Parents, carers and children across NSW will benefit from a new hospital initiative aimed at better supporting parents to raise concerns about their child’s condition if they feel it is getting worse.The new tool will require healthcare workers to regularly ask families: “Are you worried they are getting worse?” to help capture important changes in their child’s condition.The question will be embedded in paediatric and neonatal observation charts in emergency departments and inpatient units across the state.The potentially life-saving tool , Worried they’re getting worse, is based on new research from Monash Health and developed by the Clinical Excellence Commission, and recognises parents, families, and carers know their children best.The question recognises that parents and carers are often able to detect early changes or deterioration in their child’s behaviour or temperament that could signal a clinical concern.If parents or caregivers indicate they believe their child is getting worse or deteriorating, it will trigger a review by a senior healthcare worker.All NSW public hospitals will implement the tool by October 2025, and the program will be extended into maternity and adult wards in early 2026.The tool was first trialled at Hunter New England Local Health District in March 2025 and began its statewide rollout at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network on 21 July 2025. Separately, the REACH program is also available for parents and carers when they have concerns that their child is becoming seriously unwell. A REACH call prompts an urgent patient review by a senior health worker. This program continues to be accessible in all NSW hospitals, with work underway to strengthen this safety net.NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said, “When you bring your child into our hospitals, we know that you know them best.“Parents and carers can recognise small changes in a child’s condition sometimes before healthcare workers can observe changes in things like heart rate or breathing.“Feedback from parents and carers is critical in capturing information about a child who is becoming seriously unwell.“When your doctor or nurse asks: 'Are you worried they’re getting worse?' we need you to tell us even if it is something small, because if you’re worried, we’re worried.”Secretary of NSW Health, Susan Pearce AM said, “We know staff right across the NSW public health system work incredibly hard to deliver the highest quality of care for patients, and we need to ensure the right systems are in place that support them to continue to do so.“Really listening to parents, carers and family members is critical when caring for children in hospital and this new initiative recognises the vital role they play in their child’s care alongside our excellent healthcare professionals.“By working together, we can strengthen patient safety for children and babies and provide an environment where parents and carers are encouraged and empowered to raise concerns.”

Lismore City Council will be rolling out a range of safety and amenity upgrades across the CBD, starting Monday (4 August), that will cause some traffic delays. However, that will be minimised, as the work is undertaken at night.Works include line marking, new bollards, updated tactile indicators and roundabout fencing to improve safety and accessibility.Line Marking Works (Overnight 7pm to 4am)Night 1 – Monday, 4 AugustConway Street – 40km/h markings and pedestrian crossing.Molesworth and Keen Streets – Pedestrian crossing markings.Night 2 – Tuesday, 5 AugustMolesworth, Woodlark and Keen Streets – Pedestrian crossing marking.Temporary traffic control and intermittent road closures will be in place. Please avoid parking on affected streets from 6pm both nights.Other CBD Upgrades:Tactile ground indicator upgrades and stainless-steel bollard replacements on Woodlark, Molesworth and Keen Streets (minimal traffic impacts; some footpath access may be restricted).Continued installation of black safety fencing at the Molesworth/Magellan roundabout to enhance visibility and pedestrian safety.Council asks that you follow signage and directions from traffic controllers.

