A fabulous Friday until the trough from Queensland makes its way to the Northern Rivers tonight. Once the showers ease early tomorrow morning (Saturday), the weather should start to improve for the weekend.It doesn't mean the rain will disappear, and we will see clear blue skies, but it does mean a shower or two and a 50-60% chance of rain with blue sky appearing at times.Certainly, some positive news for the organisers of Gemfest and Primex and those wishing to get along to each event.Norco Primex 2025 has its final day tomorrow, with a full schedule of events, which you can read below. Saturday is typically Primex's busiest day as exhibitors look to make the most of wet 2025.Gates open at 9am and close at 4pm. at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino.As for Gemfest, their gates also swing open at 9am tomorrow and close at 4pm, with Sunday's times 9am to 3pm.About 150 tailgaters have arrived in Lismore with a plethora gemstones, minerals, fossils and jewellery that always attract large crowds into the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore.Due to the continuous rainfall and the sodden ground, there is very limited parking available for the general public. There are disabled parking spots available and a pickup/drop-off area.You are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus that will be running from the CBD to the North lismore War Memorial, and then a short walk to the main gates.There are two pick-up points in the CBD. The first at the Transit Centre on Molesworth Street, and the second opposite Browns Creek carpark at the Koori Mail.The free shuttle bus will run from 9am to 1pm on a continuous 10 minute loop and again from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday and 2pm to 3pm on Sunday.You can get a 2-for-1 event deal at the Lismore Showgrounds. Visit the Lismore Farmers Markets, open from 7:30am, and then make your way to Gemfest.On Sunday, the Lismore Free Market is on at the Lismore Community Gardens on Brewster Street between 9am and 11am.Yes, all items are free. Nothing is for sale, can be bartered or traded. Items include food, household items, books, bikes, toys etc.While talking about free things to do around town, the Lismore Workers Club has a free concert on Saturday night with Tommy Memphis on stage playing songs that shaped the generation who grew up in the 1980s.Click here to book your free ticket.Coming up at the Workers Club is:Who's Bad - a tribute to Michael Jackson on Friday, May 30.Kevin Bloody Wilson on Wednesday, June 25Dorothy the Dinosaur on Sunday, July 27 at 10am and 12noon.Live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel, Bridge Street, North Lismore this weekend, includes Adam Gardiner tonight (Friday) from 7pm to 10pm and Lonesome Boatmen and special guests for the Sunday Session from 2:30pm.There are a couple more events to put in your calendar:Beef Week - 24 May to 1 JuneLismore Lantern Parade - 21 JuneSome good news at the petrol bowsers with fuel prices down about 3 cents a litre at various service stations. Diesel owners will save money in the three main centres.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 175.9 across Lismore, 172.4 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 159.5 at the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 169.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road near the Workers Club in Lismore, 174.4 at The United and the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 161.9 at the BP North ballina on Southern Cross Drive.U95 is 185.5 at the two Independents (Brad and Sharon) on Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 173.9 at The Shell at 273 River Street, Ballina.U98 is 193.9 at the Astron and the Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 194.9 at Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 183.9 at The Shell on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 175.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 177.4 at The United and NightOwl Puma in Casino, and 182.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

A sunny Friday at Primex has brought out the crowds, but it is still gumboot weather as Simon Stahl, CEO of the Casino Food Coop, says, “I forgot mine, and I am going to pay for that later!”Today's focus has been on food and the future, with a couple of Paddock to Plate events, cooking demos, and a celebrity chef event.  Mindy Woods, a proud Bundjalung woman, chef, author and advocate of all things connection, talked about Land Care on Bush Tucker.Mindy has a coolamon packed with all kinds of fruits and leaves. She said, “On the beautiful north coast, we have 6,500 ingredients that are unique to this place.”(Celebrity Chef, Mindy Woods at Primex today)Mindy pointed out some of the foods, “And here is everyone's favourite, the Bagu Alum, the finger lime, the original citrus of the world.