FRRR (Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal) and VFFF (Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation) are now inviting applications for grants of $50,000 from individuals to develop innovative ideas that enhance the lives of young people (aged 12-30) in remote, rural, and regional NSW.The grants are available through the Backing the Future program. In NSW, the program has already supported 28 individuals by investing $1.4 million in their rural youth-focused projects.Jenny Wheatley, VFFF CEO, said VFFF is excited about Backing the Future’s potential to discover transformative ideas. “Our experience shows that the hardest part of getting a project off the ground is securing initial funding to test the idea. This is especially true in rural and remote areas, where high costs and smaller populations make piloting new projects even more challenging.“Backing the Future bridges this gap by trusting that leaders in local communities can create transformative opportunities for young people, when provided with the right resources.“Applicants not only get the grant funding, but they are also connected in with the staff from FRRR, who provide additional capacity building, connections and networking to ensure that grantees have an opportunity to pilot innovative ideas,” Ms Wheatley explained.Previous grant recipient, Bianca Bellicanta, said that the grant had more of a personal impact than she even anticipated.“Backing the Future gave me the chance to lead a project that truly made a difference.“With my $50,000 grant and support from the Backing the Future team, I was able to work alongside young emerging artists from across the Bega Valley to bring a stunning mural to life. I created paid opportunities for these young local artists and ran creative programs that connected and inspired young people to talk about environment and community impact.“It’s been a huge learning curve and a really rewarding way to grow my leadership and community-building skills,” Ms Bellicanta shared.Unlike many other programs, VFFF’s granting structure enables Backing the Future to fund individuals without requiring the backing of an established organisation, eliminating traditional barriers to entry.Natalie Egleton, FRRR CEO, said that the innovative partnership between FRRR and VFFF means the Foundation can respond to the needs of young people in each community in an agile way, which has resulted in projects with amazing and ongoing impacts.“The growing Backing the Future network is quickly becoming a high-impact alumni of next-gen rural leaders. “We are keen to keep this momentum growing and make sure more rural NSW communities know about the Backing the Future program. That’s why Dubbo, Forbes, and the mid-Murray region can expect to see the Youth Futures team in late June. We encourage any interested applicants in these regions to reach out to organise a face-to-face chat with our team members about your project ideas. “We have been so impressed by the previous Backing the Future cohort, and are really looking forward to working with this next group of changemakers,” Ms Egleton shared.  The Youth Futures team will also be holding a webinar at 12pm (AEST) Monday, 7 July, and FRRR encourages interested applicants to register to learn more. Register at: https://ow.ly/OWSH50W8a6c.Applications are open to anyone aged 18+ with an idea to benefit young people in their remote, rural or regional NSW community. VFFF’s Stories of Giving and Receiving podcast features the journeys of past recipients, highlighting their learnings, successes and advice. It’s a valuable resource to changemakers looking to apply for Backing the Future. The program is now using an Expression of Interest process, with EOIs open until Monday, 28 July. Successful EOIs will be invited to submit a full application from Wednesday, 13 August. Full applications close 5pm AEST on Monday, 8 September. To learn more, head to www.frrr.org.au/backing-the-future or call 1800 170 020 and speak to FRRR’s Youth Futures Manager, Lauren Ryan.

Volunteers are what keep our charities and not-for-profits running, in most cases. The problem is that it is getting more and more difficult to attract people to volunteer.Another very well-known organisation, Friends of the Koala, is preparing for its busiest time of year and needs help.Koala breeding season means that for the next five months, the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital (Friends of the Koala), including its rehabilitation centre, will be at capacity, caring for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas. Friends of the Koala have been guardians, advocates and protectors of our koala community for 39 years. Their amazing volunteers work tirelessly as a team providing care, food, transport and rescue support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. (Volunteer Luke Kane releases a koala)During breeding season, many koala carers are also busy responding to rescue calls all over Lismore and the Northern Rivers, which means their koala care teams need extra support to keep up with the demands at the koala hospital.A Friends of the Koala spokesperson said, "We urgently need support from the community to continue to do what we do."If you can spare a day a week, or every second week for 3 months or more, we urgently need the following:Koala CarersAfternoon shifts at East Lismore (7 days a week, 12.30pm - 4.00pm)These volunteers work to maintain the koalas' runs in the hospital rehab, make observations, arrange and provide food to the koalas. Full training provided.Hotline Responders (remote morning, afternoon and evening shifts)Working from home or wherever you are, all you need is a stable phone line, access to the internet/a device and a computer. Online training provided. Leaf Harvesters (7 days a week from 9.00am - 11.00am)Our leafers work in teams of two, collecting koala food in our vans from properties all over the Northern Rivers including our own plantations, for approximately 3 hours every morning. Volunteers must be comfortable working outdoors, have a moderate level of fitness, a fully unrestricted drivers licence and a genuine ability to be responsible and commit for at least a 3 month period one day a week or every other week."We currently have more than one orphaned joey in care. The cost of raising a single young joey from rescue to release ranges between $15,000 and $20,000. As a charity, we rely solely on the generosity of our volunteers and our community."If you are 18 or over and you would like to make a difference to the future of our koalas and their habitat, please get in touch with us!"You can enrol to volunteer on our website www.friendsofthekoala.org or email volunteercoord@friendsofthekoala.org to find out more."

