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.

This news story is not from Lismore or the Northern Rivers, but it is Crazy But True, so it is worth reading.A woman has been charged – and her vehicle confiscated – after she was allegedly detected speeding in the state’s south three times on the same day.Police were called to the Hume Highway, Gunning, about 45km east of Yass, following multiple calls relating to alleged dangerous driving.Officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a 19-year-old woman about 10.40am, after allegedly she was detected travelling in excess of the 110km/h speed limit. She was issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 20km/h.About 11.45am on the same day, officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were patrolling the Hume Highway, Tumblong, about 14.5km southeast of Gundagai, when they detected a P-plate driver allegedly travelling at 215km/hr in a 110km/hr zone.The same 19-year-old female driver was stopped and issued with a court attendance notice for drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and P2 driver exceed speed by more than 45 km/h. Her P2 licence was suspended and her vehicle licence plates confiscated for three months.She will appear in Gundagai Local Court on Friday, 13 June 2025.About 2.10pm on the same day, the same driver was allegedly detected travelling at 201km/h in a 110km/h zone on the Hume Highway, Table Top, 16km north-east of Albury. She was stopped and arrested, before being taken to Albury Police Station where she was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, class A motor vehicle exceed speed by more than 45 km/h, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, operate vehicle during number-plate confiscation period, and tamper with etc number-plate confiscation notice.She was granted conditional bail to appear in Albury Local Court on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.Crazy But True.

Police are urging motorists to take extra care during these school holidays following an increase in fatalities on the state’s roads.Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said the number of lives lost on our roads this year has already reached an alarming level, with 39 crashes resulting in 41 people killed in March, the highest in a month since 2019.“Last year in NSW, there were 85 murders; however, four times as many people – 338 – died on our roads: that is a senseless loss of life,” Deputy Commissioner Pisanos said.“The only way to stop the carnage is for drivers to step up and stick to the rules; it’s just not worth your life. One wrong move behind the wheel, and you’re dead.“With the death last night of a man in Muswellbrook, 103 people have now died on NSW roads this year; that’s far too many families left without a son, father, daughter or mother, the road toll rips lives apart,” he said.Of those fatalities, 19 were aged 26 to 35, 18 were aged 76 to 95, followed by 17 aged between 18 to 25. The young man who died last night is awaiting formal identification.Of these, 45 were drivers, 17 passengers, 27 motorcyclists, nine pedestrians and five cyclists.Regional roads account for the deadliest roads for fatalities this year, with six people killed on the Princes Highway, six people killed on the Hume Highway, and four on the Pacific Highway.NSW Police will have a high-visibility presence across the state during Operation Easter 2025 and Operation ANZAC Day 2025 to coincide with a higher number of motorists travelling across the state.Double demerits will be in place from Thursday, 17 April 2025, until 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, until Sunday, 27 April 2025.The police operations will occur during the NSW school holidays, where a large number of families will be travelling to and from destinations across the state.Officers will be targeting risky driver behaviour, including the Four Ds: drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving, as well as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and mobile phone use.This year, there have been more than 51,100 speeding offences detected by police, along with 3,350 drunk-driving offences and more than 5,200 illegal mobile phone offences.The high-visibility policing operation is a statewide operation and will involve general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command.Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to dangerous driving behaviour, just as they do every day of the year.“We know this is an exciting time – everyone’s eager to get where they’re going and be with family and friends, but we want you to get there safely. This means slowing down, driving to the conditions and making smart choices every time you get behind the wheel,” Minister Catley said.“Don’t make this a holiday to remember for all the wrong reasons. No one wants their long weekend story to end with flashing lights, a court date, or worse, a knock on the door that no family should ever receive.“If you speed, drive under the influence, use your phone, or push through fatigue – you’re putting lives at risk. Don’t do it. Slow down, switch off, and stop if you’re tired. It’s that simple.”Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, reminded motorists to drive to the conditions, anticipate delays and respect all other road users.“Drivers need to take responsibility and know that with the extra police presence on our roads that they will be held to account for their actions,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.“Drivers are reminded that if they are travelling with luggage, the additional weight means cars will take longer to stop. Therefore, leave plenty of space between other vehicles.“We need every road user – whether they’re a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist, or pedestrian – to follow the road rules, not become complacent and to make smart choices.“That includes sticking to the speed limit, wearing a seatbelt, never driving when tired, not using a mobile phone while driving and do not drive if affected by drugs or alcohol.“Drivers are reminded to take regular breaks and be patient and calm in holiday traffic.”Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray is urging everyone travelling on NSW’s roads this Easter to put safety first.“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. I’m urging all drivers to be alert, patient and considerate – especially with more people expected on our roads across the next two weeks of long weekends,” Mr Murray said.“Tragically, too many lives have already been lost in crashes in NSW this year. These aren’t statistics: they're young lives full of promise, best friends, mums and dads who won’t make it home to waiting families.“We all share the road – and share the responsibility. Drive so others survive.“Let’s make sure everyone gets to their destination safely and enjoys their Easter and Anzac weeks.“And to the frontline staff working through the long weekends – thank you. Your efforts keep the network moving and our communities safe.”