“A lot of people don’t realise that Oranges, lemons and limes actually originate from this beautiful food from the Big Scrub.”The future of farming is a major issue today, with tech and land planning taking a front seat.Local Land Services (LLS) hosted a morning tea with the Minister for Agriculture, MP Tara Moriarty, addressing some of the most pressing issues - biosecurity.Ms Moriarty spoke of a $10 million grant for the Good Neighbour program. “It is about coordinating how we are tackling high-priority weeds," she said."I've had a look at some of the work we are doing around the Soda Apple, and we've got to throw everything at these problems."Janelle Saffin, the NSW Minister for Recovery, joined her in support of the program, as did some of the board members from the LLSJolyon Burnett said, “This is greatly appreciated. We have such a high volume of people, area and diversity of land uses in the region. So our staff are dealing with every rural issue you could imagine."A greater focus on biosecurity in the Good Neighbour Program, which is about helping landholders work more effectively with neighbours, often local and state government agencies, is appreciated."Simon Stahl spoke of the importance of Ms Moriarty’s announcement, “ LLS are doing some good work with farmers in our district. She was very informative."That, and wear gumboots are my big takeaways!"In other areas of Primex, the competition is rife. Down at the dog trials, Butch started the day off, as the commentator said “letting off some steam” as he put his heifers through the yard.There is a young contingent from Yugilbah, riding the Dinki Di trains, making the most of what the day offers. Mackiinlay, Olivia, Jewel, Dusty, Logan, Clay and Hunter are all having a great time. (Photo - kids on Dinky Di train)There is plenty to see and do. Zoey can help you with fencing, and Steven Rogers at the Natural Rice Company would like to speak to you if you have waterlogged land - the more the better as far as he is concerned!The rural Boys in Blue, Sam and Lee, are keen to talk to you about things that go awry in the rural world. They deal with crime in agriculture, pastoral and aquaculture. Lee said that “Crime is generally under-reported in these areas.”Sam explained that even if your tractor is emptied of fuel, it's easy to just move on - no one talks about it. “That is often 120l of fuel. We ask if they have spoken to the neighbours. If this kind of thing is happening in an area and we know about it, we can do something.”Everywhere you go, there are people here providing solutions. There is so much information and entertainment on offer at Primex. It's definitely worth a visit. Norco Primex's final day is tomorrow (Saturday) at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino from 9am to 4pm.

The weekend weather is looking more optimistic than during the week, as the Bureau of Meteorology say showers easing on Saturday and a shower or two on Sunday.Certainly good news for those attending Lismore Gemfest 2025 at the Lismore Showground.The rain has caused the Lismore Gem & Lapidary Club, organisers of Gemfest, to cancel car parking on the grass off the Dunoon Road entrance. The risk of cars getting bogged and long term damage to the grass is too high.The result is that car parking will be restricted to off-street, which will entail a walk to the entrance gates. They too are limited as Council has restrictions in certain areas of the showground.There will be disabled parking and a drop-off section near the main gates on Alexandra Parade.Jenny Vyrenhoek, the club's Vice President, is taking a realistic view and is encouraging people to use the free bus shuttle over the two days."Look, there's nothing we can do about the weather; it is what it is. It's totally out of our hands. I know the people of Lismore and surrounds will come to the showgrounds and support Genfest, as they do every year."This is the reason we started the free bus shuttle service. People can park in the CBD, near the Transit Centre or at Browns Creek (Molesworth Street end), where a bus will pick up and drop off, and travel to the North Lismore War Memorial. Then it is a short walk through the main gates," Jenny explained."The longest you will wait is 10 minutes, as the shuttle bus is on a loop."The good news is that the $1.4 million road safety works that were completed in 2024 will play their part in helping you get around the showgrounds over the weekend.The 1.1 kilometres of new road network and drainage means walking around the 150 tailgaters to view and buy the precious gemstones, opals, and fossils will be dry and not involve mud. Of course, if you venture onto the grass, it will still be soft and potentially muddy underfoot, so boots are the order of the day. Many of the tailgaters will display in the top three sheds at the northern end of the showground.Lismore Gemfest 2025 opens tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am to 4pm and 9am to 3pm on Sunday at the Lismore Showgrounds on Alexandra Parade, North Lismore.The free shuttle bus runs on a 10-minute loop, between 9am & 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm on Saturday and 9am to 1pm, and 2pm to 3pm on Sunday.This year, there are more food and drink options, with Potato Works, Thai Kitchen, Goonellabah PS P&C (sausage rolls, pies, sandwiches), Haps Health Bar, Authentic South Indian Food, the Speedway Takeaway, Lismore City Lions Club, Bugsy's Ice Cream Van, Amici Italian Food Van, and Coffeee Addictions.

