At a special NSW SES North Eastern Zone Award Ceremony on Saturday in Ballina, two Lismore stalwarts were awarded their fourth clasp and a certificate for 60 years of service.It is difficult to imagine that a person can volunteer for such a long period of time. Such a commitment to helping the community certainly deserves public recognition.Stand up Ed Bennett and Jon Habib. Each 15 years, volunteers receive a clasp to put on their ribbon. Ed and John now have four each.Ed Bennett also received the National Emergency Medal for the 2017 Cyclone Debbie event.Ed started his service in February 1964, at the age of 23, when he moved back to the Northern Rivers after six years away teaching."I joined what was then called the Civil Defence, which morphed into the SES a few years later," Ed explained."I got transferred to Richmond River High School, but just before my transfer went through, I received a letter from my immediate boss at Richmond River and amongst other things, he said, as a fit young male, you'll be expected to do four things. One was playing in the cricket team that was made up mostly of Richmond River staff because that year the Southern District Cricket Club formed, and one of our staff members said we've got enough people here to provide you with a team. So, I was expected to join the cricket group and play golf because a lot of young males were playing golf."And I'd be expected to join the flood group with the Civil Defence because it was run by one of the staff at Richmond River. And the fourth thing I was expected to do was give the lizard a run at the Metropole on a Friday afternoon. I didn't quite know what that meant, but I found out it was going and having a beer with the boys at the end of the week." "So, as soon as I got here, the very next week after school started in early February 1964, I was out on the river in a boat learning the ropes". Ed explained that he stayed in the flood group from 1964 to 1975, when he was moved to the flood intelligence group, which was attached to the Richmond Tweed Region, now called the North Eastern Zone at Lancaster Drive, Goonellabah. Then, in 2016, he moved to the Lismore City Group.As you can imagine, Ed has seen and experienced many floods in his 85 years. What has been a significant improvement in that time?"Just to give you an idea of how things have changed, in the '60s we had little tinnies, as you describe them, with 10 and 15 hp motors. In one of the floods, either '65 or '67, a good mate and I were put up in a house near Riverview Park and we had to putter around South Lismore doing various things but if we wanted to get back to the to the rowing club building which is near the Transit Centre, our motors weren't strong enough to go straight up the river against the current. We had to creep up the western bank and then go a little bit upstream and then come across at an angle to the rowing club."Of course, now, the boats are bigger and they've got 60 hp and even 90 hp motors. Those sorts of things change in every aspect of life. If you go back a little bit further in the 1954 flood, which was the same height as the '74 flood, the local group wasn't called Civil Defence, it was called the Lismore Water Brigade and Rowing Club, and they had rowboats. They didn't have motors then."Ed's 60-Year Long Service recipient is his good mate John Habib. John's father was on Lismore City Council and had a lot to do with the development of the Lismore Airport, and also volunteered with the NSW SES. Everyone knows of Habib Drive in South Lismore."John is the flood warden for South Lismore," Ed explained, "He goes around talking to businesses and residents, especially as a flood is developing and approaching. He'll go and give people some early warning. John is well-liked and well-respected, and he's been doing that for a long time, while his father had the same position before John.(John Habib receiving his certificate and clasp for 60 years of service to the NSW SES)The NSW SES is always looking for volunteers, and Ed took the opportunity to list an array of jobs that people can do within the SES."We have specific boat crews. We have other people who specialise in getting up on the roof and putting tarpolins on and doing temporary repairs. Other people are qualified chainsaw operators who go out and cut up trees that fall over a driveway so people can have access. And then there are people who have indoor jobs."There are people who operate our phones and computers and deal with calls for help, and pass them on to the people who can actually go out and do the outdoor tasks. Also, the SES volunteers are called upon to help the police from time to time with searching for people and helping out at road accidents, all sorts of things. It's quite a range of things that people do. Everybody's welcome," Ed said.At the age of 85, Ed is starting to think about allowing the younger members to come through."How long is a bit of string? I've just had my 85th birthday, so I thought that might be a good time to think about retiring. There's a couple of things in the pipeline later this year, so I'll probably give it away at the end of this year." As you can imagine, Ed has a wealth of experience when dealing with all aspects of a flood. Ed wanted to impart what happens at the NSW SES North Eastern Zone headquarters in Goonellabah."When a rain event comes that might lead to flooding, we keep an eye on the rainfall over the catchment, and we've got automatic flood gauges on all the major streams, and we monitor those. We have contact with the Bureau of Meteorology, and over the years we've had a lot of conversations with them where, on occasion, we've disagreed with their prediction and had a discussion, and sometimes they've sort of modified their prediction."It's a good relationship we have with them. One interesting thing, a good mate of mine, Trevor Reynolds, who was a teacher at Lismore High and a mathematician and computer whiz, developed a flood forecasting model, which the bureau has taken aspects of it and incorporated into their forecasting.""I think the BoM gets a fair bit of unfair criticism, because I mean they're not perfect and they'll admit that, and a lot of people don't fully understand that a forecast is what they think is likely to happen and when they forecast rain or whatever and it doesn't eventuate exactly as their forecast people will say they got it wrong again. And of course, they're going to get it wrong again because forecasting things is not an exact science. It's not like an experiment that you conduct in a laboratory. "I read a comment that somebody made from Melbourne. They said we will never be able to forecast that. I'll put it in a local context. A thunderstorm is going to hit Lismore airport at 3 pm tomorrow afternoon and bring 35mm of rain, that sort of accuracy just is not possible."