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has held his annual School Leaders event in Lismore with over 300 students, parents, and teachers. The event recognises the important role of school leaders in our local school communities.“This is a great opportunity to celebrate the leadership, responsibility and pride our young people show in their schools,” Mr Hogan said.This year’s guest speaker was Norm Black, co-founder of travel company TripADeal. Mr Hogan said Norm’s story of perseverance and vision struck a chord with the audience.“Norm’s journey—from humble beginnings to building a successful international business—was incredibly inspiring. His message about resilience, taking chances, and backing yourself really resonated with the students.”“I want to acknowledge the teachers, mums, dads, carers, and grandparents who took time to come along and support these young leaders. Our community is stronger because of the encouragement and guidance they provide.”“The future is in good hands.”Each school across the region received an invitation to pass on to their Student Representative Councils and elected student leaders.

Small business owners are facing concerning rates of mental ill-health, prompting calls for greater investment in tailored mental health supports.The Wellbeing and Prevention Coalition in Mental Health, together with the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), has released its latest policy brief, ‘Promoting Small Business Owner Mental Health.’  The latest data shows that small business owners (SBOs) continue to experience significantly higher rates of stress, depression, and anxiety compared to the general population. Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said people are struggling, and there are significant knock-on effects to the economy. “Poor mental health impacts productivity and costs the Australian economy up to $220 billion annually,” Ms Harman said.   “Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, and they should be looked after. We owe it to them, their families, their employees, and their communities. “Solutions must focus on prevention and early support to decrease the prevalenceand impact of mental illness within the small business sector, so that people don’t reach crisis point with their business or their mental health.” COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat said small businesses make up 97% of all businesses in Australia. “Small businesses employ almost half the private sector workforce, yet they operate in a unique and often challenging context, facing financial pressures, isolation, and long working hours. “These factors, combined with limited access to resources and mental health support, create a perfect storm for mental ill-health. “Many SBOs find mental health support difficult to find and afford and are generally unaware of the programs and services available, so more work is needed to ensure these programs are visible, accessible, and useful to small business – including through their trusted and familiar channels.  “We need to meet them where they are,” he said. Everymind Director Dr Jaelea Skehan OAM said the policy brief aims to put the spotlight on what is currently missing.  “Policy, legislation and support strategies are often targeted towards large businesses, leaving small businesses behind in taking effective action on mental health in the workplace,” she said. “We need to continue to actively involve small business owners to ensure they have fit-for-purpose advice and support to prevent and respond to the psychosocial risks involved in owning and running a small business. Decisions need to be made with SBOs, not for them.”  The Wellbeing and Prevention Coalition in Mental Health is urging governments at all levels to prioritise the mental health of SBOs by: Embedding the voices of SBOs: ensure programs and policies are tailored with input from small business owners.  Protecting and promoting mental health: increase funding for evidence-based programs that support SBO wellbeing.  Addressing distress drivers: ensure programs understand and address the unique risk factors faced by SBOs.  Increasing awareness, access, and uptake: utilising trusted channels to promote available support.  Ensuring national consistency: co-ordinating and sustainably funding a national approach consistent with the National Workplace Initiative.  Supporting risk management: help SBOs identify and mitigate psychological health risks through the workplace health and safety framework.  Building the knowledge base: investing in research to better understand and address SBO mental health.  New South Wales business owner Jeremy Suggett said the mental health challenges facing the sector are being ignored.  “Small businesses need more accessible, flexible support systems – ones that recognise our distinct pressures and can help us create healthier work environments for ourselves and our staff,” he said. “We have different needs – even if we aren’t feeling mentally well, we still need to turn up, answer the phone/emails, send out stock, pay the staff and keep the business going – the buck stops with us.” Last year, Mr Suggett was stressed about the future of his business. “I felt very exposed, I lost clarity, I lost interest in sleeping and eating, and everything became stressful. I didn't have the option of taking time off, but needed help suitable to my situation. “We need more policies that recognise the struggles we face, that reflect our voice and support that fits the reality of small businesses,” he said. The report highlighted the success of existing programs like Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO), and Everymind’s Ahead for Business. NASBO is a free and confidential program that’s proven to stop mental health issues from snowballing and provides people with practical support to manage their mental health. Everymind’s Ahead for Business, a tailored mental health program, specifically designed for SBOs, has also had users report increased ability and confidence to manage their mental health and wellbeing. Read the Policy Brief: Promoting Small Business Owner Mental Health here: https://bit.ly/42bOmHz. Beyond Blue Support Service available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au/getsupport National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 or ndh.org.au/financial-counselling/find-a-financial-counsellor/ Small Business Debt Helpline 1800 413 828 or sbdh.org.au 

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

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

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

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

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

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.