The NSW Government is in the middle of a three-day blitz to keep invasive fire ants out of NSW, with joint teams of personnel from NSW Police, Heavy Vehicle Regulation Authority and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) undertaking random compliance checks of heavy vehicles entering NSW from Queensland as part of a $95 million investment to eradicate the destructive insects.The Government’s plan is to prevent fire ants from taking hold in NSW by raising awareness amongst communities and businesses on both sides of the border, and establishing a community-wide monitoring effort, so that any infestations are identified early and then quickly eradicated.The Government’s team for conducting this sixth wave of Operation Victa brings together biosecurity specialists, vehicle regulators, Police, and Transport officials to pull over vehicles, check their compliance credentials and inspect their loads and vehicle condition.Over five previous waves, 382 heavy vehicles have been stopped, with 14 vehicles returned to Qld under individual biosecurity directions for failing to meet entry requirements, plus issuing 13 penalty notices and 3 warnings. (NSW Minister for Agriculture at Operation Victa. Photo: supplied)This sixth wave of Operation Victa is a 3-day operation with NSW Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator that started yesterday (Thursday, 15 May) until Saturday, 17 May, at three key locations in the north of the state in Chinderah, Yelgun and Jennings.This follows the NSW Government’s suspension of turf being moved from Queensland Fire Ant-infested areas into NSW in November last year. The Government then cracked down on the movement of hay after the near cyclone Tracey period in April, suspending any movement of hay into NSW from Queensland.In February this year the NSW Government ensured that two Queensland businesses were prosecuted and then separately convicted in the NSW Local Court for breaching biosecurity regulations and in total ordered to pay $60,000. These successful prosecutions highlight the effectiveness of the Minns Government's surveillance and compliance activities. DPIRD has now issued over 100 biosecurity directions and 22 penalty notices totalling more than $39,000 since the fire ant emergency was declared in August 2023.Anyone moving high-risk fire ant carriers such as soil, mulch, hay, sand, and plants must be aware of treatment and handling requirements according to the Biosecurity Emergency Order before they can be moved into NSW from the Queensland fire ant-infested area.For more information on fire ants, call the Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244 or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants. NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said, “The NSW Government takes the threat of red imported fire ants seriously and we've proven so far in 2025 that this hardline approach to protect NSW is necessary.“We’ve taken a risk-based approach. When the risk moves higher, we’ve made hard decisions, like suspending turf or hay movements.“Our Fire Ant Teams are working hard with other agencies to keep fire ants out of NSW. Swift response, focus, and agility is required as we must keep going because this threat requires diligence.“We also call for vigilance in the community, which is critical to the success of our program. We thank those community members whose quick actions calling our hotline have led to the state avoiding potential problems. “As I’ve said many times, fire ants aren’t marching into NSW, they’re being carried. This is why we increased funding for eradicating fire ants and boosted surveillance and control actions.”“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, so it’s critical that businesses moving these types of materials comply with the Biosecurity Fire Ant Emergency Order.”

