Bishop Greg Homeming:Easter reminds us that we will rise againThis year, Easter occurs at a time of great uncertainty around the world. We're not sure what's happening in world economies, there are places of violence, and many things to unsettle us.Our time is no different to the time of Jesus, when he died. As he died, there was great uncertainty throughout the community in Jerusalem. They did not know what was happening, but he rose again, and this is what we must believe this Easter. That in the midst of all of this, we will rise again, and that he will be with us.I wish you all a very happy and holy Easter.

From robots to smart toilets and metallic exoskeletons, Artificial Intelligence and technology have the potential to revolutionise aged care in Australia, because it’s already happening around the world, according to a leading tech expert.That was the message from scientific futurist Dr Catherine Ball, who highlighted the opportunities AI presents in improving care, efficiency, and safety for both residents and staff in aged care.    “As they [new technologies] come into the healthcare industry, you don’t want to be on the back foot of this,” Dr Ball said.  Speaking at Ageing Australia’s recent ITAC conference in Melbourne, Dr Ball pointed to her current work with AI and robotics in the mining sector, where robots are being deployed in deep-ground operations to eliminate the risk of human fatalities.  She suggested that aged care could also benefit from AI-driven innovations in the near future to reduce risks and improve working conditions. Using technologies in this way could quickly become the norm.  "Because the Workplace Health and Safety Act states that if there’s a known and available technology and you didn’t use it, you’re liable,” said Dr Ball, who is also a robotics expert.  One area of promise is the use of AI-powered exoskeletons to help both carers and older people with physically demanding tasks, reducing injury and fatigue.  The wearable external robotic device is taking off in countries like Japan and South Korea. They, too, are facing rapidly ageing populations and are investing significantly in AI and technology to support older people.  Japan has been at the forefront, said Dr Ball, adding that Australia should look to countries in the Asia-Pacific region for inspiration rather than relying on "tech-bros" in Silicon Valley.  "Communities in the Asia-Pacific have so much to teach us," she said.  While aged care remains an incredibly complex sector that is heavily regulated, Dr Ball said that existing frameworks in Australia are not a barrier to adopting new technologies and "regulation and legislation don’t stymy innovation."  Instead, the key challenge is understanding where AI can add the most value. "We don’t know what the problems are in your sector that AI can help with," Dr Ball said.  Also speaking at ITAC, Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said the sector risked being left behind if innovation was ignored.  "AI won’t take your job, but someone who uses it will take your customers," Mr Symondson said, recalling a quote from a recent event.  "Innovation is everywhere. Often the biggest barriers are the ones we impose on ourselves," he said.  He described AI as a powerful tool to support a complex sector run by people who care deeply about the lives of older Australians.  Mr Symondson pointed to Cooma, a regional town in New South Wales, where council-run aged care services are likely to face severe staffing shortages due to their remote location.  "Imagine how much a place like Cooma would benefit from something like AI?" he said.  He pointed to the recent World Ageing Festival in Singapore and the memorandum of understanding signed between Ageing Australia and Ageing Asia as key steps toward fostering greater collaboration and innovation in the sector.  "You can learn things not just from the person down the road, or the person in Perth, or in Cairns, but from the person in Ho Chi Minh, or in Helsinki, or in Boston," he said.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin thanked and recognised nine local seniors and a seniors organisation for their valuable contributions to their communities.Ms Saffin presented certificates of appreciation, co-signed by Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison and herself, to recipients of the Seniors Local Achievement Award during a morning tea at the Lismore City Bowling Club in the CBD.“This is the second year that we’ve run these awards as a way of honouring the many quiet achievers who give their time, experience and considerable skills in the service of others,” Ms Saffin said.“I’d also like to commend work experience students Hamish Bailey and Caleb Scherrer, both in Year 10 at Trinity Catholic College, who collated the award nominations and organised the morning tea. They took on the project with gusto and did an outstanding job.