Northern Rivers Women and Children’s Services Inc. (NORWACS) has announced a significant milestone in its journey of supporting women’s health and wellbeing in the region. As of July 1 2025, the organisation is now known as Women’s Health Northern Rivers (WHNR). This change reflects a renewed focus and commitment to delivering inclusive, accessible, and holistic health services for women across the Northern Rivers region. The new name and brand identity better represent the organisation’s core mission and evolving role in the community. “For over 30 years, NORWACS has been a trusted provider of health and support services for women and children,” said Kim Boyd, Chief Executive Officer of WHNR. “As we move forward, our new name – Women’s Health Northern Rivers – more clearly communicates who we are and the vital work we do to empower women through health, education, and advocacy.” The rebranding includes a refreshed visual identity and website, designed to enhance engagement and accessibility for clients, partners, and the broader community. While the name has changed, WHNR remains deeply committed to its values of compassion, equity, and empowerment. WHNR will continue to offer a wide range of services, including:Counselling Domestic and Family Violence Support Health and Wellbeing Groups Women’s Health Nurse Clinic Health Promotion and Community EducationDrop-In Support Information & Referrals Women’s Health Northern Rivers will also expand its outreach and advocacy efforts to address emerging health needs and promote gender equity across the region. Community members, partners, and stakeholders are invited to visit the new website at www.whnr.org.au (still in development) and follow WHNR on social media to stay updated on services, events, and initiatives. 

As a regional city, Lismore understands that freight is critical to Australia’s economy, but a UNSW expert is warning the industry is falling behind on the road to net zero.Freight supply chains underpin nearly every sector of the economy, delivering petrol to service stations, food to supermarket shelves and goods to retail centres across the country.But the freight industry is under growing pressure as it struggles to align with Australia’s sustainability targets - with the sector still heavily reliant on diesel-powered transport.Transport engineering expert, Dr Elnaz Irannezhad from UNSW’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, warns that without urgent innovation and coordinated policy action, the industry risks becoming a roadblock to Australia’s path to net zero.“From our ports and rails to our intermodal terminals, where containers are moved between different modes of transport, almost all our freight fleet currently runs on diesel fuel,” she says.“There is a huge opportunity to decarbonise the freight and logistics sector – and it starts with collaboration between industry, researchers and government.”Are we headed in the right direction?Transport accounts for approximately 21% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions.Heavy freight makes up about 40% of transport emissions and represents approximately 7% of Australia's total emissions. According to the Federal Government’s Emissions Projections 2024 report, freight emissions are expected to increase by 16% by 2040, due in part to the slow uptake of electric heavy vehicles.“Compared to Europe, where green fleet adoption is further advanced, Australia’s freight challenge is unique,” says Dr Irannezhad.“Our population and infrastructure are spread over vast distances, which makes electrification more complex.”Regulatory inconsistencies between statesBigger distances require bigger batteries for electric freight vehicles. Over the years, most state transport authorities have increased the axle mass limits for the next generation of zero emission heavy vehicles to accommodate for the heavier battery load.While this was a welcome move from the industry, there are still inconsistencies in limits between states and territories.In NSW, zero-emission heavy vehicles can have a higher axle weight limit of up to eight tonnes and a tandem drive axle limit of up to 18.5 tonnes, as long as the total gross vehicle mass does not exceed 26 tonnes.Across the border, Victorian heavy-duty electric trucks can only operate with a 7.5 tonne weight on the steer axle – half a tonne less than NSW.“There is a lack of harmonisation in load per axle regulations across Australia,” says Dr. Irannezhad.“Electric vehicles that comply in one state can become non-compliant once they cross the border, adding another barrier to adoption.”E-commerce growth puts pressure on supply chainsIn 2024, nearly 10 million households made a purchase online, contributing to a record $A56 billion in domestic e-commerce spending. Globally, the market was worth over $US6.3 trillion.With many retailers now offering same or next-day delivery, there is further pressure on the freight and logistics supply chain to move goods to consumers even faster.“During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the closure of shops meant consumers were doing their shopping online – and that behaviour has stuck around,” says Dr. Irannezhad.“Orders that would have once taken days or weeks to be delivered can now arrive on your doorstep the same day or even within a few hours.“Companies are working around the clock on fulfilling the last-mile delivery expectations.”Last-mile delivery – the final leg in the delivery chain from the manufacturer to the customer’s doorstep—is a major contributor to urban congestion.Dr. Irannezhad says there’s been a rise of micro hubs or local fulfilment centres to keep up with demand, especially in larger cities such as New York.“In Australia, a majority of the fleet making these last-mile deliveries are not electric, especially when you move further away from the city centre,” she says.“If we want to reduce environmental impacts, we must connect these fulfilment centres with sustainable transport options.”What needs to happen next?Dr. Irannezhad says the challenge of investing in high-powered charging infrastructure mirrors a familiar dilemma: which comes first — the vehicles or the charging stations?Without widespread charging infrastructure, freight companies are hesitant to adopt electric trucks. But until more low-emission vehicles are on the road, there’s little demand to build the infrastructure.“The same can be said about importing low-emission trucks to Australia. Since we’re a smaller market, the technologies available to us are seven years behind the United States and countries in the European Union.”Similar to the recent New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) , which aims to reduce emissions from new passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles, Dr. Irannezhad says we also need a fuel-efficiency standard for heavy vehicles.“Currently, heavy vehicles in Australia must comply with Euro V emissions standards under the Australian Design Rules. While these standards regulate criteria pollutants such as CO, HC, NOx, they fail to address CO2 emissions which is directly linked to fuel efficiency,” she says.“In stark contrast, the United States, European Union, India and Canada all have mandated heavy vehicle emissions standards for decades.“For example, the European Union has set emission reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) aiming for a 15 per cent cut by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030, and 45 per cent by 2035, with the ultimate goal of 100 per zero emission HDV sales by 2040.“If Australia is serious about meeting our emission targets, we need to raise the bar.“More incentives and subsidies, and clear fuel-efficiency standards for heavy vehicles are just some of the ways we can help lower our emissions.”

