Health outcomes for Indigenous people could be drastically improved by increasing access to cultural medicines through Medicare and the PBS, says Southern Cross University researcher and proud Truwulway woman, Dr Alana Gall.New research led by Dr Alana Gall and published today in First Nations Health and Wellbeing – The Lowitja Journal highlights the need to decolonise healthcare by including cultural medicines (also called bush medicines) in Australia’s mainstream healthcare.The findings are based on expert policy reviews conducted with colleagues from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Aboriginal Elders, and public health institutes.“My community at large is either using or wants to use our cultural medicines, but access is low. Cultural medicines can include specific foods or plants as medicine, Traditional Healers, ceremonial or spiritual practices, or spending time on and connecting with Country,” said Dr Gall, who is also a National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Fellow.“Our culture is the oldest continuous culture on the planet, so our cultural medicines are the oldest continually practised medicine as well. Our cultural medicines connect us back to our culture from the beginning of time, having clear impact on the cultural determinants of health. We need to look at increasing our access to it.”The study examined 52 national health policies that guide the practice of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered health professionals, Aboriginal Health Workers and Indigenous Liaison Officers.Dr Gall said the Australian healthcare system adheres to biomedical approaches to health, which has seen cultural medicines largely and conspicuously absent from policies that guide practice.“A lack of national leadership and of clear definitions mean there is also a disproportionate onus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare workers to be the keepers of knowledge about cultural medicines. This is often not practical nor appropriate,” she said.“Our studies show although over 90 per cent of Indigenous people would like access to cultural medicines, many have difficulty doing so.“We need better training and information on this issue for all healthcare professionals on a national level. By including cultural medicines in Medicare and even the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), we could empower both Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals while also protecting the Indigenous Knowledge associated with the medicines.”Dr Gall’s previous research has investigated the documentation and protection of Indigenous Knowledge in natural medicines and healthcare. In several instances Indigenous Knowledge has been appropriated for commercial gain, a practice known as biopiracy where little or no benefit is returned to the community where the knowledge is traditionally held. “I see it as decolonising healthcare but we need to do things in the right order. We need cultural medicines to be integrated into mainstream healthcare but we also need to put the work into defining, understanding and protecting the knowledge associated with them,” Dr Gall said. Co-author, Pharmacist and Director of Medicines Policy and Program at the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Mike Stephens said both policy and practice needed to change. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the first doctors and pharmacists of this country. The healing and wellbeing that can be derived from these practices and medicines should not be understated or forgone in conversations around health care. “While our National Medicines Policy now specifically recognises cultural medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, more needs to be done to bring this to life and truly integrate this medicine into our national systems. “Only through listening and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health knowledge – such as greater incorporation of cultural medicines into national policy – can we stand to Close the Gap,” said Stephens. Professor Catherine Chamberlain, Co-Editor-in-Chief of First Nations Health and Wellbeing – The Lowitja Journal, said the journal was proud to publish important First Nations-led research. “This research, in turn, highlights opportunities to improve outcomes for Indigenous people in Australia and overseas. “We congratulate Dr Alana Gall and her colleagues on drawing attention to Australia’s national health policies lacking effective approaches to cultural medicine use. Dr Gall’s peer-reviewed article is an excellent example of The Lowitja Journal’s commitment to providing an accessible, global platform for First Nations health and wellbeing perspectives,” she said. Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fnhli.2025.100046.

The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) is officially open and treating its first patients —marking a historic moment for native animal care across the region.Located on Crown Land on Lindendale Road in Wollongbar, a short drive from Lismore and Ballina, the facility is the first dedicated “bricks-and-mortar” wildlife hospital in the Northern Rivers. It is purpose-built to provide urgent, specialised care for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife. The hospital is expected to treat around 5,000 animals each year, brought in from all seven local government areas. “This is a dream come true for the region — and for every injured animal that now has a better chance of survival,” said NRWH Chair Madeleine Faught.“It’s taken years of vision and community determination to reach this point. We’re incredibly proud to open our doors and start providing care — but there’s still a lot of work ahead.”Already Saving LivesEven before opening, the NRWH team had begun treating wildlife in collaboration with Vitality Vetcare, operating out of a temporary clinical space in Bangalow. Over the past fortnight, they’ve cared for more than 40 native animals, including two rose-crowned fruit doves (a threatened species), a noisy pitta, a golden whistler, a white-faced heron, rainbow lorikeets, white-headed pigeons, tawny frogmouths, an eastern long-necked turtle, a blue-tongued skink, coastal carpet pythons, a ringtail possum, a mountain brushtail possum, black flying foxes and grey-headed flying foxes.(NRWH staff preparing to take an x-ray. Photo: supplied)With final Council approvals secured, the new hospital is now fully operational and accepting wildlife cases directly from carers, rescue groups, and members of the public — with treatment offered free of charge.“We’re proud to offer this vital service at no cost to the people rescuing wildlife — but it will only be possible if we’re supported by local donations and all levels of government,” said Founding Director Dr Megan Kearney. “As we approach an election, we encourage the community to let their local representatives know how much they value this service — and want to see it well-funded now and into the future.”The hospital also eases pressure on local vets, who often treat wildlife pro bono, and on wildlife rescue groups already stretched by a record number of calls for help.A Regional Resource for All WildlifeThe facility is equipped to care for all species of native wildlife — from marsupials and reptiles to birds and flying foxes — and was developed in close consultation with wildlife carers and organisations. The NRWH will work in collaboration with other members of the Northern Rivers Wildlife Network and is designed to complement and support existing services, including local veterinary clinics and volunteer rescue groups.As a community-owned, not-for-profit charity, the hospital is powered by volunteers, fundraising, and grants. Support to date has included:Federal Government Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant NSW Regional Koala Support GrantNSW Primary Industries Institute - WollongbarCrown lands NSWFunding from local philanthropic donors and private foundations Support from the World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF) Individual donations from community membersLooking Ahead – Building Stage TwoSo far, fundraising has allowed for the completion of Stage One, but the next phase is crucial. Stage Two includes the development of a dedicated animal pathology and diagnostic lab, vital for managing emerging threats like avian influenza (bird flu) and koala retrovirus.The hospital also needs to secure funding for outdoor enclosures for animals requiring intermediate care and rehabilitation. “This hospital isn’t just about treatment — it’s about research and regional resilience. Our pathology centre will help identify and respond to the illnesses threatening some of Australia’s most iconic species,” explained Dr Megan Kearney.The hospital will officially celebrate its opening with a community event in the coming weeks, inviting supporters, carers, and the public to tour the facility and learn more.