“Cyclone Alfred meant that some NSW Seniors Festival events like this one had to be rescheduled, but it’s great that this year’s award recipients and their invited guests can come together to celebrate what makes our local communities so strong.” Seniors Local Achievement Award recipients for 2025 include:Mrs Lyn Felsch, of Lismore, for volunteer work at the Red Cross Tea Rooms, Lismore.Mrs Norma Blume, of Goonellabah, for volunteer work at the Red Cross Tea Rooms, Lismore.Mr Stephen Darragh, of Kyogle, for volunteer driving work done through HART Services in the Kyogle community for the past two years. The Kyogle Citizen of the Year in 2024 is Vice-President of Kyogle Lions Club and member of Lismore Lions Club.Mr George Stein, of Woodenbong, for volunteer driving work done through HART Services in the Woodenbong community for the past 11 years. The Woodenbong Citizen of the Year in 2020 is President of Woodenbong Golf Club, Treasurer of Woodenbong Progress Association, and Secretary of Woodenbong Football Club.Mrs Heather Goulding, of Tenterfield, for volunteer work done in the Tenterfield community, including the Autumn Festival, Rotary Club of Tenterfield, Rotary-Lions Christmas Carnival, Tenterfield High and Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome (FOTA) Incorporated.Mrs Sharon Tucker JP, of Bonalbo, for contributions to the Bonalbo community for over 44 years, including Teacher-Librarian at Bonalbo Central School, Secretary of the Bonalbo Rural Fire Brigade, fire permit officer, and administrator of local Facebook pages.U3A Northern Rivers (Lismore) Incorporated, founded in 1994 and recognising their home-based committee volunteers.Mr Robert Dingle, of Lismore, for volunteering as a recorder tutor with U3A Northern Rivers (Lismore) Incorporated.Mr Keith Gasteen, of The Channon, for work as a peer leader with the Older Persons Mental Health Mutual Aid group.Ms Susan Stock, of Nimbin, for her work as Co-Editor of The Nimbin Good Times monthly newspaper for the past 21 years. This independent newspaper gives all community members the opportunity to contribute their opinions on local issues.

With the Easter school holidays in full swing, parents all around Lismore and the Northern Rivers are riding bikes and playing backyard football. New research from the University of Adelaide says that parents who exercise together with their teenagers are more likely to have kids with better physical and mental health.Conducted in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO RI) and a team of Canadian partners, a study showed that teenagers who exercise more frequently with their families were more likely to: meet physical activity guidelines of 60+ minutes per day (23%) meet recommended screentime guidelines of two hours or less per day (74%) report better mental health (81%) including higher life satisfaction (67%), and lower stress (86%), anxiety (73%) and depression (89%). The study also showed that the more regularly the family exercises together, the better the outcomes. Data from the World Health Organization shows that 80% of teenagers are not getting enough physical activity and that one in five teens play on digital screens for at least four hours when they engage in gaming. Additionally, one in seven teenagers experiences a mental disorder. Dr Justin Lang, Adjunct Professor with UniSA and the Public Health Agency of Canada, says that simple, family-based interventions can make big differences to teenagers’ health and wellbeing. “We know that regular exercise is great for both body and mind. But with more teenagers glued to screens and devices, it’s easy for sedentary habits to take hold,” Dr Lang says. “Getting teenagers up and moving is crucial to reversing the slide into inactivity – and as our study shows, the key may be in getting the whole family involved. “We found that teenagers who exercise daily with their families are twice as likely to meet activity and screen time guidelines – and four times more likely to report stronger mental health and greater life satisfaction. “The message is simple: when parents get active with their teens and lead by example, everyone wins. Teens feel better, move more, and their mental health is stronger.” The study examined the responses of 8213 Canadian teenagers aged 12-17 years, using self-reported data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth. It found that only 11% of teenagers met national guidelines of 60 minutes of medium-to-vigorous physical activity per day; and just over half (56%) of teenagers engaged in less than two hours of recreational screen time per day. Co-researcher, CHEO RI’s Dr. JP Chaput, says parents play a powerful role in influencing behaviours in their children. “Exercising as a family does more than get hearts pumping – it may strengthen bonds, builds confidence, and can have a real impact on teenagers’ mental wellbeing,” Dr. Chaput says. “When parents take an active role in their teens’ physical activity, it can build stronger emotional bonds, improves communication, and helps create a protective buffer against mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression. “So, when families prioritise being active together, they’re not only building healthy habits – they’re also investing in their teenagers’ long-term wellbeing. “Ultimately, it’s a reminder that even small, shared moments of movement can make a big difference.”