The clock is ticking for former students and staff of Trinity Catholic College to purchase tickets to its 40 Year celebrations. Saturday, August 16, at the Lismore Workers Club is the date and venue, less than two weeks away.Trinity's Principal Jesse Smith told the Lismore App that many people are using the celebrations to organise school reunions."It will be a great celebration on the 16th to bring some of those people, particularly people from the class of '85. I would imagine that would have been a pretty unique experience for them to try and create something new. But some of them will be back, and it'll be a great celebration."We're certainly saying to all of our past students, past staff, etc, that they're most welcome to come along. Some groups within that 40-year bracket are treating it as a reunion. So people are getting tables together, and you know, there might be 20 people from the class of 1985 coming, and there might be a group of people from another class that are coming. So yeah, for different groups, they are treating it as a reunion."We see it as a big community celebration, and we hope to see as many people as possible.The 40 Year celebration will involve a meal and live entertainment by the Cath Simes Band. Many people understand Trinity's history, but are confused about the 40 Year celebration. Jesse Smith took the Lismore App through a quick history lesson."The presentation sisters established St Mary's Girls School in 1886, and that continued all the way through to the amalgamation point, which was 1985."The Marist Brothers came to Lismore in 1911 and established Marist Brothers Boys' High School."And then in 1966, there was a period of co-instruction where senior students would actually be taught by either brothers or sisters in specific subjects. So there was, I guess, some mingling across subjects at that point. And then the process of actually bringing the two schools together was a discussion through the early 1980s, and then obviously ramped up in 1984.(Signing articles of association in 1984 for the formation of Trinity Catholic College) "At the end of 1984, they appointed Sister Mary Cannane pbvm, after whom Cannane House was named, one of our 10 houses at Trinity. She was appointed the foundation principal. And at the end of that year, in December, there was a mass in the cathedral, and both of the schools entered the cathedral, and the captains of St Mary's and Marist Brothers handed their school banners back to the parish priest at the time, Father Frank.(The handing over of the banners in late 1984. Photo: supplied)"The whole essence of that ritual was that the two schools entered the cathedral as separate entities, and then they left as a combined force, so to speak. So, 1985 rolls around, we have Trinity Catholic College, and Sister Mary was the foundation principal, and she was here until 1992. The rest is history, as they say."There has been a line of Marist Brothers up until this point, who've led the college until me (Jesse Smith was the first lay principal of Trinity, appointed in 2022). Across that time, we have students who have gone out into the world and done all sorts of remarkable things. Some of them are back here, teaching or on staff, me included."As for what Trinity Catholic College has experienced in the last 40 years?"I don't know that I'm qualified to make a comment. For me, certainly, the events of the last couple of years have been.....the term unprecedented is thrown around, but you know, I don't imagine in 1985 we would have expected some of the realities that we had to face in recent years, and even coming down to the actual physical relocation of the campus because of the 2022 natural disaster."But I think what has rung true throughout all of that is that sense of community and the fact that all over the world now, there are people who benefited from their education here in Lismore, and whether they're working in trades or running their own small business or nursing or teaching or working in academia or the law, whatever it is, it's been a place that's been able to, I guess, be a launching pad for so many different contributions. I think that's something for us to be really proud of."To purchase your tickets to Trinity Ctholic College's 40 Year Celebration, click here.

For those travelling to the Gold Coast in the next two days, you are advised that the Tugun Bypass Tunnel on the Pacific Motorway will be temporarily closed on 3-4 August and from 17- 21 August for essential maintenance work.To minimise impacts to motorists, work will be carried out at night. The first closure will take place from 7pm on Sunday, 3 August to 5am on Monday, 4 August and from 7pm on Monday, 4 August to 5am on Tuesday, 5 August. The second closure will be from 7pm to 5am on each of the nights from Sunday, 17 to Thursday 21 August, reopening at 5am on Friday, 22 August.During the night closures, detours are available and suitable for all vehicle types.From 7pm on Wednesday, 20 August to 5am on Thursday, 21 August and from 7pm on Thursday, 21 August to 5am on Friday, 22 August, northbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway via the Kennedy Drive exit, take Sugarwood Drive to Gold Coast Highway, then take Tugun Currumbin Road and rejoin the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Stewart Road on-ramp.Southbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway at Tugun Currumbin Road (Exit 95) and follow to the Gold Coast Highway, then Cordyline Drive to re-join the M1 Pacific Motorway at Kennedy Drive on-ramp.All other nights, northbound traffic will be diverted at the Gold Coast Highway (Tugun exit) onto Tugun Currumbin Road, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Currumbin. Southbound traffic will be diverted at Tugun Currumbin Road (exit 95) onto Gold Coast Highway, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads West (Gold Coast Highway on-ramp).Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.Routine maintenance of the tunnel is carried out every three months, including 17-21 August and involves a range of measures such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.Additional closures will be required to update the operating system between August and October 2025 as follows:Wednesday 3 SeptemberWednesday 10 September and Thursday 11 September Sunday 14 SeptemberTuesday 7 October and Wednesday 8 October.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience while essential maintenance work is carried out.For more information on this work visit livetraffic.com/incident-details/233663, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701.To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Tugun Bypass Tunnel’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