Nimbin’s 33rd MardiGrass program is on the way to the printer and up on the website now, says Michael Balderstone, president of the MardiGrass Organising Body, better known as the MOB.“There’s absolutely first-class speakers on all aspects of the cannabis plant and, in fact, on many other entheogenic plants as well this year. The term comes from the Greek words “en” (in) and “Theos” (god), meaning “god within”, Michael said.“Albo’s called the election for the same weekend, and we recommended voters use a prepoll before they come to Nimbin rather than crushing the polling booth at Nimbin on the Saturday.”The clash of the two events has created a highlight in the MardiGrass program with Jeremy "Joe" Buckingham, the NSW Legalise Cannabis MP, bringing his increasingly famous “Into The Weeds” podcast to town to join Antony Greenout in our very own Mardigrass Tally-Ho Room.There’s always plenty of comedy at MardiGrass, and this year is the 30th Hemp Olympix, and by popular demand, the Growers Iron Person Event is on again. The Joint Rolling contests and Bong Throw and Yell are crowd favourites, as well as Correct Weight, where contestants have to guess an ounce, or the Dealer's Nightmare, which tests your cool in a police raid.It looks like a record-breaking lineup for the Kombi Konvoy on election day which culminates in the 420 Stoner Blaze protest. Everyone is encouraged to dress up and enjoy the main event, the Rally for Cannabis Law Reform is on Sunday afternoon.There are weed movies running all weekend at the Bush Theatre and six stages for speakers and performers. They’re all listed in the program on the website along with the musicians, including Hussy Hicks, The Hoochers, Black Bird Hum, and Lionheart Rebellion, the Oz Hip Hop Showcase, and the massive High Vibes program, which includes Elektropanda, Whompus, Creten, Organic Distortion and Coneheadz.Special speakers who have never been to MardiGrass before, include Dr Michael White, flying up from Adelaide, who is Australia's expert on the dreaded RDT, Roadside Drug Testing. Dr Patrick Keyser, fresh from touring America, Emily Rigby founder of Australian Cannabis Cultivators, a crew from Cymra, our local legal cannabis farm that specialises growing organically in the ground, another big crew from Entheogenesis Australis, and still more. With hundreds of new people signing up for legal medical cannabis every day now, there is a resurgence of interest in cannabis and MardiGrass is a real grassroots opportunity for people to learn from those with experience who gather in Nimbin once a year. The cannabis plant itself is the real teacher, but the array of doctors and healers, growers and medicine makers, scientists, and professors lined up to talk this year make the weekend a knowledge fest. And if you need a rest, the sport, the stalls, the stoned chess and pot poets, the food court, and endless music will keep you entertained.Cannabis may be legal through a doctor now, but we still cannot grow our own, and we cannot drive without fear of losing our licence, so please support our cause. Tickets are on sale now at nimbinmardigrass.com and still the same price for years now: $150 for a full weekend pass to all events plus 3 nights camping at the Nimbin Showgrounds with excellent facilities. Keep an eye on the website for program updates until the big weed weekend on May 2-4. ”It really is time to legalise cannabis…the drug against wars!”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, joined the Talking Lismore podcast to talk openly about issues that are affecting the Lismore community, such as house demolitions and the Pine Street squatters.We started by talking about the community's preparedness for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, attributing it to the lessons learned from the devastating 2022 floods."We were so prepared. It was a joy to me to see it unfold," Ms Saffin said. She emphasised the proactive approach taken by authorities, including the SES, RFS, and local government, in ensuring community safety. Residents were kept informed through regular briefings, and the evacuation orders were issued based on detailed modelling and local knowledge. They were necessary to mitigate potential risks from downed power lines and trees.The community's preparedness was evident in the way residents proactively packed up and secured their belongings, a stark contrast to the reliance on external guidance observed in previous years. Ms Saffin praised the Lismore Business Chamber for its role in promoting flood preparedness among local businesses.When asked who interprets the data and makes evacuation decisions. Ms Saffin explained that is ultimately made by the SES, who analyse BOM modelling and consult with community leaders. The SES also incorporates local knowledge, drawing on the expertise of local residents within the organisation.Ms Saffin didn't shy away from discussing the NSW Reconstruction Authority's house buyback demolitions. She acknowledged that while the demolitions were always planned, there could have been better communication around the process. Ms Saffin emphasised the need for compassion and understanding as the community continues to heal from the trauma of the floods. She urged against politicising the issue, as it is important to tread gently and avoid using people as pawns in political campaigns."Demolitions were always going to happen, and that was made absolutely clear, even by David Witherdin and the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation. Relocatable's were going to happen. His words 'by exception', meaning that people who wanted to relocate their house could choose to do it, and then allowed some gifting of houses. And a few people did that. Then, some houses would be sold. And we're seeing the first of 30 that's underway now, and there'll be more going up for sale, but we still need to assess some of them. I think there's over 300 still to be assessed for demolition or go for sale, okay, but some have been assessed for demolition, quite a few.(A demolition on Baillie Street, North Lismore, last week)"So that was always going to happen. Could that have been communicated better? Yes. And also, even when it is communicated as it was at different times, because we've had trauma, because it's disaster recovery, I know, and others know we have to keep saying it over and over and over. "This is what's going to happen, whether we like it or not, and for someone who owned a home, lived in it, raised children, families, I know that it's their memories and their life. It all happened in that home. Now, a lot of those people have sold that home because they wanted to feel safer, and they've done that, but I understand their heart and head are still there, and a few of those people have rung us this week, or some have talked to me, and they know they are going to be demolished, but they needed to talk it through too. The feelings around it, but they knew they were to be demolished."It's wrong to politicise this issue because we're hurting, and to show genuine compassion in our community means that we tread gently. I try and tread gently because I understand that hurt in the community and to run a political campaign for partisan gain is unconscionable. That's how I see it. And people should not be pawns in this. People talk about my community, my community, well, I think they ought to rethink how they're engaging in my community."Some people said to me, great, Janelle, it's good to see the houses going, we need it because we need renewal. We don't want to keep looking at them."Others have come to me and our office and said, we want them gone. They remind us all the time of what happened. Even people who sold them."Ms Saffin also talked about the future of vacant land in North and South Lismore following house buybacks, emphasising the need to honour the area's history and community."There's an old Indigenous history of North Lismore. There's the Italian community. We had the Italo Club, and it's now Marconi. Plus, we had the timber getters," she said.She suggested potential uses for the vacant land. "I'd love a car boot market, where Richmond River High was, because we all love it. People will come from the region, and it's a commercial activity. And Steve's talked about a golf course. Whatever it is. But we can't move on while we've still got houses that need to be demolished, some that a few people want to move," she said.Ms Saffin also highlighted her personal connection to the area, having lived in both North and South Lismore and experienced firsthand the impact of flooding. "I lived in North, so I did an interview as a northie in the Living Lab Project. I was over there with everyone, and I've lived in South as well. I've lived in flood areas most of my life. I love the areas, and so they're the things that we need to do," she said.Ms Saffin also addressed the ongoing situation with squatters at Pine Street, who were recently in the Supreme Court. While she was unable to provide a specific date for the next hearing, she understood it would be in late April. "I was told that today was a directions hearing, and that's where everyone sorts out their paperwork and who's going to do what, and who's going to appear, those things. I don't know the exact date, but I think it might be a bit later in April, like in a week or two," she said.Ms Saffin stated that the squatters could end the ongoing expenditure by vacating the premises, as they had been politely requested to do on numerous occasions. "The people who were squatting there could end that now they could they could leave. They could say, we're going to leave, which is what they were asked to do politely many times, and then they didn't," she said.She highlighted the Resilient Homes Program's role as a mitigation and adaptation program rather than a housing program. "The Resilient Homes Program is a mitigation, adaptation program; it wasn't set up as a housing program. It wasn't set up as all of the things that some people are now demanding. That comes through other areas of government. There's been a long lag over a long period of time, particularly from 2011 on, with nothing happening here with housing at all. That's a fact. And it's in independent reports, and so we are doing things on housing," she said.Ms Saffin talked about East Lismore, North Lismore, Cynthia Wilson Drive and Bristol Circuit as examples of what housing is to come from the government.To hear the full podcast, click on the Talking Lismore podcast link.