With double demerits beginning yesterday, and many people planning trips to spend time with loved ones over the Easter weekend, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is reminding drivers that road safety starts with them. Ms Saffin said that with the combination of school holidays, the Easter long weekend, and BluesFest, there are lots of locals and visitors on our roads. This is a time to slow down, be patient with other road users and make wise decisions so everyone can arrive safely. Whether you are driving across the state or down the road, drivers are urged to remember:Seat belts save lives:Seatbelts double the chance of survival and reduce the risk of injury in a road crash. Drivers and passengers must all be wearing seatbelts correctly.Speeding kills:Speeding is the number one killer on New South Wales roads. Know the road rules and follow them.Never text while driving:Using a mobile phone while driving affects your attention and response time and increases your chance of crashing.Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike:Never drive under the influence of alcoholDrink driving is a major contributor to death on NSW roads..Do not drive if you are fatigued:Fatigue accounts for around 20% of road deaths in New South Wales. Double demerits will be in place from Thursday, 17 April 2025, to Monday, 21 April 2025, inclusive, for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences. A second double demerits period will be in effect from Thursday, 24 April 2025, to Sunday, 27 April 2025, inclusive During this time, NSW Police will have a high-visibility presence targeting risky driver behaviour. In 2025, there have already been 104 fatalities on New South Wales Roads, compared to 99 in the same period this year. Tragically, deaths on regional roads make up approximately two-thirds of all road deaths.

Labor candidate for Page Wendy Backhous, and the Albanese Government are backing a pay rise for low-paid workers in the Northern Rivers to help with the cost of living.The Government has made a submission to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) recommending that it award an economically sustainable real wage increase to workers on award wages.This will help around three million workers across the country, including cleaners, retail workers and early childhood educators.A decision on the 2025 Award is expected in early June 2025, with an operative date of 1 July 2025 for any wage increase granted.Previous recommendations regarding the real wages of low-paid workers have helped secure an increase in the National Minimum Wage by around $7,500 a year.Ms Backhous said, “A sustainable increase to award wages will ensure low-paid workers can get ahead while inflation continues to slow down.“It will be particularly important to people in the Northern Rivers – especially young workers, and workers in the care economy.”“The Federal electorate of Page was rated 144th out of 151 for median household income.“Our region has a high number of people on low incomes, so the cost-of-living crisis is hurting us hard.“That’s why it is so critical for our political representatives to advocate for fair pay rises, and to support flexible work arrangements that allow people to juggle work and family commitments.”