Deborah Mills (M.A.Honours in Dance-Theatre) and Lismore Theatre Company have completed Terms 1 & 2 of their innovative 12-month community theatre project Embodied Theatre: Workshops-to-Stage. Together, they have been engaging in creative play, collaboratively devising scenes that are gradually developing into a full-length work that places the human body at the heart of the narrative. Inspired by an apocalyptic fairytale which explores universal themes of fear and freedom, the project will culminate in a full-length production staged in February 2026 at the Rochdale Theatre, entitled: FREEFALL.The creative process includes physical improvisation and experimentation using the stimulus of text, music and props to create what Mills terms, moving metaphors.In Term 3, the group will learn and explore the technique of body syncing, where the text and movement are developed independently so that the audience sees the text and hears the movement. The Lismore Theatre Company is inviting new members to join their group in weekly workshops. "If you are curious, creative, playful and have an interest or experience in improvisation, movement exploration, experimentation with props, script development or performance – then come and join us!" LTC President Sharon Brodie said."You will find a safe space where the working principles and process give permission to experiment and explore freely without inhibition or fear of being wrong – where together we will make discoveries and have fun." Workshops are held every Tuesday night at The Rochdale Theatre, Goonellabah from 6pm to 9pm. Term 3 starts Tuesday, 5th August and concludes Tuesday, 30th September. Also (or alternatively), Term 3 includes three all-day Sunday workshops from 10am – 4pm on 7th August and 7th & 21st September at the Uniting Church Hall, 80 Keen St, Lismore Cost is $75 per term ($50 for LTC members. Membership $15, offering reduced prices to productions).To book a place or make enquiries, contact admin@lismoretheatrecompany.org.au or call 0406399842.Bookings through Humanitix at https://events.humanitix.com/embodied-theatre-workshops-term-3.

As winter sets in and respiratory illnesses surge across Australia, pharmaceutical experts at the University of South Australia are sounding the alarm over the growing misuse of antibiotics – a risky practice that is fuelling the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that have become resistant to the medicines that are designed to kill them, potentially leading to millions of preventable deaths each year. In 2021 alone, an estimated 4.7 million deaths were linked to bacterial antimicrobial resistance, with more than one million directly attributed to it – a clear warning of the growing global threat. Now, as cases of flu and RSV soar, UniSA experts are urging families to better understand when and how to use medicines safely, to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and curb the threat of superbugs. Dr Tien Bui, a registered pharmacist and Research Fellow at UniSA’s Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, says education is key to preventing antibiotic-resistant infections. “Superbugs emerge when microorganisms – such as bacteria and viruses – adapt, developing mutations that allow them to survive even the strongest of medicines,” Dr Bui says. “This often happens when people use antibiotics when they’re not needed, or fail to complete their prescribed course of antibiotics, which speeds up the process of resistance. “When antibiotic resistance takes hold, standard treatments become ineffective, making infections harder – or even impossible – to treat, increasing the risk of disease, severe illness and death. “To combat antibiotic resistance, we must take collective responsibility – from better hygiene to smarter medicine use. “To tackle antibiotic resistance, we need to lift our game – practising good hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, and only using antibiotics when they’re truly needed. “Using antibiotics wisely, by taking the right one, at the right dose, for the right duration, is essential if we want to slow the spread of superbugs.” Over the past 30 years, medicine use in children has skyrocketed. With prescription rates rising, Dr Bui says it’s more important than ever for families to understand safe and appropriate medicine use, including antibiotics. 

Lismore Bundjalarms Netball Club has secured a win in Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Indigenous Community Funding Round, with funding set to support a range of initiatives designed to bring families together and break down barriers to participation in sport. As a community club, Bundjalarms is focused on supporting players and their families both on and off the court. The funding will go towards a variety of activities that encourage connection, improve health outcomes, and increase access to netball across the region. One of the key ideas in development is a NAIDOC Netball Cup, with plans to run the event during the next school holidays as a celebration of culture, community and sport. Bundjalarms Netball Club President Ajay Harrington said the funding would help bring several community-focused initiatives to life. “This funding helps us bring more of the community together through netball,” Mr Harrington said. “We’ll be able to support families, get more kids on court, and create opportunities like the NAIDOC Netball Cup to celebrate culture and connection in a way that feels local and meaningful.” Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Regional Manager Scott McCluskey said the Bundjalarms’ strong focus on inclusion and wellbeing made them a standout in this year’s Indigenous Round. “Bundjalarms are building something really special. They are creating a club that brings people together, keeps kids active, and opens up opportunities well beyond the court. It’s a privilege to support them,” Mr McCluskey said. Announced during NAIDOC Week, the funding also reflects NGM Group’s ongoing commitment to building strong, meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as outlined in its Reconciliation Action Plan. Supporting grassroots initiatives like this is one way the Group aims to foster greater economic opportunity, social inclusion and financial wellbeing. To learn more about the Greater Bank Community Funding Program or vote in upcoming rounds, visit https://www.greater.com.au/greaternorthernrivers.