ANZAC Day 2025 is ten days away. The President and Members of the City of Lismore Sub-Branch would like to invite Current Serving, Ex-servicemen and women, and members of the public to commemorate ANZAC Day 2025 in Lismore in the following ways:The traditional Dawn Service will be held at the Lismore Cenotaph commencing at 0500 following the March from the “Old Post Office Corner”. Form up for the march at 0450.The Lismore City Bowling Club will host a Breakfast for sub-Branch members, Veterans, and their families on the completion of the Dawn Service. Non-veterans will cost $5.00 per head. A commemoration service will be held at the North Lismore Memorial commencing at 0745hrs.Main March Service and wreath laying Commence forming up at Browns Creek Car Park at 0830 for the main march along Molesworth Street, stepping off at 0900, followed by the ANZAC Day Commemorative Service at the Cenotaph.  All Veterans within the area are welcome to join the March and Service. Lismore City Bowling Club will be open for lunch with a band in attendance. McKees Hill Hall: Gather in the Hall at 0420hrs to watch Sydney Dawn Service followed by Service & Wreath Laying. Breakfast will be provided at a cost of $10.FundraisingFundraising is the principal method of income for the sub-Branch; as such, the City of Lismore RSL sub-Branch has ANZAC badges for sale now until ANZAC Day at the following venues:Lismore Square - now until April 24Goonellabah Shopping Village - now until April 24Lismore Central - April 17th, 22nd, 23rd & 24thWorkers Sports Club Goonellabah - 16th & 23rd April Bunnings Lismore - 19th & 20th of April. "We would like to thank the community for the generous support we have received to date," the City of Lismore RSL sub-Branch said.