There is no better news on Good Friday than good news, especially for the Lismore community.Yesterday, Mayor Steve Krieg and Graham Snow, Lismore City Council's Head of Planning and Environment, proudly declared that $46 million worth of development applications (DA's) had been approved in March.To give you an indication of how positive that number is, the mayor said council usually approves $100 million worth of DA's in a year.The announcement was made in the Eastwood Estate in Goonellabah, where council approved 176 new sites for Stage 2. For those who have seen the progress made in the Eastwood Estate, it is worth a drive during the Easter Break as it has already become its own area with hundreds of houses built and more being built."We've also got 1055, Bruxner Highway up there as well, which has been approved by Council, which is another 400 residential sites, light commercial and industrial as well. Lismore is really being seen by these external investors as a place of opportunity, and it is not come by accident. It's through the outstanding work of Graham and his team at Lismore City Council," Mayor Krieg said.."Three or four years ago, we were known as one of the worst councils to deal with, not only in the region but in the state. One hundred eighty (180) days to get a DA approved for a shed just wasn't good enough. Graham has come to Lismore 18 months ago and literally reformed how we do DA's, and we are starting to see the benefits of that work.Graham Snow explained the simple changes made to council's DA approval system, which has seen a basic DA, such as a shed, approved within a week instead of 18 months, and using the same staff."I've spoken about before, about setting up a fast track system so people can get those sheds out in a week instead of, you know, like six months. And what that does to an economy is it actually completely transforms the place where people have that confidence to come in here, and they can go, Great, I can build, and I can deliver."The old system Graham adopted two years ago, when he arrived from Kempsey, comprised the date the DA was lodged. As they came in, they were put at the bottom of the pile of DA's to be assessed.The new system is to triage each DA when it is lodged. The basic shed and retaining wall DA's are looked at and approved within a day if they meet council regulations. The more complex DA's, which were bogging down all other DA's, are assessed separately within the planning team.Other projects of significance that were approved in March, were the controversial North Lismore Plateau development, the Living School's DA in the CBD on Woodlark Street, the $8.5 million worth of office space which will be built by the Diocese of Lismore, along with the $19 million construction of townhouse accommodation on Keen and Orion Street and the $2.7 million redevelopment of the Rekindling the Spirit building on Uralba Street.The larger DA projects were explained in more detail.NORTH LISMORE PLATEAUGraham Snow explained that council worked with the developer for two years to amend the statement of facts and contentions from the Land and Environment Court following its assessment of the 727 site lot. This involved access, geotech, stormwater, and more issues.The updated DA will go to the Land and Environment Court on June 1st. If the technical side is positively assessed, the only obstacle will be a cultural one."There's what you'd call Allura, which people call North Lismore Plateau, and then there's the Winten development, which is the RA (NSW Reconstruction Authority). You can see the lots are carved already for the RA one."Graham is referring to the 80 blocks announced by the RA at the bottom of the North Lismore Plateau.REKINDLING THE SPIRIT The DA was granted for the reconstruction and expansion of the existing community facility.The building will feature a permanent artwork that tells the story of people and place, intricately woven into the design via a perforated screen fabric reflective in the colour of nature's palette.A storytelling façade, positioned away from the main structure, will help mitigate western heat load while symbolically embodying the narrative of the echidna and the vision and purpose of ‘Rekindling.’The curved form of the façade evokes the meandering lines of the river, providing privacy from the street and enhancing the internal environment through thoughtfully designed landscaped planters. In collaboration with Widjabul Wia-bal artists, Indigenous artwork and plantings will be incorporated throughout the façade, interiors, and surrounding landscape. This integration will serve as a catalyst for empowerment and support for everyone who interacts with the development. ST MARY'S BUSINESS PARK OFFICESThe DA says it is the reuse and adaptation of the College and an opportunity to create a vibrant, sustainable and long-term commercial hub for Lismore. A total of 2866 m2 of office space is provided within the development. Substantial facade and streetscape upgrades are provided. The development also took the opportunity to provide connection and interlinkage with adjoining significant heritage sites, which is viewed as a significant urban design contribution to the area.Doyle House, St Carthage’s Cathedral, Presentation House and the subject development will have an interconnected courtyard space to the rear of the cathedral, anticipated to be a space of significant quality from an urban design, historic and architectural perspective.TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT KEEN AND ORION STREETApproved on March 5, the development consists of 29 dwellings on a rare, elevated site within the Lismore CBD. The development is considered significant in relation to its CBD activation potential and replacement of lost housing stock.THE LIVING SCHOOL ON WOODLARK STREETThe significant development of the Living School in the Lismore CBD is in its final stages of approval.The DA has been approved by Lismore City Council planners, and it has now been submitted to the Regional Planning Panel because of its value, which is between $10 and $30 million in regional areas of NSW.Mayor Steve Krieg was delighted that Lismore is on the verge of a construction boom."One of the reasons we put our ticket together originally in 2021 was because these things weren't getting approved. There was no growth in this area, and as a community, we felt really restricted and held back, which is the reason we put our hand up for council in the first place."Now, it's taken us a little bit of time to get to this point. It's about having the right people in the right positions, as Graham said, but getting people like Graham who want to come to Lismore and make a difference is amazing."We've dealt with the flood. We all know the impact that that's had. We've dealt with the cyclone. We've all know the impact that that's had. But to see the work that's gone in behind the scenes, people have said many, many times, what have you actually done to make Lismore a more resilient place, a safer place? Well, you can't do much more than open up some 1600 brand-new, flood-free home sites."But on top of that, the commercial land, the industrial land, the office space, the people who want to come to Lismore to invest their money. We're talking about all sorts of different groups wanting to set up their business in Lismore, and now we can provide the housing for their staff."It's going to reinvigorate. It's going to regenerate. We've been the slowest growing regional centre in New South Wales for two decades, and we're going to leapfrog everyone else and become the fastest growing regional city in New South Wales, with developments like this coming online. So it's really exciting."