As some families head off for a short winter school holiday vacation, vehicle sales for the first half of 2025 show that more Aussie motorists are buying electric vehicles.The debate over driving long distances and finding convenient charging stations using electric vehicles still rages in regional areas; however, according to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), new figures from the EVC and other sources show that more than 14,000 additional battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) have been sold in Australia so far this year compared to the same period in 2024. Between January and June 2025, EVs accounted for more than 12 per cent of all new car sales, up from 9.6 per cent during the same period last year. In June 2025 alone, electric vehicles accounted for almost 16 per cent of all new cars sold.  Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: “Electric vehicle sales are powering ahead in 2025 with more Australians than ever before getting behind the wheel. “An additional 14,000 EVs sold in the first half of this year compared to the same period the year before. Monthly EV sales set a new Australian record in June as well, with market share breaking through 15 per cent for the first time ever. “The transition to electric vehicles is picking up speed - that’s because of federal government support through policies and incentives, and more Australians recognising that making the switch is good for the environment and their wallets. “We’ve seen really important changes come into effect in Australia this year in the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which is bringing consumers more choice in electric cars and more competitive prices.  “More than 350,000 people are driving EVs in Australia today: tradies in utes, mums and dads ferrying their kids in SUVs, suburban dwellers zipping around in hatchbacks and small business owners delivering goods from vans. Once people make the switch to electric driving, they tend to stick to it.  “While the growth in electric vehicle sales is encouraging, it’s crucial that Australia maintains this momentum by expanding infrastructure, increasing incentives, and supporting innovation such as vehicle-to-grid technology. “More EVs on our roads benefit all Australians, delivering quieter streets, cleaner air, and greater protection for our environment.”

Lismore City Council’s mission to rebuild, restore and strengthen community assets and infrastructure following the devastating 2022 natural disasters has reached a significant milestone this month, with 100 projects now complete.Delivered by Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio (FRP), the projects span roads, bridges and landslips; sporting venues, cultural hubs and community facilities; and vital flood resilience infrastructure, including urban stormwater drainage. Combined, they represent approximately 30% of projects in the FRP’s schedule of works, Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said.“Our driving goal has been to deliver the best outcome for the Lismore community – to do it once and do it right,” he said. “The Flood Restoration Portfolio team has been doing great work since the disaster, and following extensive emergency repairs, funding applications, and designing innovative solutions to our unique challenges, it’s now shifting into an exciting new construction phase.” Among the notable achievements so far are: Restoration of 55 road, bridge and landslip damages, including works on Nimbin Road and Blue Knob Road.Restoration of Lismore City Library, Lismore Regional Gallery and Quad, Lismore Municipal Building and Lismore Airport Terminal.Restoration of Albert Park Baseball Complex, Lismore Basketball Stadium, Lismore Workers FC Clubhouse and Marie Mackney Netball Clubhouse.Clearing of more than 8kms of urban stormwater drains.More than 230 additional projects are now in the advanced planning, design and construction stages, with road restorations and flood resilience upgrades to see the highest focus in the coming months and years.The Flood Restoration Portfolio is proudly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. 

One of the Westpac Rescue Helicopters' annual fundraising events is on tonight at the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore.Rock to the Rescue is the brainchild of the Service’s admin and fundraising coordinator, John Bancroft. Starting in 2015, this is the 9th Rock Fundraiser, thanks to the intervention of COVID-19.“We have seven local bands of varied genres all offering to raise funds for the service," John said. "We charge a donation of $10 at the door and sell t-shirts and do raffles. It’s always a good night”John said the event raises over $2,000 for the rescue helicopter service each year and is one of the vital events that support the free, life-saving service.“We have transported approximately 13,000 patients here in the Northern Rivers, and have flown 11 missions in the last ten days,” he added.“It’s all about keeping the helicopter going, maintaining it, putting fuel in it and making sure it's available 24/7.“The service resonates with many people in the community, and almost everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by the service.“We hope to see lots of people come along and support the gig.THE LINE-UP3:30pm New Vintage4:30pm Plan 95:30pm The Hop Ups6:30pm SLUG7:30pm Ghostown8:30pm The Claymores9:30pm This Kiss KillsEach band will play a 50-minute set.“We’d like to thank the bands for offering their talent and support," John concluded. Rock To The Rescue begins at 3:30pm at the Northern Rivers Hotel on Bridge Street, North Lismore, entry is a $10 donation (or more if you are willing). Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.Food is available from the Bistro, and a courtesy bus will be running until late.