In early March 2023, two weeks before the state election, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin made an election commitment of $7.5 million to construct a roundabout at the notorious Bruxner Highway/Alphadale/Cowlong Road blackspot.Ahead of today's 2025/26 Budget, the NSW Government has announced a further $3.9 million to fulfil its election promise and deliver the much-needed safety improvements along the Bruxner Highway. This brings the total commitment to $11.4 million.The new funding will progress the upgrade of the Bruxner Highway and Cowlong and Alphadale roads intersection to construction, improving this key connection between Lismore and Ballina.After seeking feedback from the community, the preferred option has been identified as the installation of traffic lights. The new traffic lights will lead to the best safety outcome, particularly for heavy vehicles, and improve traffic flow and circulation.Transport for NSW found that due to the existing topography of the site, any roundabout would likely have a slight gradient, potentially increasing risks for truck rollovers. A similar risk does not exist with traffic lights, which are safer. A roundabout would’ve also increased the project’s footprint and required property acquisition from surrounding landholders.The 2025-26 Budget invests $12.1 billion over the next four years for roads and public transport across Regional NSW.This Budget also invests $2.8 billion in partnership with the Australian Government in road safety over four years, delivering on commitments in the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan to allow the North Coast to focus on reducing deaths and serious injuries.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “I’ve fought for this safety upgrade for a long time and secured a $7.5-million election commitment in 2023. I’m glad to see the project receive all the funding it needs to get delivered.“I’ve been advised by Transport for NSW that the project has only undergone early strategic concept assessment, and more detailed investigations and design concept work is yet to begin.“While Transport will endeavour to work through this phase as quickly as possible, a number of investigations are needed to ensure this proposal can be delivered and operate safely.“It is currently too early to determine a likely construction start, but an indicative timeline for development activities will be developed over the coming months.”Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “The upgrade to the Alphadale Road and Bruxner Highway intersection will make a real difference to the safety and daily lives of locals.“It’s about making sure families get home safely, freight moves efficiently, and growing regions have the infrastructure they need for the future.”