As you would expect, the four-day Easter Weekend is not inundated with local events. It is more about family, friends, holidays and, hopefully, good weather.The Bureau of Meteorology is confident about the good weather, with sunny blue skies forecast for Good Friday and Saturday, a mostly sunny Sunday and a partly cloudy Easter Monday.We are starting to feel some cool mornings, with minimums down to 13 degrees, followed by perfect autumn maximums between 25 and 28 degrees.As I mentioned at the top, it is more a case of what is not on than on over Easter.The Lismore Regional Art Gallery will be closed from Good Friday until Tuesday, April 22. It will reopen on Wednesday, April 23. The Lismore Library will reopen on Tuesday, April 22.For those thinking of getting stuck into the garden as it dries out with the forecast sunshine, the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre will be closed until 8:30am on Tuesday, April 22. The Nimbin Transfer Station will be closed for the same period, reopening at 8am on Tuesday, April 22.GSAC will be closed on Friday, 18 April, Sunday, 20 April and Monday, 21 April. GSAC will be open on Saturday, 19 April, while the Lismore Memorial Baths will be closed on Friday, 18 April only.The Lismore Farmers Markets will be on Easter Saturday morning. Unlike last week, they will be in glorious sunshine, so get to the Lismore Showgrounds between 7:30 and 11:30am for fresh fruit & veg, breakfast, coffee/tea and Easter treats like organic homemade chocolate and Easter-themed cakes & cookies.Live music on Saturday is the laid-back, soulful sounds of Mish Songsmith.There are plenty of beautiful bushwalks to do over Easter, including Rocky Creek Dam, Minyon Falls, Protestor Falls and the new Gidjuum Gulganyi 4-day walk in the hinterlands. Check them out here Walks.Gidjuum Gulganyi starts at Manns Road track head in the Mount Jerusalem National Park, northwest of Mullumbimby, then heads south, ending at Minyon Falls in the Nightcap National Park. This is a 42km Grade 4 bushwalk.You can read all about the bushwalk by clicking https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/gidjuum-gulganyi-walk-camping-self-guided#day-4:-weeun-weeun-campground-to-minyon-falls-lookout.Put the bikes in or on the car and take a ride on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail between Lismore and Casino. You can find out more information here NRs Rail Trail.With April a quiet month for events due to Easter, ANZAC Day and the school holidays, May and June are when the major events kick in, so make a note for:Nimbin Mardi Grass 2, 3 and 4 MayGemfest 17 and 18 MayPrimex 15, 16 and 17 MayBeef Week 24 May to 1 JuneLismore Lantern Parade 21 JuneFuel prices have remained steady, which is surprising, leading into Easter. Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 175.9 across Lismore, 172.8 at NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 164.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 177.9 across most service stations in Lismore, 175.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 186.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro (323 River Street) in Ballina.U98 is 194.9 at the two Liberty's on Ballina Road and Union Street, South Lismore, 195.9 at Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 186.5 at The Metro in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 188.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Easter Funnies.....