We can expect a return to some sunny skies this weekend as the winter school holidays get underway, although the forecast is for a possible shower on Sunday morning.Saturday is the pick of the weekend with a top of 20 degrees, following a cold 5-degree start to the day. On Sunday, there is a 30% chance of a shower, but only 1mm, and that is most likely in the morning, with a warm 22 degrees as the top temperature.Any activity next week will be done under clear blue skies.There is quite a bit of activity to get involved in this weekend, ranging from markets, live music and an Italian Festival.The Lismore Farmers Markets get things underway at the Lismore Showgrounds from 7:30am tomorrow.Locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, meat, hot breakfast, tea and coffee and live music from Malcolm Gladstone will be happening until 11:30am.The 'Through the Heart' photographic exhibition by Jacklyn Wagner can be viewed at the Lismore Regional Gallery from 10am to 4pm over the weekend.Through the Heart captures human stories from the catastrophic February and March floods in 2022. It runs until Sunday, August 10.(Photo: Jacklyn Wagner)The annual Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service 'Rock to the Rescue' fundraiser is on at the Northern Rivers Hotel tomorrow afternoon/night.Seven local bands are volunteering their time to raise over $2,000 for the much-loved charity that has flown approximately 13,000 missions since its inception, 11 of those in the past 10 days.The day gets underway at 3:30 with New Vintage and ends with This Kiss Kills around 10:30pm.It is $10 entry with t-shirt sales and raffles helping raise money that helps run the life-saving rescue chopper.Sunday is Italian day at the Lismore Turf Club, with LisAmore! showcasing everything wonderful about Italy, including its food, wine, live music, dancing, cars and motorbikes.The gates open at 10am and run until 5pm.The Lismore Jazz Club has the Evans Robson Quartet performing at the Lismore City Bowling Club on Molesworth Street on Sunday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm.The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members to see Oz Jazz Royalty, as they were described by the Sydney Morning Herald.There is more live music at the Lismore Heights Sports Club, with Dinner with the Divas. Doors open at 6pm, the show starts at 7pm with Donella and RuBella. The cost is $60, which includes a 2 course meal.Tonight at the Northern Rivers Hotel, Chris Fisher performs from 6pm.The Lismore Workers Club has Ino Pio playing in the Main Lounge 5pm tonight, and Hayley Grace on Saturday night.The Workers Club have some tickets available for the 12pm session to see Dorothy The Dinosaur's Spectacular Show this Sunday. Click here to buy tickets for $25 plus booking fee.Coming up, British '60s band Herman Hermits are playing in Lismore for their 60th Anniversary World Tour on Friday, August 8. You'll hear your old favourites, like Mrs Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter, There's a Kind of Hush and No Milk Today. Tickets are $59 plus booking fee. Click here to purchase.Fuel prices have stabilised following last week's increase. Ballina is the cheapest place to fill the tank.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 174.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore and the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street in Lismore, 176.9 at the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 176.9 across Lismore, 179.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 184.9 at the two Independents (Brad & Sharon) on Terania Street, North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road and the Independent at East Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 178.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 199.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 at The United and the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street, the Liberty on Hare Street and the Liberty on Centre Street in Casino, and 188.7 at the Ampol on Links Avenue, East Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

At 3 o'clock this afternoon, school bells will signify the start of the winter school holidays for two weeks.NSW Police are urging drivers to take extra care on the roads during the holiday period, with data indicating 20 per cent of fatal or serious crashes occur during school holiday periods.If you are hitting the road, police are urging you to drive according to the weather conditions, which are typically adverse in the month of July.The winter public school holidays conclude on Friday, 18 July 2025.Officers will be conducting enforcement patrols and operations over the next two weeks to deter drivers from making poor decisions.In the July school holidays last year, eight people lost their lives in fatal crashes; the same number of deaths were recorded for the same period in 2023.NSW Police data shows almost 20 per cent of crashes involving injuries or fatalities occur during the 12 weeks of public school holidays.So far this year, 190 lives have been lost, 29 more deaths than for this time last year.Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said the July school holidays were typically a time when weather conditions could contribute to serious crashes.“Drivers need to be aware of the risks when travelling in wet and snowing conditions, with black ice a serious hazard on our roads at this time of year,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.“Our data shows one in five serious or fatal crashes happen in the school holidays.“We also know that about two-thirds of fatal crashes occur on regional areas.”Assistant Commissioner Driver said the school holidays were a time when families typically go on road trips, often in unfamiliar territory.“Take extra care, reduce your speed, and remain focused so you and your family can arrive at your destination safely.“As always, don’t speed, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol.”NSW Police figures:2024 School holiday period (12-week period) there were 2106 crashes where people were injured, including 63 fatalities.2023 School holiday period (12-week period) there were 2228 crashes where people were injured, including 56 fatalities.2025 January and April school holiday period there were 1305 crashes where people were injured, including 37 fatalities.The July school holidays are typically the third-worst period for fatal crashes compared to the other school holidays.Driving Tips:Look out for black ice, a coating of glaze ice on the surface of the road which is transparent and hard to see and can cause a loss of traction.Stay alert during heavy rainfall as it can cause pooling on the road, leading to an inability to control the vehicle and poor visibility.Avoid driving in dark and wet conditions as it carries the risk of not seeing wildlife.Drive to the conditions, especially in regional areas like the Snowy Mountains, Orange, Bathurst and the Blue Mountains.Check your cars are roadworthy before travelling – monitor tyre pressure, fluids, brakes, lights, wipers and car battery to ensure they are in good working condition.