More expectant mothers are accessing antenatal care, according to new data and long-term trends that paint a picture of the health and birth outcomes of mothers and babies in Australia. ‘In 2023, 79% of women who gave birth accessed antenatal care in the first trimester of their pregnancy – an increase from 61% a decade ago in 2013,’ AIHW spokesperson Louise Catanzariti said. Released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Australia’s mothers and babies also shows the average age of women who gave birth has increased over time. ‘Our latest data shows that mothers are continuing to give birth later in life, with the average age of women who gave birth steadily increasing from 28.9 years in 1998 to 31.3 years in 2023,’ Ms Catanzariti said. ‘Over time, the proportion of women giving birth aged 35 and over has increased from 23% in 2010 to 28% in 2023, while the proportion aged under 25 has decreased from 18% to 11%.’ In 2023, there were 285,305 babies born, and the birth rate was 52 per 1,000 women. This is the lowest birth rate in the period from 1998, when AIHW started reporting this statistic, and continues a generally decreasing trend since 2007, when the birth rate was 66 per 1,000 women. In 2023, almost all births in Australia took place in hospitals (97%). Of these, 3 in 4 mothers gave birth in a public hospital. A small number of births took place in birth centres (1.5%), at home (0.7%), or in other settings (0.7%). ‘The data we collect and publish, provided by both public and private hospitals as well as other birth attendants across the country, give us insights on the birth outcomes for mothers and babies, including how factors like maternal age, method of birth, and birthweight have changed over time,’ Ms Catanzariti said. Pregnancy and birth The rate of women giving birth by caesarean section rose every year from 2004 (29%) to 2023 (41%). The report also contains new data from Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia on the types of maternity care women use. Public hospital maternity care was the most common model of care, used by 45% of women who gave birth. Around 1 in 9 women (11%) had the same midwife throughout their care using a midwifery group practice model, while 24% had continuity of carer through other models, mostly private obstetrician care. Health of babies The data also shows outcomes for a baby after birth, including gestational age, birthweight, Apgar score at 5 minutes after birth, resuscitation, baby’s hospital length of stay and admission to special care nurseries or neonatal intensive care units in 2023. The median gestational age – the duration of pregnancy in completed weeks – was 39 weeks, which has been stable since 2004. Most babies (91%) in Australia were born at term (37–41 weeks), with 31% born at early term (37 or 38 weeks) and 60% at full term (39–41 weeks). ‘Less than 1 in 10 babies (8.4%) were born pre-term, and of these, the majority were born between 32 and 36 completed weeks’, Ms Catanzariti said. ‘More than 9 in 10 (92%) liveborn babies were born with a normal birthweight. This proportion has been similar since 2010, ranging between 92% in 2010 and 93% in 2021. ‘Behind the data are real experiences, including those of families who may face complex or distressing outcomes. These experiences are deeply personal and often carry lasting impacts.’ According to data from the National Perinatal Data collection (NPDC), the perinatal mortality rate in 2023 was 11.0 deaths per 1,000 births. Of these deaths, 4 in 5 were stillbirths (8.7 deaths per 1,000 births), and the remainder were neonatal deaths (2.3 deaths per 1,000 live births). The neonatal death rate has remained relatively stable in recent years, ranging between 2.2 and 2.9 per 1,000 live births since 2010. The stillbirth rate in 2023, at 8.7 per 1,000 births, is a continuation of increasing stillbirth rates observed in recent years. Factors contributing to the increase in the stillbirth rate may include a true increase in the number of stillbirths, and legislative changes leading to both better visibility of perinatal deaths and expanded access to terminations that are in scope of the NPDC. The AIHW is working with jurisdictions to investigate these trends and will conduct further exploration and analysis once more detailed data from the National Perinatal Mortality Data Collection (NPMDC) are available, later this year. Helplines Sands and Red Nose- external site opens in new window on 1300 308 307 for peer support, grief counselling, online forums, and resources for parents and families who have experienced stillbirth, miscarriage, or newborn death.Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support- external site opens in new window on 1300 11 4673 for counselling, support groups, early loss support, and care packages to families experiencing loss.Stillbirth Foundation Australia - external site opens in new windowPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)- external site opens in new window on 1300 726 306 for support with mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.