Lismore’s role in delivering Australia's largest local government-led disaster recovery was front and centre on 27 March, as more than 30 procurement professionals gathered in Lismore for the Local Government Procurement (LGP) Networking Meeting.Hosted by Lismore City Council and sponsored by Origin Energy, the event placed the city in the spotlight for its record-breaking flood recovery program, widely regarded as one of the most complex ever managed by a regional council in Australia. With over 540 projects underway and hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure delivery, Lismore is now setting new benchmarks for how councils can lead large-scale, high-pressure recovery efforts.Held at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club, the event featured a presentation by the Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio (FRP) team, highlighting how Lismore manages one of the most complex local government recovery programs in Australian history. Lismore City General Manager Jon Gibbons said the event was an opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism and scale of work underway across our Local Government Area.“In the 2023-24 financial year, Lismore City Council managed $239 million in procurement,” he said.“Of that, 36% was spent with local businesses in the Lismore LGA, and 12% with suppliers across the Northern Rivers region. Nearly 50% of the Council’s procurement, around $113.7 million, stayed within the region.”Mr Gibbons also said that Council’s approach makes procurement more manageable for everyone involved."Council has created processes to ensure local contractors have a better chance of getting involved,” he said.This approach has boosted local economic outcomes and made procurement more manageable and accessible for a wider range of local contractors.“Instead of handing out lots of small jobs one by one or giving one massive job to a big company from out of town, Council groups specific projects into bundles that suit the skills and availability of local businesses.“This makes it easier for local tradies, builders and suppliers to participate. So, more money stays in the region, and the work gets done faster and more efficiently. It employs local people and provides opportunities for school leavers." The increased focus on local procurement comes as the Council delivers an unprecedented infrastructure program. With 540 individual projects underway across five major program areas—including roads, bridges, landslides, drainage and community facilities—it is widely considered the most significant local government-led disaster recovery in New South Wales.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the sheer scale of the recovery work ahead is evident, generating interest in the event. “To be selected as host city and to present our approach to councils from across the state is a real recognition of the capability built here in Lismore,” he said.“Bringing procurement professionals to Lismore—many of them for the first time, means more people staying in local accommodation, dining in our cafés and seeing first-hand what this city has to offer.“Events like this don’t just support our businesses for a day or two. They help build confidence and position Lismore as a centre for regional leadership.”Lismore City Acting Manager of Procurement Mark Parry said the event was an opportunity to demonstrate the scale and quality of work delivered.“We have a unique situation where we need to keep Council’s business-as-usual function running smoothly in parallel with the Flood Recovery Portfolio’s (FRP) significant procurement requirements,” he said.“To that end, our respective teams have developed practical, scalable systems that are coordinated and achieving results in a high-pressure environment.”It also demonstrated that regional councils like ours lead large-scale, complex programs with clear strategies and transparent procurement practices.“Council’s FRP Director of Commercial Services Charlotte Foy has also developed a full suite of procurement templates, tools and guidance materials as part of its internal reform. These resources are now being shared with other councils and recovery partners, helping to build sector-wide capability,” Mr Parry said.Lismore’s recovery is unique in both its size and approach. Council built its Flood Restoration Portfolio team from the ground up, totalling 82 dedicated project and delivery staff. It also implemented and extended the use of existing systems, most notably Vendor Panel, a procurement platform that allows the Council to manage contracts efficiently and transparently across small local jobs and significant bundled infrastructure works.Staff across the delivery team have also undertaken specialist training in contract law, probity and public works delivery—building skills that will remain in the region long after the current program ends.Other speakers included NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner Dr James Cockayne, Sharon Morris from World Commerce & Contracting and senior representatives from across government and industry. Topics included legislative compliance, supplier engagement, sustainability and risk management.Council would like to thank Local Government Procurement for selecting Lismore as host, and the local business community for supporting the event.

New data released today has shown a concerning spike in seatbelt-related offences during busy school holiday periods for drivers and passengers wearing their seatbelt incorrectly. With double demerits coming into force from Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April inclusive, and many families across New South Wales planning trips to visit loved ones over the long weekend, the NSW Government is reminding drivers to travel safely.Sadly, in 2025, there have already been 98 fatalities on New South Wales Roads. In 2024, 35 people died on New South Wales roads while not wearing an available seatbelt.This data shines a light on a concerning trend over periods that should be joyous times for people to travel safely and spend time with their loved ones.Over the peak summer holidays period, from December, 24th 2024 to January, 5th 2025, there was an alarming 7,000 seatbelt offences recorded across the state, with Christmas Day seeing one in every 559 drivers issued a penalty notice for a seatbelt offence. Further, over the Australia Day long weekend, there were over 1,300 seatbelt offences recorded.With school holidays underway for families across New South Wales, and both Easter and ANZAC Day long weekends approaching, the Government is urgently reminding drivers that seatbelts save lives, and are a legal requirement for all drivers and passengers across the state.As the state government continues work to make the roads safer, seatbelt enforcement has been significantly increased, with mobile phone cameras beginning to monitor seatbelt compliance in July 2024. Since this program began over 105 million vehicles have been checked, with 87 per cent of all penalties issued for incorrect use of a seatbelt, which attracts a $410 fine and three demerit points, or six demerit points during double demerit periods including the upcoming long weekends.Every single dollar raised by seatbelt cameras is invested directly back into road safety.This long weekend New South Wales drivers are being called to ensure they play their part in making New South Wales roads safer and remember:Seat belts save lives:Seatbelts double the chance of survival and reduce the risk of injury in a road crash. Drivers and passengers must all be wearing seatbelts correctly.Speeding kills:Speeding is the number one killer on New South Wales roads, know the road rules and follow them.Never text while driving:Using a mobile phone while driving affects your attention and response time. This increases your chance of crashing.Never drive when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugsDrink and drug driving are major contributors to death on NSW roads. Alcohol affects your driving, putting your safety and the safety of your passengers and other road users at risk. Never get behind the wheel if you're affected by illicit drugs or alcohol.Do not drive if you are fatigued:Fatigue kills. Each year, it accounts for around 20% of road deaths in New South Wales. If you are driving and feel fatigued, stop, revive, survive. Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “Road safety is what keeps me up at night, and I won’t rest until we reduce the trauma on our roads.“I am accountable for our state’s road toll but it is everyone’s responsibility to play their role.“I know the impact every death and serious injury on our roads has, you don’t need to meet with families of victims and survivors to begin to understand what effect that has on our communities.“Motorists in NSW have had more than 50 years to get used to the concept of wearing a seatbelt. It’s been compulsory to do so in our state since 1971.“Unlawful, lazy and life-risking behaviour by drivers, as well as passengers, is still far too common when it comes to wearing these restraints properly, if at all.“Seatbelts save lives. Sounds catchy but it can’t catch on quick enough. Last year, one person died every ten days on NSW roads when they weren’t wearing a seatbelt.“There’s nothing worse than losing a life on our roads and if you can’t buckle up this double demerit period you’ll risk being issued six demerit points, nearly half a NSW unrestricted licence, and a $410 fine.”Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray said, ,“It’s concerning to see there has been some complacency during previous school holidays, especially for passengers wearing their seatbelts incorrectly. With the Easter long weekend and Anzac Day long weekend approaching we know our roads will be busy and I’m urging every driver to remain vigilant.“I know during busy holiday periods - when trying to get the kids and other passengers in the car and get on the road, it can be a juggle, but it’s really important that drivers aren’t being careless when it comes to making sure their children and other passengers know how to wear their seatbelts correctly.“It’s great to see an improvement in compliance since the start of our enforcement program, with only one in every 1,452 drivers checked issued a penalty for a seatbelt offence for themselves and/or their passengers in the last week of March. However, I continue to urge people to buckle up correctly and to make sure their passengers are also all wearing their seatbelts correctly."