Healthy North Coast has announced the first successful recipients of its new Primary Care Impact Grants - innovative, locally designed projects that will support high-quality care for people with chronic diseases across the region.Eighteen (18) grants with a total value of $897,420 have been awarded in this first round, with funding going directly to general practices, Aboriginal Medical Services, allied health businesses and other local providers across Northern NSW and the Mid North Coast, to test and scale creative solutions to current health care challenges. These include local recipients, such as the Dunoon General Practice and Prema House, Lismore.Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the response to the initiative has shown the depth of commitment across general practice and allied health services to improving care for local communities.“Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in Australia, but we know that nearly 40% of this burden could be prevented by early intervention and addressing risk factors.“GPs, nurses and allied health practitioners delivering care every day across our region are well placed to see where change is needed. These grants are about equipping those frontline providers with funding to test new approaches that reduce the impact of chronic diseases in our community.”The Primary Care Impact Grants are part of Healthy North Coast’s commitment to strengthening the region’s primary health care system through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network program.$3.4m in total funding has been made available for the coming year, with future rounds still to come. This includes $1.8m through the MyMedicare Multidisciplinary Teams initiative and $1.6m through the Primary Health Network program funding to support the management of complex and chronic disease in high-risk populations.Haley Hodgson, Director at Maclean Medical, was thrilled to be amongst the successful recipients.“We’re incredibly proud to receive this funding to support a coordinated, multidisciplinary model of care for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, dementia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the Clarence Valley,” Ms Hodgson said.“This grant allows us to expand access to timely care, especially for patients in rural and underserved areas, and to pilot new ways of working collaboratively across general practice, allied health and nursing teams.”The Primary Care Impact Grants are designed to support continuous quality improvement in primary care. The grant applications were reviewed using an evaluation rubric that assessed community need, health equity, efficiency and feasibility of each proposal, by a panel of health experts.Successful proposals had a data-informed and evidence-based approach to meeting the needs of their communities, with a focus on reporting outcomes to drive continuous quality improvement.“These are grassroots innovations with the potential for big impact,” Ms Wheeler added.Each grant recipient will provide valuable data back to Healthy North Coast to assist with the evaluation of this innovative new initiative.More information on the Primary Care Impact Grants, including for local health professionals interested in applying for future rounds, is available on Healthy North Coast’s website.List of Round One Primary Care Impact Grant recipientsMultidisciplinary Team Care Grants:• Dunoon General Practice - Multidisciplinary frailty intervention program - $65,040• Hastings Physio and Health + Werin Aboriginal Corporation + PCYC Port Macquarie -Group based chronic disease prevention program for Indigenous Australians - $75,000• Maclean Medical Centre – Diabetes, heart disease, dementia, arthritis, COPD & anxiety program - $64,000• Dr Tenell Holborow, Port Macquarie – MDT care for residents in aged care - $40,000• The Health Lodge Integrated Medical Centre – Supporting families living in water-damaged homes following the 2022 Northern Rivers floods - $50,000• Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation – Expansion of Youth Program - $75,000• Maria Clinic – Improving outcomes for patients with Type 2 diabetes in Casino - $74,880Total Multidisciplinary Team Care Grants awarded: $443,920Chronic Disease Prevention Grants:• Prema House, Lismore - Nurse-led clinic to address chronic disease and cancer risk in Richmond Valley - $30,000• Scotts Head Medical Practice - Iron infusion service for patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) - $15,000• Kennedy Drive Medical Centre, Tweed Heads - Prevention-focused chronic disease program centring on mental health - $29,500• Woopi Medical Centre - Practice-wide chronic disease prevention and management program - $50,000• Rekindling the Spirit - 48-week Aboriginal Healthy Lifestyle Program - $50,000• McKay Street Surgery, Macksville - Early detection, education, lifestyle change, and coordinated care - $30,000• The Physio Movement, Woolgoogla - Pain management program to address chronic musculoskeletal pain - $50,000• Rose Avenue Medical Practice, Coffs Harbour - Raise awareness of hypertension and promote early detection - $50,000• OneBridge, Ballina - Nurse-led chronic disease prevention and management program targeting individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and chronic illness - $50,000• CHC Medical, Coffs Harbour - Chronic disease screening program to detect and manage diabetes and cardiovascular risk - $50,000• One more grant TBC - $49,000Total Chronic Disease Prevention Grants awarded: $453,500More information about each of the round one grant recipients can be found on Healthy North Coast’s website.