It's the weekend, and you know what that means? Yes, more rain.The developing low-pressure system off the NSW coast will bring wind, rain and damaging surf this weekend.While the mid-north coast will feel the brunt of the weather system, Lismore and the Northern Rivers are likely to get wet once again.Ballina, Byron and other coastal towns will receive the most rainfall over the weekend, but Lismore will still cop its fair share with 1mm to 15mm expected on Saturday, and 5mm to 25mm on Sunday.The big event this weekend is not in Lismore but in Casino.The 2025 Casino Truck Show will attract a crowd in excess of 30,000 people as they admire 550 highly polished, high-horsepower heavy vehicles that keep Australia moving.Saturday's activities kick off at 10am with the legendary Dawsons Haulage truck parade along Johnston and Centre Streets, before the CBD transforms into a vibrant festival precinct.Expect a massive line-up of live entertainment from Country Mud Band and Pink Zinc Band, plus food stalls, industry displays, kids' amusement rides and of course, the prestigious trophy presentation at 3pm.You can check out the road closures by reading our earlier story.Wet weather is always good for viewing art exhibitions, and there is plenty to see in the Lismore LGA.The Through the Heart photographic exhibition runs for another week, ending on Sunday, August 10 at the Lismore Regional Gallery.Over 100 of Jacklyn Wagner's photographs capture the emotion and heartache of the 2022 floods. The gallery is open 10am to 4pm both days.The 2024 Archibald Prize is also on exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.This is only the second time the Archibald has made its way to Lismore. You have until the end of August to view the works of the 57 finalists.The highly respected Bentley Art Prize celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend.The inaugural event was in 1985, and 40 years later, it is stronger than ever.The Bentley Art prize gets underway tonight from 7pm with wine and nibbles and finishes on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.There will be market stalls and live music all weekend. Viewing times are:Friday, August 1: 7pm to 9pmSaturday, August 2: 9am to 5pmSunday, August 3: 9am to 2pm.Another art club celebrating a milestone in August is the Lismore Art Club.The club was formed in 1960, so 65 years of creativity, support and nurturing of local artists.The 65th anniversary will be celebrated at Flourish Art Gallery, 15 Casino Street, South Lismore. Opening night is tonight between 5pm and 9pm. The exhibition runs until Friday, August 22.The Lismore Farmers Market will have everything on offer tomorrow (Saturday) from 7:30 at the Lismore Showground. Fresh fruit & veg, hot coffee and tea, plants, seedlings, meat, desert and more. The Lismore Floodwater Revival Band will play covers from the '60s and '70s to keep you entertained.The Rock Valley Emergency Preparedness Day was postponed in July and is now happening this Sunday (August 3) between 10am and 3:30pm at the Rock Valley Hall.The Reconstruction Authority Big Map will be there, as will information stalls for the Red Cross, Local Land Services, RFS, SES, Resilient Lismore and DPI.Food and coffee will be available, and live music by Luke Vassella.The second-ever Rap 2 the Rescue is raising funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service on Saturday night from 7:30pm.The idea was inspired by the popular Rock to the Rescue fundraising concert a month ago. Seven (7) local rappers will take to the stage at the South Lismore Bowling Club (25 Wilson Street), they are:D.A.S.H.Thirsty MaczFTTOMDJ MudcrabEric FluSaxBardiIt is only $10 at the door, with profit to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Organiser Jordan McMahon said his goal was to raise $1,500 this year.The Lismore Jaz Club is back in August with De Ziah & Date at the Lismore City Bowling Club from 2pm on Sunday.Go and see De Ziah & Date take the cello and guitar on a musical journey. Entry is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Cash at the door.Next Tuesday (August 5) is NATSIC Day (National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children's Day).You can help celebrate NATSIC Day at GSAC between 11am and 1:30pm. Food and drinks will be provided, as will tea and coffee for elders. This is a free event.We have had jazz and rap music mentioned this weekend, and there is more live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel, with Hello Ray Duo tonight from 6pm and Katie Brooke for the Sunday Session between 1:30pm and 4:30pm.August is a busy month at the Lismore Workers Club. Coming up:Herman's Hermits: the English group are on a 60th Anniversary World Tour, appearing at the Workers Club next Friday, August 8. Tickets are $59 each.Fleetwood Max: Thursday, August 14, is when you can sing-along to the many hits of Fleetwood Mac. Tickets are $49.The Everly Brothers - Morning Melodies: on Wednesday, August 20. This is a lunchtime show where you will learn about the beautiful harmonies of Phil and Don Everly and hear their hits, like Bird Dog and Cathy's Clown.Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 174.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street in Lismore, 175.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 177.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the Astron and Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 197.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 across Casino, and 189.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Around 30,000 people will visit Casino tomorrow (Saturday) for the annual Truck Show. Trucking enthusiasts, industry leaders, and exhibitors from across the country will celebrate innovation and horsepower, as 550 trucks will be on display as well as live entertainment, trade exhibits, street eats and family-friendly attractions.There is more than $60,000 in cash prizes and vouchers up for grabs. This year’s Rig of the Show winner will receive a $5000 voucher, courtesy of RTE Custom Trucks, and $1500 cash.As you would expect, there will be road closures on the Bruxner Highway and Summerland Way in Casino.Centre Street (Bruxner Highway) will be closed southbound from 9.30am to 4pm between Johnson Street and Richmond Street. Speed restrictions will be in place on Johnston Street at the Cassino Drive intersection, with traffic control stoppages for up to five minutes at a time to allow the parade to proceed between 10am and 12pm.Summerland Way traffic from Fairy Hill or Kyogle heading towards Grafton or Mallanganee will detour via Farley, Colches, and Richmond streets.Bruxner Highway traffic from Lismore heading towards Grafton or Mallanganee will detour via West and Richmond streets.Motorists needing to travel during the closure should allow extra travel time and follow the directions of police and traffic controllers on site.For the safety of motorists and event participants, various local roads will also be closed during the event.For times and details about all road closures associated with the truck show, visit livetraffic.com/incident-details/242823, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone about traffic changes for this event, search for ‘Casino’ in your Live Traffic NSW app, select the special event pin and click ‘Follow’.

