branch President David Heffernan said, “This will make a real difference for patients. The success of the UTI trial shows that people value options for affordable, accessible everyday healthcare.” “This trial will mean more accessible everyday healthcare, taking pressure off hospital emergency departments and freeing up GPs to treat more complex conditions.” “Community pharmacies across NSW are ready to do more to help provide patients with primary health care they need.”

The Lismore Business Community will celebrate its outstanding achievements and innovations for the first time since 2021 when the 2024 Business Lismore Business Excellence Awards are announced on Saturday, August 10, at the Lismore Turf Club.2024 will also be the first in-person event since 2019, when it was held at the Trinity Catholic College Sports Hall before Covid and then the 2022 floods put a stop to proceedings. 2021 was the Lismore App Business Awards when the awards event was online.Secretary of Business Lismore Felicity Hyde is encouraging everyone to enter."Entry is free, and we want as many people as possible to be represented at this year's Lismore Business Awards. The application process is only 45 minutes. Everyone has been working very hard over the last couple of years, so everyone has a great deal to write about," Felicity said.For business owners who are worried about declaring their finances, worry no more. A business's financial situation is no longer required as a condition of entry."Absolutely no financials are needed this year. There are questions about your business or your employees, if that is the category you are entering. It is about self-reflection and self-promotion for your business."Business owners and Managers should not delay as entries close on Monday, July 1.The categories are:Local and Regional CategoriesExcellence in Retail and Personal ServicesExcellence in Trade, Construction & ManufacturingExcellence in Business & Professional ServicesExcellence in Health, Care & Wellness IndustriesExcellence in Agriculture & Primary IndustriesExcellence in Tourism, Recreation and Visitor ExperienceLocal, Regional and State CategoriesOutstanding EmployeeOutstanding Young Business LeaderOutstanding Business Leader (20 employees and under)Outstanding Business Leader (over 21 employees)Excellence in International BusinessEmployer of Choice – under 20 employeesEmployer of Choice – 21 employees and overExcellence in InnovationExcellence in SustainabilityOutstanding Community OrganisationOutstanding Visitor Experience (Regional Only)Outstanding New BusinessExcellence in Diversity & InclusionExcellence in Micro Business (less than 5 employees)Excellence in Small Business (5-20 employees)Excellence in Large Business (21+ employees)Business of the YearClick here to create an entry, or Google Business Lismore Awards 2024.The Awards event at the Lismore Turf Club on Saturday, August 10 will be hosted by Andrew Du from NBN, SuperCheeze will provide the entertainment. Secret Chef the catering and special guest speaker, is the CEO of Salary Packaging Australia, John Heinke."We look forward to celebrating everyone’s accomplishments at this year's Business Awards. Remember to secure your tickets via our website www.lismorechamber.com.au."