The NSW Government is collaborating with businesses to build the net-zero workforce of the future by giving students the opportunity to be job-ready for a career in decarbonisation through a new $1 million internship program.Applications are now open for businesses and students who want to take part in NSW Skills for Net Zero. It is a three-year pilot program that will pair 100 tertiary students with businesses in NSW to undertake at least 200 hours of paid work on projects that reduce emissions.Businesses involved in the program will receive end-to-end recruitment and placement support to address specific skills gaps.Workplaces will also receive a $2,500 payment to subsidise the intern’s wage, paid after the internship is completed.Students in their penultimate or final year of tertiary study are encouraged to apply and help businesses contribute to achieving net zero across the state.The types of roles they could take on could involve:Supporting sustainable packaging and emissions reporting in advanced manufacturing.Focusing on reducing emissions in agribusiness.Contributing to more sustainable freight and logistics processes.In addition to boosting skills and supporting businesses and industry, this action will take NSW closer to our legislated net zero targets, to safeguard our state and our planet for future generations.NSW Skills for Net Zero is part of the government’s Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative which provides opportunities for NSW businesses to remain leaders in the net zero transition. The NSW Government has engaged CSIRO to deliver the program.For details, students and businesses are encouraged to visit https://www.csiro.au/en/education/Initiatives/NSW-Skills-for-Net-Zero.Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said, “This program is a win-win-win for students, businesses and the move to net zero.“Businesses will tell the program what skills they need to further their decarbonisation projects, and we’ll connect them with talented tertiary students from whatever course is required.“I encourage any business working on decarbonising projects to see how they could benefit from having a skilled student intern on staff.”Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said, “The Minns Labor Government is continuing to fund the training and skills development needed to grow our workforce and give students the experience they need to secure the jobs of the future.“I urge passionate tertiary students in their second-last and final-year to explore this fantastic opportunity and see how their skills can contribute to our net zero future.”

The 2022 floods unified our community as friends, family, and perfect strangers pitched in to rescue, recover and rebuild the lives of those directly affected by Australia's most costly disaster.An example of that was brought to light recently when the Rotary Club of Goonellabah held a morning tea to celebrate raising an incredible $500,000 to help people get back on their feet through the Repair to Make Liveable Flood Project.Brian Henry, the Flood Recovery Committee Project Manager, said the club recognised there was a longer-term need to assist flood-affected people."Instead of committing our resources to assist in providing immediate emergency needs such as food, clothing, personal items and shelter etc, we focused on the next major stage of assisting in getting residents back into their homes via what was named the “Repair to Make Liveable Program”.(Left to Right Standing: Ruth Harrison from Our House, Steve Smith from Lismore Soup Kitchen, Paul Murphy from Rotary Club of Goonellabah, Greg Isaac from Lismore Catholic Diocese, Brendan Muldoon from Joel Jensen Constructions, Melissa Gahan from Lismore Catholic Diocese, David Pearson from Rotary Australia World Community Service, John Oomen Rotary District 9640 District Governor. Left to Right Sitting: Renee Simpson, a Flood Impacted Resident, Leonie Baxter, a Flood Impacted Resident, Elly Bird from Resilient Lismore and Brian Henry from Rotary Club of Goonellabah)"It was only through a well-organised co-operative approach that we have been successful. We commenced the program with $5,000 donated by club members and then leveraged that with contributions through our Rotary contacts, both locally and around Australia, as well as gaining matching contributions from local philanthropic organisations and a foundation."The $500,000 we raised in itself wasn’t sufficient to get the job done. We needed a cooperative approach from various local organisations and businesses to effectively undertake the repairs."We were fortunate to have the full support of Joel Jensen Construction and his crew of workers. In addition, Resilient Lismore played an important role in arranging and selecting residents who needed assistance with repairs and the Lismore Soup Kitchen support group assisted in coordinating many of the smaller repair projects."Many of the flood-impacted residents in and around Lismore are still living in partially restored homes. There is still much to be done."The success of this project certainly required a coordinated approach with various groups with specific skills. The Rotary Club of Goonellabah was very much hands-on in ensuring that the day-to-day coordination was carried out in an effective and timely manner.The Repair to Make Liveable Flood Project carried out 64 repair projects of which 10 were significant, aimed at restoring a major room, such as a bathroom or kitchen at an average cost of $32,500 each.(Before)(After)The vast majority of the significant projects were located in the South and North Lismore area, together with a couple of rural homes at Dungarubba (between Wardell and Coraki) and one in the river town of Woodburn."Whilst we will investigate the opportunity to raise further funding, we believe this will be difficult given the demand for flood assistance around the Taree area and the fact that the Lismore flood occurred over 3 years ago," Brian said."Regardless, the club has made a donation to the flood-impacted residents on the Mid North Coast through the Rotary Club of Wingham. Interestingly, it is now recognised and officially stated that Lismore will more likely take 10 years of restoration and redevelopment for the town to fully recover."The Rotary Club of Goonellabah would like to thank their sponsors, who included:Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Community Enterprise FoundationRotary Foundation AustraliaRotary 9640 Flood Relief FundRotary Australia World Community ServiceLismore Soup KitchenTwo local philanthropic organisationsBehind the scenes supporters, such as Joel Jenson Constructions Resilience LismoreAnd last but not least, the members of the Rotary Club of GoonellabahTo fully understand and appreciate the significance of what the Rotary Club of Goonellabah has achieved, take a close look at the images below. They tell the full flood story of a house on Phyllis Street, South Lismore, to make it liveable.