The next Pine Street squatter deadline to leave the NSWRA-owned buyback houses has come and gone a second time.The Supreme Court writs were delivered to each house on Pine Street by the Sheriff's Office in mid-June, giving them 30 days to vacate.The NSWRA (Reconstruction Authority) said July 10 was the first expected date, which was later delayed to July 25. That was last Friday.Trying to understand the removal process is difficult for everyone but the Sheriff's Office. The Lismore App contacted the media department seeking clarification and received a reply from the Department of Communities and Justice.A spokesperson said, "The terms of these eviction orders have been set by the Supreme Court."The NSW Sheriff’s Office executes court orders in accordance with the law and with public safety front and centre."For privacy and security reasons, it would be inappropriate to provide further comment."What we do know is that the illegal squatters need to vacate the Pine Street houses, or they will be removed when the Sheriff's Office is ready.Pine Street is certainly not the bustling community it was in January this year, when there were many cars lining the street. Earlier this week, there were a few cars and household items dumped on the side of the road.The Lismore App understands that some squatters are moving into other NSWRA-owned buyback houses. It is unclear whether the illegal squatters will incur additional costs for the community to remove them through Supreme Court writs or if they can be removed for trespassing.

In what is becoming an annoying weather pattern for 2025 as we head towards the weekend, rain is on the radar.A coastal trough off NSW is expected to deepen into a low-pressure system on Saturday. That low will bring an increase in wind, rain and damaging surf this weekend. The Mid North Coast will feel the brunt of the weather system, with Coffs Harbour expecting up to 50mm on Saturday and a further 35mm on Sunday. Another two hours south in Port Macquarie, the forecast is up to 70mm on Saturday and 25mm on Sunday.For Lismore and the Northern Rivers, the low-pressure system will bring wind, rain, and large waves. How much depends on how lucky we are.Coastal towns like Ballina and Byron will start to feel the effects of the low this afternoon as the rain moves in and are expected to be wetter across the weekend. Ballina is expecting 2mm to 15mm today, 2mm to 20mm on Saturday and 7mm to 30mm on Sunday.For Lismore, a shower or two is expected today with the potential for up to 6mm. The chance of rain on Saturday increases to 80% with 1mm to 15mm forecast, while Sunday is predicted to be the wettest day, with 5mm to 25mm and strong southwesterly winds.The Bureau of Meteorology have issued multiple flood watches for the mid north coast, the Hunter and the northwest slopes. As the low moves off the north coast on Sunday, the threat of large and powerful waves, with damaging surf, is expected to occur on the Northern Rivers coastline.The BoM says showers will ease on Monday, and a shower or two is possible for the rest of next week.