Diana Jane Roberts was awarded an Order of Australia Medal on the King's Birthday honours list on the long weekend in June for 'Service to the community of Nimbin'. After some time to reflect on its importance, as well as a short holiday, we speak with Diana about her close relationship with the community she has adopted, influenced, and played an instrumental role in shaping.After moving to Melbourne, Australia from the UK, Diana's grammar school education began her on her path of ethics, beliefs and ideals. After school, Diana went on a week-long holiday to Sydney, and never went back home. Instead, she embarked on a journey where she met like minded people and had the importance of community instilled in her.  Diana‘s ideals of community were further enmeshed with her work.“I worked in the professional development of teachers for seven years. It was a government-funded entity and ran very progressively as a collective. So, nobody was the boss. It had a management committee as a community organisation, but within the actual working environment, everybody was equal. Whether you were the cleaner, the gardener, the research officer, whatever.”In a twist of fate, “One of the people I worked with for quite a few years during that time was Bob Dooley. Who now puts out the Nimbin Good Times. He was actually there as a media officer teaching media skills to teachers.”Through another ironic turn of events, she turned down an early trip to Nimbin to the Aquarius Festival for a job—it turned out to be an unfulfilling one that did not last past three months!  Diana started activism work while in Sydney. After the nuclear disaster in Harrisburg she joined “the anti-uranium mining movement at that stage was very closely linked to the land rights movement that I started in. I was engaged in that peripherally because the mines they were talking about were on Aboriginal land and the Northern Territory.”After meeting the first love of her life, who pined for rural Australia, she moved away from Sydney with him and four other friends to find an idyllic place to start a small communal living arrangement.  “Six of us set off on this quest to find somewhere where we would actually like to live, and as we moved up the coast land got cheaper and cheaper until they got to Stoney Chute.”“I built a house, with the help of friends. But in the beginning, I didn't have any power. It was all handheld drills, and they made me build a house out of hardwood. Okay. With six-inch nails.“In the beginning, most people move up here and just build a shed, which will be our garage and then build a house to go with it. And then you realise that, ‘Oh, I've just put all my money into building a garage’. So now I'm going to have to extend the garage and make it work as a house.”The shed ended up as a three-bedroom tiny house, and Diana lived in it for 30 years. A new owner loves it and lives in it today.“I think for me, it probably took about six years before I really found a network of people who were interested in the things I was interested in.“In the early days, I was focused on building a house. I was teaching bookkeeping at TAFE to Aboriginal women. I had Aboriginal women and community organisations, and I also had a naturopathic practice in Lismore and Nimbin. “When I had my daughter, I just didn't want to do that travel anymore, so I left the Lismore part and focused on Nimbin, and that's when, after a year, I set up the apothecary.”The apothecary moved from the Bush Theatre to the main street behind the Environment Centre. The building went through a number of tenants."The building had been renovated as a birthing project, employing women builders and giving them building skills, so they've done a whole lot of renovations and set it up as a birthing centre." But the need for the birthing centre fell away.“The apothecary expanded and expanded. The Environment Center put me into direct contact with a whole lot of really fantastic community people, and that's when I probably really started to feel like Nimbin was my home.”Diana turned her newfound community spirit into action, “Stopping burning at the tip was probably the first campaign I got involved in. It involved dealing with the state Pollution Control Commission at the time and getting them to put a stop to the practice, which they did. “And then we set up waste busters which was a comprehensive waste management system. We had a revolve shop. People would come with their stuff, and we would separate it. I wasn't so involved in that actual physical part of it. I mean, I did play a role but there were really dedicated people who were doing that work.  “That work was really pivotal because it brought me into contact with council. At the same time Council was looking at putting in a centralised sewer scheme for the village at incredible costs. And that put me in contact with a guy called Stuart White, who has headed up the Institute for Sustainable Futures in Sydney.” Later, Diana ended up running for council with Stuart.“In the process, I went and addressed the Council meeting on behalf of the community.”Diana was not impressed by what she found at the council at the time. Diana wondered just how much impact she could make.“I would never have thought about running for council without having that experience.” After working with Helen Caldicott on her campaign, an opportunity came up for Diana to run.“Stuart, Lyn Carlson and Ros Irwin asked me if I would like to run for council with them. Stuart and Carlson had no intention of getting elected. But as it turned out, three of us got elected. For me, that was a really pivotal point.”In those early days, Diana contributed to getting things done, as she had the backing of the community. They acquired the Nimbin carpark and the community centre from the old school. Prior to this, “there was no place within that council to provide services to the community. After, they had a really good community services division. ”“I'm still involved in the chamber. Though it's businesses, not communities, my passion. But, the chamber in Nimbin is very community oriented and has strong roots in the community. So, it's actually been a very easy partnership for me.“As a business owner, my business has very much focused on providing a community service. For me, if you're going to be in business, your practice has to be ethical. We never charged for our professional advice over the counter. It was always about making herbs and natural practices more available and more understood by the community.”“I think the biggest part of my development occurred while I was a Lismore councillor. It opened up lots of opportunities, and if you're diligent, you can take advantage of those opportunities. So, I chaired the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Board, for instance, which was a government appointment. I was on a state Waste Advisory Committee. Again, that was a government appointment. “I was involved in, what was, the Rous County Council water supply. For four years, I was on Far North Coast Weeds, who never ever seconded a motion of mine until the very, very last meeting. “For me, it presented incredible opportunities. And it also made me experience directly the value of working across the political divide to find common ground to bring about change. So, it gave me wonderful opportunities. You know, my personal growth during those 12 years was immense. (Diana's campaign manager tried a little photoshop work to get these posters turning heads and talking)“But I couldn't have done it without the support of my community. It was the strong support and the vote from them, and that got me elected every time. “I think Nimbin needs a voice on council, someone who can actually listen to the community and bring that voice into the council arena. Over time, you earn respect, and you can bring about change, but it's not easy.”(Diana's new loves of her life - grandchildren)There are two achievements that Diana has accomplished recently that she was very pleased with, and that went well. “One of them was writing the grant that obtained the money for the Rainbow Road Walking Tack. So, that brought $2.54 million into this community, and hopefully we'll see something that makes visitors stay longer and understand Nimbin better. "I also wrote a grant for the Nimbin Headers (Sports club) which put night lighting on to their field. And it really transformed soccer for women because now they can play at night and they don't have to travel away from families.“I'm really proud of my grant writing skills. I learned from council. Seriously, because you assess lots of grants. The best way to learn great grant writing skills.”Diana acknowledges that all of this could only happen as the town and her beliefs were aligned, and she is ever grateful that she had the opportunity to be a part of Nimbin's story.