Thursdays are generally the quietest day each year for Norco Primex, but when you add in rainfall, the 2025 year got off to a slower start than normal.That didn't deter a positive attitude from exhibitors and the owner/organiser of Primex, Bruce Wright, who described this year's exhibitors as the most dedicated to the region."I think there was a lot that came in and got sort of turned away from the rain that the region copped last year. And as soon as there's a chance of rain coming again, they're not as dedicated, necessarily, than the ones we've got here this year."For the conditions we've had, this exhibitor list of 300 odd exhibitors has been very easy to deal with, in what you could call challenging for everybody. But it's a testament to them, as far as them just going, this is what we're dealing with every day, not just three days of Primex. This is the stuff that the region has had to deal with 365 days a year for nearly four years."There's adjustments that we've had to make with the site to accommodate it, because there's issues such as the north there that we've had to fiddle with to make sure we can accommodate and give exhibitors a better option here, and we've done everything we can to make it as a positive experience for them, and it's been reflected in the attitudes that they've come up with."Bruce Wright was well aware that the crowds would more than likely arrive at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino as the weather clears. He wants to remind people that there is still plenty to see and do at Primex 2025."It's not like you can't get around. It's not like you can't engage with exhibitors, and you can't enjoy all the features that are here. There's the train, or the animal nursery or the live entertainment. There's the Paddock to Plate with Darren putting on demonstrations over the next two days, and all that. So, there's a huge amount to see and do.(Dressed for the conditions at Primex yesterday, Jess and son Achilles)"We're only on for three days in the year, and we can't determine the weather. But we can certainly determine the whole group of, I describe it as local, national, international brands and exhibitors coming in. That's the reason people should come, because we are here with the community to try and showcase and celebrate our region and its agriculture."So, for the three days in the year that it's on rain, hail or shine, that you come out and support the exhibitors that have traveled and spent a lot of money to be here, and we're doing the best we can to make sure that we can connect them with our farmers in our rural communities."As for the exhibitors yesterday, the always-smiling Ken Jolley, representing the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, received a very generous $250 donation from Hawkins Fire of Lismore.North Lismore's AJ Magnay attends Primex every year and hopes to make thousands over the three days."I'm a little bit concerned about the weather. It is a little bit wet underfoot, but there's plenty of exhibitors here and there's plenty of things to look at. Just bring your boots, be prepared, and turn up and have a look."Matt from Lismore Toyota has a lot of cars on display and is looking forward to meeting people he wouldn't normally meet at the dealership in South Lismore."It's a good event, and it's good interaction with the locals. The weather hasn't been kind, but it will fine up a little bit and there will be a few more people kicking around."Captain Phil from the Northern Rivers Salvation Army has been another regular at Norco Primex for the last five years."The Salvation Army has got a long history of support of our farmers and those on the land in many different spaces that have been through droughts and floods and all those things. So, just having a presence out here gives us an opportunity to connect to those in our community."We're out here, obviously promoting the work that we do in the Northern Rivers. We've got our catering truck on site, so people can come and have something to eat or have a tea or coffee because we've always got the billy on."We've had quite a number of school students today come through and have a look at what we do there, and it's good to chat to some of the others around the region. There may be some who want to put their hand up and volunteer with us when we get deployed in a disaster."We've got a dry spot under our marquees, we've got the Billy on, and it's just a nice spot for people to come and relax from wandering around the site and put their feet up for a few minutes."One exhibitor hit the nail on the head with his thoughts: "You make money from mud, not dust."The gates open again at 9am and close at 4pm on Friday and Saturday.The program for Friday is below, but note that the Working Dog Trials have been cancelled today.

Are you planning to build on newly purchased land? Are you a first home buyer trying to make the numbers work? Have you been flood-affected and want to relocate your house locally? Do you own land and want to add a second small home — a granny flat, tiny home or dual occupancy? Are you a developer or community housing group building affordable rental homes? If you answered yes to any of the above, you could be eligible for a one-off $15,000 grant under Council’s Housing Grant Program. The grants are designed to stimulate the construction of smaller, smarter, more affordable homes across the Lismore area — and they’re already making an impact. There are six clear categories under the scheme, including support for landowners adding a second dwelling, first-home buyers, flood-affected relocations, Reconstruction Authority buyback participants, community housing providers and developers building multi-unit projects for affordable rental.The grants are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the full $1.2 million pool is committed. With nearly half already allocated, the time to apply is now.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the program is part of Council’s broader push to improve housing diversity and affordability across the region.“This is a targeted, practical step we can take to help more people call Lismore home — especially those still recovering or trying to get a start in a tough housing market,” he said.“The response so far has been encouraging, but we know there are still many out there who qualify and just haven’t applied yet.”The grant is paid upon completion of the new dwelling, once an Occupation Certificate is issued. To be eligible, applicants must have lodged a Development Application, Complying Development Certificate or Section 68 application via the NSW Planning Portal.For details or to apply, visit https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Strategic-planning/Future-housing. 