 For those students and ex-students with HELP, or what was called HECS debt, in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, there is some good news today as the Australian Federal Government has cut all student debts by 20 per cent.In Australia, that is three million people with student debt at a cost of more than $16 billion. The government says its number one focus is continuing to deliver cost-of-living relief for all Australians, and that cutting student debt by 20 per cent will ease pressure on workers and students across the country. For someone with the average debt of $27,600, this will see $5,520 wiped from their outstanding Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans. Backdated to 1 June, this is lifting the burden for Australians with student debt, including all HELP, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loans, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans, Student Startup Loans, and other student loans. In addition to cutting student debt by 20 per cent, the federal government is raising the minimum amount before people have to start making repayments from $54,435 to $67,000 and is reducing minimum repayments. For someone earning $70,000, it will reduce the minimum repayments they have to make by $1,300 a year. This builds on government reforms to fix the indexation formula, which has already cut more than $3 billion in student debt. This means, all up, the government will cut close to $20 billion in student debt for more than three million Australians. The ATO will now begin the work of processing the cut.This will take a little while, but the 20 per cent cut to student debt is guaranteed.Most people will see their balance reduced before the end of the year, backdated to June.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This is another way my Government is continuing to deliver cost-of-living relief to Australians. “We promised cutting student debt would be the first thing we did back in Parliament – and that’s exactly what we've done.“Getting an education shouldn't mean a lifetime of debt. “No matter where you live or how much your parents earn, my Government will work to ensure the doors of opportunity are open for you.” Minister for Education Jason Clare said, “We promised we would cut your student debt by 20 per cent and we have delivered.“This is a big deal for 3 million Australians. “This will save millions of Australians thousands of dollars.“The average student debt today is $27,600; this will cut that debt by $5,520.“Just out of uni, just getting started, this will take a weight off their back. “We are also cutting annual repayments. For someone earning $70,000 a year, it will cut the amount they have to repay every year by $1,300.“That’s real help with the cost of living. It means more money in your pocket, not the government’s.” Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said, “At the election, students and apprentices sent a resounding message of support for our Government’s plan to cut student debt by 20 per cent.“Now, we’ve delivered on this commitment, making a real difference to the lives of students and apprentices – including nearly 300,000 TAFE students and apprentices.“The Albanese Government is backing Australians with cost-of-living relief, and backing them to pursue an apprenticeship or qualification that sets them up for their future.”

The most topical conversation in our LGA, without a doubt, is water. It seems that we either have too much or not enough. And herein lies the challenge. How can we store enough water for long-term supply, and slow the inundation of water that Lismore suffers when we get too much rain?Let's start with water security.There's no doubt we all have to be smarter about how we use water. But we also need to think about the supply of water to our growing population.Rocky Creek Dam, built over seventy years ago as Lismore’s primary water source for a population of around fifteen thousand people, is quite simply too small. Now, under the control of Rous County Council, the dam services a population in excess of one hundred and twenty thousand regional residents.Its size of fourteen thousand mega litres categorises Rocky Creek as a small dam, and the only possible way it can service the number of people it does, is because of our high average yearly rainfall. If we had zero rainfall for nine months, our dam would be dry.Water security needs to be approached regionally, and funded by state and federal governments, but we in Lismore should be driving this forward. Previous terms of council have sold us out on water security by not fully exploring all options and pushing individual agendas.You will remember only a few years ago, when Councillors Ekins and Cook were our Rous Council representatives, they both voted to move the head office of Rous to Ballina, taking many jobs out of Lismore and down to the coast. Forget the fact that all of Rous’ main water assets are in the Lismore LGA!Councillor Ekins, who is currently standing to be the next mayor, is openly saying that she encourages business in the CBD and wants the CBD to thrive, yet voted to take forty jobs away from our CBD only three and a half years ago.Not only that, they also removed water storage options from the future water strategy. Many would think of this as being the Dunoon Dam, but all water storage options need to be scientifically considered, and the best outcome reached for the long term growth and benefit of the region.Top of Councillor Ekins's agenda is recycled water, which is basically filtering our wastewater treatment plant and putting it back through your taps to drink, wash and play in. We live in an area with the highest rainfall in the state. The Greens and Labor want to build an incredibly expensive filtration plant, made from mined products and powered by fossil fuel, to filter our wastewater. Why don’t we just capture what falls from the sky? I know what I would rather drink!And then there's flood mitigation. What do we do when there’s a flood?Again, a very complex issue, which has multiple layers to be a successful strategy. For the first time in our history, our catchment is being analysed by the CSIRO, in a report called the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative (NRRI).Previous councils have spent countless ratepayer funds getting small reports done to mitigate against small to moderate floods. Finally, we are getting a funded report by Australia’s eminent scientific body, to help our region combat major flooding.The report is due to be released in June of 2025, with practical solutions to potentially reduce the impacts of major flooding for Lismore and the region. I look forward to the findings of this report, as it gives council a measure of how to better protect our businesses and homes. Personally, I will be strongly advocating for every recommendation in the report to be implemented, to give our businesses and ratepayers the confidence and security in the future of Lismore.My team and I are backing the future of Lismore through sensible and affordable water security and best-practice flood mitigation to enable our city to grow and thrive for generations to come.Water Water Everywhere by Mayor Steve Krieg