An elected Coalition Government will deliver a Cost of Living Tax Offset to more than 10 million taxpayers as part of our plan to get Australia back on track.The policy will see eligible Australians earning up to $144,000 receive up to $1,200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return for the upcoming financial year.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the temporary and targeted Cost of Living Tax Offset would provide vital support for families. “Australians are hurting – and Anthony Albanese isn’t listening. Families are getting smashed and need help now,” Mr Hogan said.“We also have a plan to lower petrol and diesel prices by cutting the fuel tax by 25 cents a litre. This is a saving of about $1,500 a year for a two-car family.”“These policies will put more money back into your pockets at a time when you’re being crushed by skyrocketing grocery bills, rent, mortgage repayments, and insurance costs.”“Labor’s so-called tax cut – just 70 cents a day – is a slap in the face and an insult to families trying to make ends meet.”“The Coalition’s approach is to provide temporary and targeted cost of living relief, while we get our economy back on track.”“This offset is part of our comprehensive plan to rebuild the economy, ease cost of living pressures, and reward hard work.”

Another 36mm of rain fell at the Lismore Airport on Friday and Saturday, leaving farmers at a critical juncture for planting this year's winter crops or harvesting macadamia crops.Rain is a vital element of any farmer's success, but too much can leave them on the verge of little or no harvest, poor winter planting conditions and a growing debt. January and February gave farmers a beacon of hope, with 128.6mm and 129.4mm, respectively, across the first two months of the year. Then came not only a very wet March (553mm) but Tropical Cyclone Alfred as well. The start of April hasn't seen a let-up in rainfall, with 117mm falling in the first two weeks.Record crop yields were being talked about, and in the case of macadamia farmers, a notional price increase of around $4.22 p/kg at 33% premium kernel recovery and 10% nut-in-shell moisture content was being paid. On top of that, a forecast 5% year-on-year increase was on the cards.Paul Mavis's 6,000-tree macadamia farm in Alstonville suffered tree and limb knockdowns with TC Alfred. He started his annual harvest a couple of weeks before Alfred paid the Northern Rivers a visit."We've been waiting for the ground to dry out, and then we get more rain. I got some nut up, but everyone else is in the same boat," Paul told the Lismore App."If we get back on the ground pretty soon we'll be right, but if we don't, the nut will start germinating, and we'll lose a lot like we did last year. Thanks to the 2024 rains, Paul lost about 10 to 15 tonnes of macadamia nut that started to germinate because the ground was too wet to get machinery in and harvest. As for 2025's harvest?"The limbs and everything I chipped up, there's a lot of nut on them, so it looks like we might get around the same tonnage we got last year "We thought this would be an earlier start to the season, but the trees held onto the nut a bit longer. We will lose the same tonnage as last year, but that's if we can get onto the ground in the next couple of weeks. If we can't, then we'll lose a lot more." On Andrew Heap's macadamia farm, the risk is higher because his land is steeper, so machinery needs drier conditions to operate the harvesting machinery.Like Paul, Andrew has chipped trees and removed limbs thanks to Alfred. Unfortunately, unlike Paul, Andrew has not picked up one nut yet. His block is simply too wet. On top of that, he was to have a down year in nut production because his orchard has mature 20-year-old plus trees on it. So, last year's harvest of 30 tonnes was looking like 15 tonnes in 2025. This could be lower if the ground doesn't grow.Andrew said this would be a similar situation for other orchards in Dunoon, where the blocks are steep and the ground very wet. Andrew's concern, along with germination, is internal discolouration of the kernel.It has been a hard slog for macca farmer's in the last three years. The 2023 price was only $1.70, rising to $3.20 in 2024, and now around $4.20, but the wet weather makes achieving a profit really difficult.On the other side of farming, Paul Weir says that grazing and dairy farmers are also suffering from the rains."It's affected pasture growth and animal health. They're the two biggest issues for grazing and for dairy," Paul explained."For dairy, the low-lying areas and the low parts of farms have seen pasture losses. Pasture die back and set back from rain and silt being on those low-lying parts or farms that have actually flooded in that case. "It is that time of the year we are trying to plant ryegrass, get set up for winter, and I know some early planting paddocks that people have done got washed out, so there's a lot of seed in those low-lying farms that did that. But it depends on what happens now really as to where the big issues will lie."Similar to the macadamia industry, more rain could lead to the same result as 2024. "It makes it really hard to get winter established, cattle slip backwards, lose condition. Leading into winter pasture growth slows, so a lot of pugging happens at this time of year. Normally we see wet autumns anyway, but either prolonged or just badly timed like last year. "Last year was a terrible year on the North Coast for dairy production, and we're hoping that we have a better season this year than last year. The timings of the rain last year and the dry spells was just all out of kilter, and wasn't the norm and didn't sort of fit into our normal systems of planting ryegrass in inappropriate times. So, most dairy farms on the north coast have had very big production losses in the last 12 months."Less production means less cash flow and the industries in a bit of a tight spot. Most farmers are down about 15 to 20% milk volume. I know that during Cyclone Alfred our cows dropped 4 litres per cow a day. For us that's nearly $700 a day drop in income. It all adds up.As with every farmer you meet, there is that sense of hope and a little optimism. "We're just hoping to see that the season turns around and doesn't continue being this wet. I hope that it goes and we can get onto our normal planning regimes for winter production."If it finds up now and we sort of come into a showery April, like normal, April showers is what we always say, we can get great planting conditions. The main growing season now has gone. We are expecting it to start cooling off now, and that's when we just rely on the winter planting."The forecast for the rest of April was not overly optimistic, with more showers to come; however, the BOM has forecast three days of sunshine for the start of Easter, Good Friday to Easter Sunday at the time of writing. Let's hope our farmers get the weather luck they deserve.