As Mayor Steve Krieg said first thing this morning, "This is probably the biggest news story of 2025," and he is not wrong. The Lismore community has been waiting patiently for news about the cinema on Keen Street.BCC Cinema Lismore is no more. The building has been sold to Luke Mackey and will be renamed the Lismore Cinema.As if that was not exciting enough, Luke has set a goal to reopen the Lismore Cinema after a multi-million dollar refurbishment before Christmas this year.The good news was delivered by Mayor Krieg, Councillors Andrew Bing, Electra Jensen and Gianpiero Battista, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.The million-dollar deal only settled at 3pm yesterday, such was the excitement to let the community know that a much-loved form of entertainment was to return after three years of travelling to Ballina or Kyogle to see a movie.(From left: councillor Electra Jensen, Giapiero Battista, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, Mayor Steve Krieg, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Lismore Cinema owner Luke Mackey.)Janelle Saffin said she let out a loud scream in her office when she heard the news. "I can't wait to go back," she said, "It also means a significant milestone in our recovery."Kevin Hogan said this deal means there is confidence returning to our community. "I'm thanking you for the confidence that you're showing in our community that this is a safe place to live, invest, and grow a business in. So thank you."When Luke stepped up to the microphones, he didn't lay all his plans out on the table. "I want to build some anticipation," Luke said with a smile, "I think we'll drip-feed some of the exciting things we've got planned over the next six months because I love teasing people."Luke is no stranger to the cinema industry, having been the national Director of Entertainment for Event Cinemas."When I left last year, it was always a passion project for me. If it came back up, would they sell it to me? We had to go through expressions of interest, and luckily, I was successful. So, very exciting."Luke understands the risk he is undertaking by refurbishing and reopening the cinema in the same spot."I've always been inspired by the community that you get in this area, particularly, and the resilience. When I came back up here to have a look at the town, I am flabbergasted by how amazing the recovery has been. I'm hoping that my little contribution, having the cinema reopen and making it something special for people to come to, will be something that everyone will support. I'm just excited to get started."Luke will be starting with a clean slate because the cinema damage from the 2022 big flood was worse than expected, so the interior is back to a base concrete building with no seats and no ceilings."Which is a great opportunity for me to start fresh and achieve some of the design things I want to bring to the location.""We're taking a design approach that is making it so that if there is, God forbid, any other floods, we will be able to recover really quickly. And we're also looking at flood barriers and all the things that would help us not get impacted to start off with, but if we are, then we'll have the ability to be back up and running very quickly.(An artists impression of the newly refurbished Lismore Cinema)"And I've taken a lot of advice from locals because everyone's like, No, you just do this and do this. And I'm like, Okay, you guys, just take it in your stride. I can do that too. Let's do it."Luke assured people that he would have no problem getting blockbuster movies, arthouse films, or special event films into his new Lismore Cinema. He will also consider having wine available for date nights as a teaser for what may be on offer once the doors reopen.As for the "before Christmas timing", Luke said, "We need a lot of things to go our way, but I know, hearing all the support this morning, we'll get there. I am going to put a lot of pressure on the builders and all the people who are part of it to make sure we will get there."Today, we saw the removal of the old signage, and very soon, we will see a hive of activity as the multi-million dollar refurbishment begins.Happy Easter Lismore!