The housing crisis is a problem not just in Lismore and the Northern Rivers but across the country. The crisis affects people across all walks of life, especially those in need of social housing.The state government may have found a solution after completing NSW’s first-ever 3D-printed social housing project in Dubbo, where it built two brand new homes, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis.The two modern, two-bedroom homes will soon be home to Aboriginal social housing tenants. The project was delivered in only 20 weeks, less than half the usual 40-week timeline, thanks to innovative 3D-printing construction methods. The homes were created using approximately 70 tonnes of Contourcrete, a specially developed 3D-printable concrete mix produced by Contour3D. The concrete structures were printed in just 16 days.The success of the project showcases the promising potential of 3D-printing as a sustainable and efficient solution for building social and affordable homes across the state, delivering much needed homes faster to those in need.These homes will be ready for residents to move in this month, providing energy-efficient, low-maintenance housing built with recycled, environmentally friendly materials.This 3D-printed project gives local hope to sites identified as social and affordable, such as Cynthia Wilson Drive, where 40 new homes have been discussed since 2019 (twenty one-bedroom and twenty two-bedroom townhouses).(Photo: supplied)This first-of-its-kind build was a partnership between Aboriginal Sustainable Homes (ASH), Contour3D, and the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO),For more information visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/MMC.  Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said, “We’re proud to be the first to use 3D-printing technology for social housing in NSW—and even prouder to see it completed.“This is just the beginning. The success of this pilot proves 3D-printing can help us build quality homes faster, particularly in regional and remote areas where demand is high."This project shows that the NSW Government is committed to exploring every option to build more social and affordable homes faster, especially in regional and remote areas with strong housing demand.  “This project shows what’s possible when government, industry and community work together to find smart, sustainable solutions to the housing crisis.The Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC said, “It’s fantastic to see this groundbreaking project come to life in Dubbo, delivering much needed social housing through 3D-printing technology.“Finding new and creative ways to build homes faster and more efficiently is critical, especially for regional areas like Dubbo.“This is a great example of how new technologies can be harnessed to better serve our communities.”

Unintentional falls remain the leading cause of injury hospitalisation and death for women since 2017–18, responsible for 122,800 (57%) hospitalisations and 3,400 (58%) deaths in 2022–23, according to a new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.Injury among women 2022– 23 explores the main causes of injury resulting in hospitalisation and death, as well as identifying trends over time. The report also examines the nature and severity of sustained injuries, variations between population groups and circumstances surrounding the injury.‘Every year, thousands of women present to an emergency department or are hospitalised due to injury,’ said AIHW spokesperson Jacqueline Rek. ‘Women contributed to 40% of all injury hospitalisations in 2022–23.’Overall, injury was responsible for around 217,000 hospitalisations, 6,000 deaths and 537,000 emergency department presentations among women in 2022–23. Since 2017–18, after adjusting for age differences, hospitalisation rates have decreased from 1,900 to 1,850 per 100,000 population, while death rates have increased from 41.5 to 43.1 per 100,000 population.Falls and fracturesThe rate of fall injury hospitalisations increased with age. Women aged 65 and over accounted for 73% of all fall injury hospitalisations and almost all fall-related deaths (97%) among women in 2022–23.‘Over half of all injury deaths (57%) were due to falls among women aged 65 and over,’ said Ms Rek.‘The rate of death from falls was 66.5 times higher in women aged 65 and over than for women aged 40–64.’Fractures were the most common type of injury hospitalisation across all age groups and the leading type of injury for emergency department presentations among women. Fractures of the hips or lower limbs were most common, causing 27,000 hospitalisations in 2022–23.Self-harm and assaultAfter adjusting for age, the rate of intentional self-harm hospitalisations among women was the lowest it has been in the past decade (121 per 100,000 population). Over 4 in 5 (82%) injury hospitalisations for intentional self-harm involved self-poisoning in 2022–23.The number of assault injury hospitalisations remained similar over a 5-year period, around 7,600 between 2017–18 and 2022–23, while the number of homicide deaths among women has increased from 48 to 63 over the same period.The highest rate of injury assault (127 per 100,000) was among women aged 25–39. Women aged 65 and over had the highest rate of homicide (1 per 100,000) despite having the lowest rate of assault injury hospitalisation (16 per 100,000). Assault was the leading cause of injury hospitalisation among First Nations women in 2022–23, causing 3,700 hospitalisations. First Nations women disproportionately contributed to almost half (48%) of all assault injury hospitalisations for women.After adjusting for differences in age, women living in Very remote areas are 43 times more likely to be hospitalised due to assault than women living in Major cities.‘Women experience distinct patterns of injury due to various physiological, social and environmental factors including family, domestic and sexual violence, pregnancy, ageing, and mental health challenges,’ said Ms Rek. ‘The monitoring work we undertake helps identify these patterns of injury to improve awareness and inform prevention measures.’In 2024, the AIHW also examined injuries affecting men in Australia. For information, visit: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/injuries-affecting-men-in-australia-a-closer-look/contents/about.