Lismore City Council had to reschedule its 2025 Seniors Festival events thanks to Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March.New dates have been confirmed, with the first activity to start tomorrow (Monday):Dance at Any Age at the Lismore Quad, Monday, 14 April from 10am – 11.30amExperience an immersive dance class that connects the mind and body through movement.Art with Aunty Jenny at the Lismore Quad on Tuesday, 15 April from 10am to 11.30amCome to the Quad and create something beautiful with your hands! This free art class is held by the wonderful Aunty Jenny Smith.Come and Try: Lawn Bowls at the Lismore Heights Sports Club on Thursday, 17 April from 9am to 12pmCome and try a shortened version of Lawn Bowls game, led by experienced Lady Bowlers.Come and Try: Croquet at the Lismore Croquet Club on Wednesday, 23 April from 12pm to 2pmJoin a fun-filled introduction to Croquet where you’ll learn the ins and outs of this classic game with welcoming members eager to share their passion.Come and Try: Lawn Bowls at the Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club on Saturday, 26 April from 12pm to 4pmParticipants will be paired with a member/coach of the Club and given directions and training in lawn bowls.Make Your Own History Archive at the Goonellabah Library on Monday, 28 April from 10am – 11amJoin local historian Adele Wessell and learn how to create your own personal digital archive.Fit & Fab, Eat & Gab at the Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre on Monday, 28 April from 10.30am – 12pmA fun-filled session featuring Fitgo (Bingo + activity), a low-impact circuit, and musical workout chairs!Come and Try: Pickleball at the Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre on Tuesday, 29 April from 9am – 11amGive pickleball a go with Fair Dinkum Pickleball—it's fun, social, and easy to learn!Park Fit at Kadina Park on Wednesday, 30 April from 9.30am – 10.30amJoin a personal trainer for a social morning learning simple exercises and how to use park fitness equipment.All events are FREE, but bookings are essential by clicking https://lismore-events.bookable.net.au/#!/.Council has said that some events are still being confirmed, and that, unfortunately, a few activities were unable to be rescheduled.

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is thrilled to welcome award-winning Australian vocalist Emma Pask to perform again as part of the NRC 2025 visiting artists program on Friday, 2nd May.Well known for spending the last 20 years by the side of jazz virtuoso James Morrison, Emma Pask has firmly established herself as one of this country’s favourite voices in Jazz. As James himself has said “Many singers sing jazz songs, but when you hear the real thing, it’s a totally different experience. Emma is the one who inspires others to want to sing jazz.”Emma is sure to delight as she interweaves storytelling through timeless swinging jazz standards, upbeat Latin rhythms, tender ballads and, of course, some raucous blues.Emma will be joined by the incomparable Kevin Hunt on piano. Kevin is a leading player on the Australian Jazz scene and has been since the late 70's.Having been an integral part of the Don Burrows band for many years, along with fronting his own trio, Emma finds Kevin's unique approach to the Piano fascinating, and with his incredibly supportive accompaniment, both Emma and Kevin have the chance to shine individually yet complement each other perfectly.This is your chance to catch one of Australia’s finest voices up close and personal in the beautifully intimate setting of Voice and Piano.Anita Bellman, Executive Director of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium said“Emma is such an incredible singer and joyful, playful performer and we’re so excited to see her again.We feel especially honoured as Emma and Kevin will be ‘christening’ the newly built stage our beautiful Concert Room”.For bookings please head to https://events.humanitix.com/emma-pask-duo.

Those who use the Ballina Street Bridge after 6pm are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions from tomorrow on the Bruxner Highway at Lismore and South Lismore to carry out road resurfacing work on each side of the bridge.Work will start tomorrow (Monday, 14 April) from 6pm to 6am for four nights, finishing at 6am on Friday, 18 April, weather permitting.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements, and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and road users.This work will require the closure of some nearby streets during work hours, including Taylor Street, Elliott Road next to the bridge, the Victoria Lane exit off the bridge, and the southern section of Molesworth Street. Short detours will be available.Heavy vehicles may experience delays of up to 20 minutes.Motorists should allow up to five minutes extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit the Live Traffic website, or call 132 701.

The North Coast is back open for business over the school holiday and Easter break, and local businesses are getting ready for thousands of visitors from across NSW and Australia who will be spending their holidays in our unique and beautiful region.Local beaches and waterways are also back open for business, and while the recent storms caused some erosion along the coastline, recovery work is well and truly underway.As the recovery work to remediate some parts of the local coastline continues, locals and visitors alike should be mindful of a few tips to make sure their holidays are as fun and as safe as possible:Make sure to watch your step on sand dunes and shorelines;Follow the advice from local councils about the condition of the coastline. If an area has been closed due to concerns about the coastline, then just head over to one of the many other safe areas that are open;If you’re going swimming, always follow the advice from lifesavers and only swim at patrolled beaches, between the flags.Visitors to the Northern Rivers over the Easter break might also see personnel from local councils and from the NSW Reconstruction Authority out and about doing work to remediate any parts of the coastline that were damaged in the recent ex-tropical cyclone.They are on the ground to make sure that our local beaches, waterways and green spaces are safe places for everyone, and that any damage caused by the recent cyclone gets fixed.Recovery Coordinator Superintendent Scott Tanner has been busy travelling around the region in the leadup to the holidays, inspecting beaches and waterways to make sure that remediation works on the coastline and the environment are well underway.“While the recovery from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is continuing, the North Coast is open for business, and we want everyone to come and enjoy this beautiful region," Mr Tanner said.“While these world-class beaches have lost some sand, we’re ready for people to experience them along with the waterways, green spaces, vibrant businesses, and all this region has to offer. We want you to keep coming back to visit.”“The North Coast is a popular holiday destination, and we want everyone to come and enjoy themselves; we’re just reminding people to be careful, as while the beaches, waterways, and greenspaces may be open, there’s still work to be done to get them back to where they were before the storms.”