CEO, Artistic Director and Founder of Lightnup Inc, the organisation that puts on the Lismore Lantern Parade, released some exciting news to the Lismore App yesterday: the 2025 Lismore Lantern Parade will return to Oakes Oval for the first time since 2018.For the last two years, the Fiery Finale has been held at Riverside Park, down by Wilsons River under Ballina Bridge. In 2021, it was held at the Lismore Showground following COVID-19 and 2022 was on the levee bank.The reason was thanks to another flood event, albeit smaller in scale, Tropical Cyclone Alfred."When Alfie came through, we had a flood down at Riverside Park, and he left behind centimetres of sludge that can't be removed or cleaned out."Jyllie said everything was already in place; the application was completed, the traffic management plan was ticked off, and then she had to "pirouette"."It's a whole different ball game now. Yes, it's going to be such a big space to have to manage and make it work for people."I think because we've always looked after the ground, wherever we've done it, council staff have been very impressed. They know we will look after Oakes Oval. We will be very careful."The 2024 Lantern Parade had an estimated 32,000 people who enjoyed Lismore's largest single-day event. Last year's Fiery Finale was a crowded affair, with many missing out on seeing the spectacular ending due to the topography.(Part of the 2024 Fiery Finale at Riverside Park)Oakes Oval provides newly built grandstands and a large flat viewing area for families to sit and view the finale.Naturally, there will be some changes for this year's Lantern Parade because of a new venue.The grandstands hold approximately 1,000 people and will be ticketed in 2025. The price is yet to be finalised; however, it is likely to be $10 per seat. Sitting on the grass area in front of the stands will be free.People should feel free to bring blankets and pillows for comfort, but camping chairs will need to be at the back of the grassed area so everyone can see and protect the Oakes Oval grass."We have a special accessible area for people with mobility requirements, and also, we've been doing a wonderful project with people who are visually impaired. They will have access, and their support workers and families will be in the right-hand side pavilion, which will be looked after by Social Futures," Jyllie explained.The parade route will now start on Victoria Street, behind Heritage Park."Then we come up Molesworth Street, through the market delight (on Magellan Street) and then turn left along Keen Street, and then down the back lanes (Larkin Lane) past the Met, and across Dawson Street into Oakes Oval.With thousands of parade participants and different classifications of watchers, there will be plenty of signage to make it easy to get to your designated area.The lanterns will pass by the Oakes Oval stands and move around to the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion, where they will be stored, and participants will make their way around to the viewing area.The size of the Fiery Finale depends on how much sponsorship money is raised. If you have a business that would like to be involved for $1,000 or $5,000, get in touch with Jyllie Jackson at the Lismore Lantern Parade.For 2025, Lightnup Inc. is now a registered charity. This means that all donations are tax-deductible. Rather than relying on the buckets collecting coins or notes from people on the side of the street, you can donate whenever you wish and get the benefit of reducing your tax bill. Click on the link to donate https://www.givenow.com.au/30yearsoflanterns. You will receive your receipt as soon as the donation is complete."We have to cut our coat according to our cloth," Jyllie said, "But it will be really fun. We'll have some fireworks, a little bit of fireworks, not a big ten-minute wham bam, thank you, ma'am type of thing, but there will be a little bit of fireworks and quite a lot of fire in a different sort of way," Jyllie said, leaving the details for another time.Jyllie praised Lismore City Council staff for helping her organise the 2025 Lismore Lantern Parade."It's just been lovely, particularly the Parks and Open Spaces people and the events team. They have been awesome."For now, mark Saturday, June 21, on your calendars or schedule the date on your mobile phone.

Transport for NSW is encouraging motorists travelling north into Queensland on the Pacific Motorway to plan their trip and allow extra travel time during the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, with high traffic volumes and delays expected. Northbound traffic on the Pacific Motorway at Tugun is expected to be the busiest on Monday, 21 April, with delays of 25 minutes anticipated, while there will also be delays on Tuesday, 22 April of up to 10 minutes.With motorists expected to head home from holidays before the start of the school term, there will be a second wave of return traffic during the last weekend of the school holidays, from Friday, 25 April. The busiest day northbound will be Sunday, 27 April with expected delays up to 20 minutes.Drivers are reminded the M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades in Queensland could also cause significant traffic delays north of the NSW border.NSW Police will enforce double demerit points for speeding, motorcycle helmet, seatbelt and mobile phone offences from Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April and Thursday, 24 April to Sunday, 27 April 2025.  Please allow extra travel time and use driver navigation apps to assist you on your journey.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For more details about predicted delays on the North Coast and other known holiday traffic pinch points, see the NSW Holiday and Journey planning website.For more information, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/230842, or download the Live Traffic NSW app. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for “Tugun Bypass Tunnel” in your Live Traffic app, select the holiday traffic pin (blue and white star) and click ‘Follow’. You can also refer to qldtraffic.qld.gov.au for up-to-date information.

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.