For the third year running, ETC’s MySmallBiz Expos are back in a big way for 2025 with a series of nine free community events designed to celebrate and support small businesses, self-employed individuals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. On 18 June 2025, join Enterprise and Training Company (ETC) at the Lismore Workers Club as they create an engaging space for people at any stage in their business journey. These expos offer an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to meet, collaborate, and network with the local small business community.Daryl Parmenter, ETC’s Self-Employment Assistance Program Manager, emphasised the importance of these expos, particularly in nurturing local entrepreneurship and supporting businesses at any stage of their journey.“The MySmallBiz Expos are a celebration of start-up businesses and a must for either potential or existing small businesses," Mr. Parmenter said. "Come network, make connections, and speak with local business specialists to gain free support and guidance on moving your hobby into a business or giving your existing business a refresh.”Event Highlights:Networking Opportunities: The expos will offer numerous opportunities to build meaningful connections with other small business owners and industry professionals. These interactions can lead to new collaborations and business opportunities.Interactive Stalls: Explore a variety of stalls showcasing local businesses and services. This is a great chance to discover new products, services, innovations from the local community and to #ShopLocal.Engaging Presentations: Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and supportive services. These presentations are designed to inspire and provide practical advice for starting or growing a business.Inspiring Success Stories: Hear firsthand from Self-Employment Ambassadors and grassroots startups. Their stories of perseverance and success will motivate attendees to pursue their own business ventures.Expert Advice: Receive guidance from experts in various fields and meet government representatives who can provide information on available resources and support for small businesses.Whether individuals are thinking of starting their own business or looking to support local business, ETC’s MySmallBiz Expos offer something for everyone. These events are designed to inspire and empower attendees, providing the confidence and resources needed to turn dreams into reality.“Previously, I had trouble finding valuable support for my business. Now, with Workforce Australia – Self-Employment Assistance, I clearly defined my needs for business growth. Collaborating with ETC and their MySmallBiz Expos has been supportive and educational. If you're dedicated, have clear goals, and are open to learning and growth, this is a fantastic opportunity,” said Sara, from Healthii Hub, a previous MySmallBiz stallholder. Event DetailsVenue: Lismore Workers ClubDate: Wednesday, 18 June 2025Time: 11am to 2pmClick here to register for your free ticket.ETC is a Workforce Australia – Self-Employment Assistance provider. If you need help to start a business, or support for your existing small business, contact ETC on 1800 007 400, visit www.etcltd.com.au.

The weather can quite often dominate conversations in Lismore and the Northern Rivers; however, not to the extent that it has in the last three weeks.We are used to seeing a lot of rain dumped in our backyard, then blue skies return, and life goes on. But the rainfall numbers in 2025 tell a different story.Already this year, Lismore has recorded 1,155mm at the airport. The Lismore mean rainfall for 12 months is 1,244.5mm, so we have nearly received our yearly rainfall in the first five months of the year.That is a long way from the wettest year on record in Lismore, which was 2,213mm in 1893. However, it is worth mentioning that rain gauges stopped working during the 2022 floods.With the BOM forecasting 3-25mm today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday), plus more lower falls next week, that scenario is highly likely.The BOM's Dean Narramore says an inland trough from Queensland and more southwesterly winds later this morning will bring moderate falls to the Northern Rivers. There is a chance of a thunderstorm over the next three days.As far as May is concerned, Lismore has smashed the mean rainfall of 68.8mm already. To May 14, we have recorded 107mm, with only three days with less than 1mm.The upcoming rain is not welcome news for the organisers of three of the region's biggest events: Primex, Gemfest and Beef Week.Primex opens its gates at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino at 9am today (Thursday), running until 4pm Saturday.Gemfest at the Lismore Showgrounds gets underway at 9am on Saturday and runs until 3pm Sunday.Casino Beef Week doesn't start until Saturday, May 24, but already the Farm Tour, Youth Cattle Program and Youth Education Day Events have been cancelled.Whatever the weather, it is important that we support local events, so don a raincoat, put on some boots and pop the umbrella in the car.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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