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has announced a Coalition Government would create a Regional Australia Future Fund, to deliver guaranteed annual funding for regional, rural, and remote communities."Regional communities grow the food, fibre, and services that keep this country going – and they deserve to see long-term investment that recognises that contribution.“This is about putting our communities first,” Mr Hogan said.The $20 billion fund will lock in yearly funding for the regions to support projects that boost jobs, services, and infrastructure across regional Australia.“Since coming to office, Labor has ripped billions of dollars out of regional communities. We have seen funding completely dry up since Labor came into government.”“Upgrades like Casino Saleyards, Kyogle’s wooden bridges, Oakes and Crozier Oval in Lismore, Grafton Riverside Precinct, and Woolgoolga Whale Trail – all projects I have secured through programs like this.”The initial key priorities of this fund will include:Fixing local road and transport routes Building and upgrading community infrastructure, facilities, and services.Improving regional mobile and internet services for country communitiesGrowing the regional health workforce Developing regional industries to drive economic growth Delivering flexible childcare solutions Growing tourism industry opportunitiesSupporting regional businesses to market and export their products“This is about long-term investment in our future.”“We want to give our kids every reason to live, work and raise a family in the communities they call home.”“This is a historic moment. One-third of Australians live outside the big capital cities – and this perpetual fund will future-proof against governments who leave the regions behind.”

The Salvation Army in the Northern Rivers and North Coast is calling on the community to sign up for this year’s Red Shield Appeal, raising local funds to support people who are struggling most in our region. Across this region, Northern Rivers Salvos are aiming to raise $35,000 as part of Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal, the 61st annual Red Shield Appeal. “The last few years have been incredibly tough for the hardest hit in our community, and for many that shows no sign of slowing down. We see so many people grappling with increased stress and uncertainty as everyday living has become unaffordable, as well as the continual stresses caused through natural disasters and the ongoing work of rebuilding post the floods of 2022. At the Salvos, we are privileged to support those in our area experiencing hardship, but we cannot do this without the ongoing and loyal support of the community,” said Northern Rivers Salvos’ Captain Philip Sutcliffe.   The funds raised in the Northern Rivers for the Red Shield Appeal will stay in the local community and will be used to meet the specific needs faced by the most disadvantaged and vulnerable. Throughout this region, we use this money to provide practical assistance for those struggling to put food on the table, to support schools with Lunch packs for students who do not bring lunch, Meals for the homeless, and Christmas Toys and Hampers.   Earlier this year, The Salvos released their Social Justice Stocktake; a survey that polled over 16,000 Australians and provided national, state, and electoral reports highlighting the biggest issues faced by communities. Within New South Wales, it was found that 68.8% of people identified the issue of housing affordability and homelessness as the top concern for the community, with the second being mental health (57.5%)*. “There is no better way to support your community than by donating or volunteering to the Red Shield Appeal this year, and we need you to partner with us to be the hope our community so desperately needs. We can’t do our work in the community without you,” said Captain Philip Sutcliffe. Northern Rivers Salvos will be out collecting across the region through May and June. We will have donation locations in the major Shopping centres, Primex and Salvos Stores. You can also collect or donate via our Digital Door-knock page, organise a collection in your workplace, school or sporting event. If you would like to participate or donate, you can contact the local office by phone (02) 6625 0900 or northernrivers@salvationarmy.org.au or Donate online at https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/o/northern-rivers-salvos  Across Australia last year, through The Salvation Army’s network of over 400 centres and 2,000 services in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship, and much more, the Salvos provided:**      •     Assistance to one person every 17 seconds      •     More than 1.76 million sessions of care to over 250,000 people in need      •     Over 1.1 million bed nights to those who needed accommodation      •     More than 1.5 million meals to those who accessed our homelessness services. To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au/northernrivers or call 6625 0900. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