Goonellabah residents know only too well that the roundabout on Simeoni Drive is a joke.It is a couple of circles painted on the road that serve to manage traffic flow into the Woolworths carpark. The roundabout was initially installed following the 2022 natural disaster when Goonellabah handled not only its regular local traffic but also the CBD's due to the closure of Lismore Square and Central. Road safety audits now recommend that the roundabout be formalised.In the 2024-2025 financial year, Council plans to upgrade the informal roundabout and pedestrian facilities on Simeoni Drive within the Goonellabah shopping precinct.The works will include:A centre concrete dome for a mountable centre islandSignage and line markingConcrete medians and pedestrian refuges for safe crossingRe-marking of existing pedestrian crossingsThe works are planned to start in the early part of the 2024-2025 financial year. Council will provide more information, including the start date and duration, prior to the project commencing.If you have any questions please contact Council on (02) 6625 0500 or email [email protected] with the title ‘Simeoni Drive Roundabout’.

A survey of public school teachers and principals in the Northern Rivers reveals how the combined impact of the $1.9 billion funding shortfall and teacher shortage is leading to merged classes, poorer student wellbeing and unsustainable workloads, the NSW Teachers Federation has warned.The survey of 288 principals and teachers across Northern Rivers found: ● 39% have taught merged/split classes regularly or always;● 96.5% agree that “schools as a whole currently have difficulty in retaining teachers in the profession”;● 17% are committed to staying in the profession until retirement; ● Only 3.5% of teachers say their school is well-resourced;● 75% reported a decline or significant decline in student wellbeing and engagement in past 18 months;● 91% reported a decline or significant decline in teacher wellbeing and morale;● Only 15% say counsellor support is adequate.NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra said Northern Rivers public schools were facing immense challenges due to the funding shortfall."Amazing things happen in our public schools every day, but the Government is exploiting the goodwill of teachers to maintain standards. This is not sustainable. “The challenges facing our schools are too great, and the cost of inaction too high. We need the state and federal governments to step up and deliver the funding our schools so urgently need."The Federal Government must lift its share of funding to 25% by 2028, while the NSW Government must ensure that public schools are genuinely funded at 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard."Providing a quality education for every child is not just a moral imperative, it's an economic necessity. Today's students are the lifeblood of tomorrow’s workforce. Shortchanging their education now will have consequences for decades to come."Mr Rajendra said it was time for federal MPs to fight for their local public schools, pointing out that public schools educate the overwhelming bulk of the region’s students."Our schools and our students need champions in Parliament who will stand up and demand fair funding," he said. "It's time to stop the excuses and start investing in our children's future. Every student in the Northern Rivers deserves the resources and support they need to thrive."Mr Rajendra said fully funding public schools was the only way to ensure every child in the Northern Rivers got the support they needed to succeed.

Nimbin and the surrounding communities impacted by landslips are invited to an information night this Friday (28 June) from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Nimbin School of Arts Hall, 47 Cullen St, Nimbin.The event will feature several speakers:Ivy Young from Richmond Landcare Inc. will discuss how to repair landslips on a shoestring budget.John Grant from SCU will talk about different types of soils and how to reduce the risk of landslips.Mark Dunphy from Firewheel Rainforest Nursery will cover planting strategies to prevent and remediate landslips.Additionally, there will be discussions by the Red Cross about CRTs and other programs, and by the Community Recovery Officer on recovery needs and issues.Free supper, tea and coffee will be provided, along with music from Mandy Hawkes and Christina Webster.Bookings are required for catering purposes. Please call (02) 6625 0500 to reserve your tickets or email [email protected].