Wondering when and if your bus will arrive to take you to your destination is a thing of the past as, for the first time, all NSW regional bus passengers can access real-time bus travel information from their smart devices – the same smart technology Sydney commuters have enjoyed for years. All 3,010 contracted buses across rural and regional NSW, which collectively cover more than 3,880 routes and around 316,000 kilometres per day, are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology. The upgrades give rural and regional communities more reliable trips, with passengers now able to:  Track their bus in real-time using any travel app, including Opal Travel or via Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner website Get accurate arrival times and capacity information  Access interactive maps, digital timetables, and route information  Plan smoother journeys through Transport for NSW's Trip Planner (The technology in each contracted bus. Image: supplied)The smart technology system brings rural and regional NSW in line with Greater Sydney and Outer Metropolitan areas. It means the state’s entire fleet of contracted buses, both on regular and school services, can now be tracked by their passengers. As well as benefiting passengers, this data gives Transport and bus operators the tools to improve operations management to help keep services running on time. The technology was also used by bus operators on the NSW North Coast to cancel trips promptly and consistently during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The Transport Connected Bus program was the result of collaboration with 451 contracted bus operators, ranging from large fleet companies to small mum-and-dad businesses, with the fit-outs completed ahead of schedule. More about the Transport Connected Bus program can be found at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/transport-connected-bus-program.  Learn about using the Transport for NSW Trip Planner tool at transportnsw.info/trip or other apps at transportnsw.info/apps. Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “As someone who represents a regional community, I know how frustrating it is for regional commuters and public transport users who feel left behind when it comes to accessing real-time data. No matter where you live in NSW, you deserve the same quality public transport experience.  “The Minns Labor Government isn't just upgrading buses – we're leveling the playing field and building stronger, more connected regional communities. "With more than 40 million regional bus journeys every year, every passenger deserves a smooth, reliable trip. These upgrades eliminate the guesswork, now you'll know exactly where your bus is and when it will arrive. "This is the Minns Labor Government building better communities and a better NSW, ensuring regional areas aren't left behind but are equipped with the same world-class transport technology as our biggest cities." 

From September, general practitioners in NSW will be able to resupply ADHD medication to their patients, marking the first phase of landmark reforms by the NSW Government to make ADHD care cheaper and accessible.To support the rollout, the state government is today inviting GPs to express their interest in undertaking the required training by completing an EOI form on the NSW Health website.These reforms will ease pressure on families who currently face long waits and high out-of-pocket costs to access life-changing ADHD care.Once training is completed, GPs will be able to manage resupply prescriptions without needing a formal arrangement with a psychiatrist or paediatrician. This means faster access to care and fewer financial barriers for families.For the first time, thousands of people will be able to have their ADHD medication resupplied by their regular doctor.Currently, most people seeking ADHD care must navigate a costly and overloaded specialist system, experiencing long wait times and high fees, which could delay treatment and cause harm, particularly for children. These delays can have a significant impact on their development, such as poorer academic progress, employment opportunities and mental health.That’s why the initial rollout will prioritise children on stable doses of medication to ensure early and consistent access to care.By the end of the year, further training to enable GPs to diagnose and initiate medication will begin.NSW Health is paying for GPs to complete this training and access to resources so that as many people as possible can benefit from these changes.Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “The beginning of this training is a welcome milestone because it means people, especially children, with ADHD are one step closer to having their condition managed by a GP.“These reforms will have a positive impact on patients both in terms of saving them time and money while accessing care that they need, but we also know the flow-on effects will be huge.”Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said, “Since our announcement last month, we’ve seen an overwhelming outpouring of support for these reforms, from women, parents, teachers and people with ADHD who know just how broken the old system was.“Women, especially those who were undiagnosed as children, often face stigma and financial barriers when they finally seek support for ADHD. Giving GPs the ability to resupply is a simple, practical step that will make a real difference.“We are building a system where ADHD care is based on need, not income. No more waiting lists just to refill your script. No more reaching for your credit card to access essential healthcare.“These reforms are about fairness. Your ability to get help for ADHD shouldn’t depend on how much money you have or whether you can afford a specialist appointment.”NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said, “NSW Health is proud to have worked on these reforms that create another avenue for patients to receive the care they need.“We look forward to supporting doctors who make the decision to complete this training.”RACGP NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said, “The new training program empowers GPs to expand their scope and ensure more equitable access to ADHD treatment across NSW, particularly for children and families in regional and rural areas.“GPs are experts in long-term, holistic, complex and chronic care. This reform recognises our role and strengthens the continuity of care for people living with ADHD.“We welcome the government's commitment to upskilling and supporting GPs, and we look forward to seeing these changes improve lives from September. No longer should ADHD be stigmatised, doing this brings it into mainstream care, and ensures all patients will be able to access the care they need”