As mentioned in our weather story earlier this morning, rain is returning for the weekend. How much and where will depend on luck.The Bureau of Meteorology is still forecasting 4mm to 30mm for Saturday and 2mm to 15mm for Sunday with southeasterly winds. The chance of rain is very high at 90%.Not a perfect way to start the school holidays, which kicked off at 3 o'clock today.Youth Week continues over the weekend and next week with plenty of activites for young people to try. They include:ARTEXPRESS Exhibition – On now until 20 April at Lismore Regional Gallery. Incredible artworks by local HSC students.Goonellabah Skate Jam – Saturday, 12 April | 2pm–5pm at Goonellabah Skatepark. Skateboarding demos and activities for all skill levels.Thready Set Go – Clothing Mending Session – Tuesday, 15 April | 2pm–4pm at Lismore Library. Learn to mend and upcycle your clothes in this fun sustainable fashion workshop.Building a Clay Mask with Estefania Minniti - Thursday, 17 April | 2pm-4pm at Lismore Regional Gallery. Join artist Estefania Minniti in the Lismore Regional Gallery’s Artist Studio for a free workshop on hand building with clay.Find out more and register at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/youthweek.Rain, hail, or sunshine, the Lismore Farmers Markets will be on at the Lismore Showgrounds from 7:30 a.m. It may be best to take an umbrella and wear gumboots as you have a coof, some breakfast, and shop for homegrown fresh fruit and vegetables. Bruce Worrall will perform live music this week.The other market on this weekend is in the hills.This Sunday, The monthly Channon Craft Market at Coronation Park comes alive once again with creativity, community, and colour. From handcrafted treasures to delicious eats and live tunes, there's something for everyone from 9am to 3pm.With Easter and the school holidays in April, May and June are when the major events kick in, so make a note for:Nimbin Mardi Grass 2, 3 and 4 MayGemfest 17 and 18 MayPrimex 15, 16 and 17 MayBeef Week 24 May to 1 JuneLismore Lantern Parade 21 JuneIf you are keen to see some live music, the Hilbilly Skanks will rock the Northern Rivers Hotel tonight from 6:30pm with folk/bluegrass music. Hello Ray Duo is in stage Saturday night from 7:30pm and the Sunday Session is Chris Fisher from 3pm.The Lismore Workers Club has a host of acts to see in May and June; they include:Tommy Memphis with e FREE gig playing iconic '80s songs on Saturday, May 17.Who's Bad - the ultimate Michael Jackson tribute on Friday, May 30Kevin Bloody Wilson on Wednesday, June 25.You can book and check out the rest of the year's lineup by clicking here.Fuel prices have suffered rises and falls this week depending on where you live. Lismore was steady, Casino had price increases, while Ballina had price drops.Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 175.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, the Coles Express on Dawson Street, the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street and the EG Ampol on Diadem Street near the Square, 172.8 at NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 164.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 177.9 across most service stations in Lismore, 175.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 186.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 194.9 at the Ampol on Dyraaba Street and the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino, and 179.5 at The Metro (323 River Street) in Ballina.U98 is 194.9 at the two Liberty's on Ballina Road and Union Street, South Lismore, 195.9 at Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 186.5 at The Metro in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 188.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a wanted man in Woodburn.Thomas Cochran-Byrnes, aged 19, is wanted on an outstanding warrant related to alleged domestic violence offences in the Woodburn area.As inquiries continue, officers attached to Richmond Police District have released an image of Thomas to locate him.Bradley is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.He is known to frequent the Lismore, Goonellabah and Woodburn areas.Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The Living Living Lab's new exhibition, 'Circular Timber—From Salvage to Showcase,' was officially opened last night by Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.In August 2024, the NSWRA announced a project involving the UTS School of Design where Associate Professor Berto Pandolfo and his team carefully deconstructed two buyback homes that could not be relocated. At the time, a statement said, "For homes that are not able to be relocated, where it is economically viable, materials will be salvaged and recycled as much as possible to reduce landfill."   Professor Pandolfo said this project was exciting "because of its history relating to the source of material and the potential for recovering material that was lost within the community.""Circularity is also an opportunity to develop new ways of thinking about how things are made."Mayor Steve Krieg said as a former woodwork teacher he admired the timbers that were used and the craftsmanship of its creators, "It's all about using these material in the best way possible," he said.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has been involved with the Living Lab since its inception, which involved the start of this project."I've seen the work that Berto and his team have done, and I saw it in practice; it's just wonderful.""I just wanted everyone to know that we will repurpose, we will also recycle where we can, but we're also in a recovery program that wasn't designed for that. So, a lot of the work that we do is catching up or trying to fit a square peg in a round hole."Elizabeth Mossop, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Academic Director of the Living Lab acknowledged the involvement and the engagement of the incredible Northern Rivers community of timber workers and makers.Part of that community was Dan and John from REDinc (a disability services provider) who created a coat rack and bench from hardwood."Dan actually saw it on Facebook," John said, "He came in one day and said, I've seen this thing on Facebook. So I spoke to Jenny London, who then contacted them, and they said, Great, send us a proposal. So we kind of talked about something simple we could make. And came up with a hatstand and the table, and then we thought a few candles to give, give it a bit of atmosphere.(Dan and John showing off their timber creation at last night's Circular Timber exhibition)Dan and John not only used a buyback home but also some old railway spikes when it was being cleared for the Rail Trail in another use or reusing materials designed for another purpose.Peter and Dave designed and built a cultural sunset dreaming seat."We came together to use it as a sculpture project for this, Sunset Dreaming. It's like when we go into our dreaming and just look at the sun going down in the afternoon," Peter explained.(Dave and Peter, behind their Sunset Dreaming creation)Dave was thinking about what could happen in the future. "We're open to the possibilities. I'm not sure what Dan and Susie, who are running the Living Lab here, what their idea is, but I think these are really designed as prototypes to potentially be used for future projects or installations."It'd be great to see a few of these around the city here. They're sort of nice objects for people to come and sit and share a space together."You can head into the Living Lab next week to read and take in the 'Circular Timber - From Salvage to Showcase' exhibition.The Living Lab is open Tuesday to Thursday between 1 and 4pm at 11 Woodlark Street, Lismore CBD (near the Molesworth Street roundabout).

Just when you were starting to enjoy some blue sky and sunshine, along comes a trough off the north coast and spoils the weekend.The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a high chance of showers from late morning today (Friday), the chance of a thunderstorm later this afternoon, and another wet weekend.Sarah Scully from the BOM said, "Onshore winds are continuing to bring showers to the East Coast, while a trough develops just off the New South Wales north coast, seeing an increase in shower and storm activity. Now they've got this coastal trough that is starting to deepen, and that's going to bring some instability with also some isolated afternoon storms for the northeast, moderate rainfall totals are possible about the coast north of Port Macquarie."Up to 7mm may fall today in our already sodden catchment, with falls of 4-30mm on Saturday and 2 to 15mm on Sunday as the winds come from the south/southeast.The showers and shower or two forecasts will continue into next week., the first week of the school holidays.We can only hope that the skies will clear for the Easter Long Weekend, although the joke is that it always rains over Easter in Lismore and the Northern Rivers.The BOM forecast is too early to get a reading on the Easter weather.However, the long-range forecasts were released by the BOM yesterday, and it is looking like a wet end to April but a drier May.The outlook for the two weeks from April 14 to 27 is for a 68% chance of above-median rainfall (that is greater than 51.3mm) and a 32% chance of unusually wet (that is greater than 124.8mm).For May, the odds are much improved, with a 54% chance of above-median rainfall (greater than 138.6mm), a 22% chance of unusually dry (less than 69.1mm), and a 20% chance of an unusually wet May (greater than 261.8mm).You can check out the latest weather from the BOM via the Lismore App Weather or the Weather Radar.