Elections are very interesting. There are a lot of opinions, allegations and sometimes outright lies that are put on public record for the sake of gaining a few votes.As I have read on more than one occasion, voters in the upcoming local government election need to make informed choices based on the facts. So here are a few myths that need busting.WasteCouncillor Ekins has stated on record that in this current term of council, waste collection has been privatised and “effectively ripped a million dollars out of the local economy and gave it to a contractor from out of town and out of state.”This is simply not true.The fact is that this current term of council has inherited a waste operation costing ratepayers an average of $4.31 million per year since 2019; without intervention, this would have likely grown to $6.5 million at the end of FY25.What council has done is undertake the most in-depth review of waste services that has ever been done in Lismore to determine the best path forward to enable meeting environmental expectations, recycling obligations and general waste management.Councillor Ekins has proclaimed many times that LCC’s waste collection services “makes a million dollar profit every year.”This section of the business of waste is determined by a forward projection of costs. These projections aim to cover the cost at best, so that council will break even at the end of the financial year. There is definitely no profit!In fact, due to a complete disregard for adequate asset management over the past decade or more, the fleet of waste collection trucks are in such disrepair that out of the seven trucks owned by LCC, up to four of them can be in the council workshop for repair on any given day.We have also inherited a fleet with such old technology, that our drivers are following printed maps with highlighted routes! No GPS, no camera’s, an outdated and inefficient system has led to the most inefficient operation possible. This is absolutely no fault of staff. This is a total neglect by elected officials from previous terms of Council to maintain and improve assets.Why am I paying so much more for waste collection and receiving less service?The reality is that the oversight of our collection service has not kept up with the demand of our LGA.Previous terms of Council have not made these decisions for over a decade, which has placed us in this precarious position. A sobering statistic is that a truck has to pick up a bin every 17 seconds to cover the cost of having that truck on the road. That is possible in urban areas, but as the landscape moves into less densely populated areas, this becomes harder to achieve.The new fee structure aims to ensure fairness across the LGA, ensures compliance of Councils cost recovery policies, and brings greater equity to those who are using the waste collection service. Previous councils have been asleep at the wheel in managing fair and equitable distribution of fees, and this council has been tasked to rectify that.I would encourage everyone to have a good look at their rates notice, and talk with council officers to ensure your waste collection plan is what is best for your needs. Many people don’t actually know what service they are paying for. I spoke with a lady who was able to save a significant amount of money through a simple modification of her collection service.Changing habits is hard, but in our waste services, it is absolutely critical to ensure viability and sustainability. We are projecting that with current changes, we will be at a break-even point in the 24/25 financial year. That is a dramatic turnaround from a potential $6.5 million loss last in FY25. That's $6.5 million to go into areas that you care about, like road repair, parks and gardens, footpaths, and other infrastructure to make our LGA a great place to live.We have a plan for our LGA. Waste reform is one important step in strengthening the organisation of council to provide the services our ratepayers expect and deserve. Decisions made by this council may not always be the most popular, but I believe them to be the right decisions to undo decades of neglect in the critical core business of council operations.The Truth About Our Waste by Mayor Steve Krieg.

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

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

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

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