As sales of illegal tobacco increase due to rising prices, NSW retailers and wholesalers who wish to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products now must apply for a licence as part of the NSW Government’s Tobacco Licensing Scheme.Applications will be screened to check if the applicant has been found guilty of an offence relating to the sale or supply of tobacco or vaping goods under any relevant state, territory, and Commonwealth legislation, which could see them refused a licence to sell these products.Businesses can apply for a licence online using their MyServiceNSW account via the Service NSW website.Applicants will be required to complete an online application, provide a recent criminal records check and pay the yearly licence fee.Businesses can get support to submit their licence application by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.The new Tobacco Licensing Scheme, which has come into effect today, will give retailers and wholesalers a grace period until 1 October 2025 to apply for a licence. Retailers must display their tobacco licence at the point of sale.In NSW, vaping goods can only be purchased from pharmacies. It is illegal for all other retailers to sell any type of vaping good, regardless of its nicotine content. Pharmacies do not need a tobacco licence to sell vaping goods.New penalties have also been introduced for anyone caught selling products without a valid licence.The maximum penalties will be:For individuals - $11,000 for a first offence, and $44,000 for a second or subsequent offenceFor a corporation - $220,000NSW Health is doubling the number of authorised inspectors from 14 to 28 to strengthen compliance efforts across the state. Recruitment of the additional 14 enforcement officers is currently underway, and these officers are expected to be onboarded throughout July. These new staff are in addition to existing authorised inspectors across NSW Health Public Health Units.From 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025, NSW Health inspectors conducted about 400 retailer inspections and seized more than 3.2 million cigarettes, 700 kg of other illicit tobacco products and over 55,000 illegal vaping goods with an estimated combined street value of around $5.5 million.In 2024, NSW Health inspectors conducted over 2,000 retail inspections and seized more than 13.5 million cigarettes and over 3,100kg of other illicit tobacco products, with an estimated street value of over $15.1 million; and more than 295,000 nicotine vapes, e-liquids and pouches, with an estimated street value of over $9.5 million.More information on the new Tobacco Licensing Scheme, including how retailers and wholesalers can apply for a licence can be found on the NSW Health website: NSW tobacco licensing schemeMinister for Health, Ryan Park said, “The NSW Government’s tobacco licensing scheme will help clean out bad actors in NSW’s tobacco market and level the playing field for small businesses who do the right thing. “Labor is getting on with the job of delivering what the Liberals failed to do, and what small businesses have long been calling for - a tobacco licensing scheme.“Their failure to implement a tobacco licensing scheme ushered in a tsunami of bad actors into the tobacco market.“It used to be the case that regardless of your history, you’d just need to let the NSW Government know of your intention to sell tobacco.“Under this new scheme, you’ll need to actively seek permission, and if we find you’ve got a history of doing the wrong thing, the government’s got the power to say no.” NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said, “The new Tobacco Licensing Scheme will enable us to better monitor retailers and wholesalers to ensure they are doing the right thing and to take appropriate action if they are not.“Tobacco use remains one of the biggest factors contributing to premature death. I acknowledge it’s not always easy, but I encourage people who smoke to think about quitting both for themselves and for their loved ones. “Quitting smoking remains the most beneficial thing an individual can do to improve their health.”“If you need support to quit smoking or vaping talk to your GP or call the NSW Quitline on 13 7848. The Quitline is a free and confidential telephone counselling service that provides customised assistance to help you quit smoking.”  

The cost and availability of insurance have been in the Top 5 talking points for home and business owners since the 2022 big flood.The Business Beyond Disasters program discusses all aspects of insurance, as well as participants learning how to prepare for disaster, trade during tough times, and gain strategies for recovering quicker when disaster strikes. It’s free to all businesses and not-for-profits in Lismore and the Northern Rivers until December 2025. Launched in March by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the Building Beyond Disasters program was developed and delivered by credited social enterprise Resilient Ready, which specialises in business and community risk reduction and resilience. Ten online learning modules help your business plan effectively for disasters, build essential business continuity capabilities and work together to overcome future challenges. Topics covered include operating through disasters, financial viability, understanding insurance, evacuation triggers and how disasters can bring opportunities. You can choose one of five specific programs that best align with your business, including: Retail, professional services and educationAgribusiness and aqua businessTourismHealth and social servicesConstruction, trade and manufacturing  Participants can share experiences in online weekly catch-ups and learn the resilience initiatives adopted by other businesspeople across the region. Resilient Ready CEO Renae Hanvin says the “understand insurance choices” module was specially created given the challenges in the Northern Rivers. “In fact, the whole Business Beyond Disasters program has local people just like you to help as they share their experience.”Business Beyond Disasters is a Disaster Ready Fund project funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government. Ms Hanvin said, “We know from examples around the world, including Australia, that businesses and not-for-profits that are prepared for disaster have a better chance of surviving disaster and thriving afterwards.” Each module in the Building Beyond Disasters takes about five minutes, and you can do it at your convenience.“It’s not a boring online program – it’s one that has videos to watch, worksheets to print out and talk with your team or business friends next door and online check-ins to ask your questions to experts. “The best bit is, it’s free – but the lessons you learn and the small actions you take now are priceless for the survival of your business.”  Go to https://resilientready.org/project/business-beyond-disasters-northern-rivers/ to register.

One of Lismore's long-established businesses, Bolt Barn, has been the subject of confusion since the for-sale sign went up at the building at 183 Union Street.A number of people, including tradespeople, mistakenly thought that the Bolt Barn business was closing along with the sale of the property.This is definitely NOT the case. Bolt Barn has been a constant sight in South Lismore for many years and will be for many more years to come, according to new manager Ash Waring.Ash Waring's surname is familiar to everyone who has done business with Bolt Barn since 1991, as he is the son of former owners Chris and Linda Waring.(From left: Peter Wooldridge, Ash Waring, Michael Eyles, Joseph Valentine)“I’m looking forward to meeting our loyal customers and hoping to see some new ones," Ash said."The Bolt Barn is a great business with great people working in it. We’re looking forward to continuing to offer our service and selling quality Bolts, of course, as well as specialty fasteners, tools and general associated gear you may need.”"If you haven’t shopped with us at all, or not for a while, I encourage you to come and see us and the range we offer. We’re backed by the Construction Supply Specialists buying group, which gives us access to almost anything available in the industry at competitive prices."If we don’t stock it at our Lismore or Grafton branches, we can get it for you."When the building does sell, Bolt Barn is committed to Lismore and will continue to service the community and its businesses as normal.Bolt Barn is open Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm.

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