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has congratulated winners and finalists in the 2025 North & Mid North Coast Regional Training Awards held in Byron Bay on Friday night.Ms Saffin, who is also Minister for the North Coast, said three of the seven category winners come from the Electorate of Lismore and have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their workplaces and industries.This year’s Regional Training Award winners are:Apprentice of the Year, Jake Barlow, of Geneva, Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead Essential Energy, Essential Energy.Vocational Student of the Year, Numoil Smith, of Goonellabah, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, TAFE NSW, Goodstart Early Learning.VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year, Neil O’Donnell, of Murwillumbah, music teacher, NSW Department of Education.Trainee of the Year, Nicole Shedden, of Kingscliff, Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, TAFE NSW, Sensational Minds Therapy.VET in Schools Student of the Year, Bodhi Perandis, of Tweed Heads, Certificate III in Sport Coaching, NSW Department of Education.            Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Joshua Maguire, of Glenreagh, Diploma of Leadership and Management, VERTO Carers NSW.School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, Hailee Frost, of Port Macquarie, Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Axial Training and International College, Oxley Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.  Ms Saffin said these high achievers in the vocational education and training (VET) sector will go on to represent the North and Mid North Coast regions in the 2025 NSW Training Awards in September.“As Minister for Recovery, I was impressed by mature aged learner Jake Barlow’s transition from being a mechanic to powerline worker by completing his Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead with Essential Energy,” Ms Saffin said.Mr Barlow was nominated for his passion, dedication to learning and unparalleled work ethic, particularly in a crisis.He is also recognised for his contribution to the community when working to restore power to regions affected by the devastating Northern Rivers floods and the bushfires in Tenterfield and Jennings.Mr Barlow said: “The apprenticeship has shaped me both personally and professionally, equipping me with valuable skills and a sense of purpose. It’s been an incredible journey, allowing me to contribute to my community and grow as a tradesman.“One of the most rewarding aspects of my apprenticeship has been working in disaster-affected areas to restore power to communities. In 2022, the Northern Rivers experienced the worst flooding on record, leaving more than 3,000 homes without power,” Mr Barlow said.“I was placed on the on-call roster at the beginning of my third year, a highly sought-after position within the company. This allowed me to work with crews from around the state to isolate and restore power to homes and businesses.“It was a challenging experience, involving hazardous electrical scenarios and difficult hygiene conditions, but it was incredibly fulfilling to help the community in such a meaningful way.”For more information on the NSW Training Awards, now in their 70th year, visit: https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards.

A new survey commissioned by YouGov, on behalf of leading heart charity Hearts4heart, indicates more than 5 million Australians are not aware of the common comorbidities linked to heart failure, such as kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, lung disease and sleep-disordered breathing. Heart failure is estimated to affect approximately half a million Australians, with more than 67,000 new cases diagnosed each year. A serious, life-threatening condition, heart failure is responsible for approximately 61,000 deaths annually, with 50-75% of deaths occurring within five years of diagnosis. Heart failure patients often navigate multiple health conditions or comorbidities, such as an irregular heart rate or rhythm, high blood pressure, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, iron deficiency, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.The survey revealed low general awareness of the connection between heart failure and related comorbidities, with a majority of Australians (63%) unaware of the specific link between heart failure and kidney disease.Approximately 50% of individuals with heart failure are also living with chronic kidney disease, one of the most common and dangerous comorbidities.9 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2.5 million people are unaware they are living with signs of kidney disease.10 A Kidney Health Check – which includes a blood test, urine test and a blood pressure check – is the only way to detect kidney disease early, enabling timely treatment to slow its progression. Chris Forbes, Chief Executive Officer of Kidney Health Australia, highlights the importance of early detection for all Australians, especially those living with heart conditions.       “Heart failure and cardiovascular disease are major risk factors for kidney disease, yet thousands of Australians are unaware they may be living with both conditions. It is really important that all people living with heart failure get a Kidney Health Check to get in front of kidney disease.” “Being diagnosed early is key, as early diagnosis allows for proactive treatment. New medications available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme have shown they can halt the progression of kidney disease by 15 years or more. Put simply, we can help turn off the tap by raising awareness and encouraging patients to have proactive discussions with their healthcare providers. This can make all the difference,” he said.     Many Australians were also found to be unaware of the link between increased heart failure risk and other common comorbidities like type 2 diabetes (53%), cancer (62%), lung disease (38%) and sleep-disordered breathing (63%). But the gaps in awareness go beyond risk factors. Alarmingly, only one in two Australians (50%) know that heart failure can often be detected through simple diagnostic tools, including a routine stethoscope check or a straightforward blood test. Professor Andrew Sindone, Director of the Heart Failure Unit and Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Concord Hospital and Head of Department of Cardiology at Ryde Hospital, emphasises that early detection is essential to effectively manage heart failure and triage patients onto the right intervention paths. One of the most effective diagnostic tools GPs can access to confirm or rule out heart failure is the NT-proBNP blood test. Professor Sindone was instrumental in having the NT-proBNP test added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in November 2024, making it freely accessible to eligible Australians.“The NT-proBNP test is simple and effective. It helps identify if a patient with common heart failure symptoms has high levels of a protein called BNP in the blood, which can indicate heart failure. Often, symptoms of heart failure can be mistaken or masked by those of other conditions, which makes the NT-proBNP test one of the most clinically accurate and efficient ways to reach a diagnosis early.  “This test also alleviates pressure on the patient and the healthcare system by reducing the need for referrals to heart specialists or expensive tests like an echocardiogram in order to diagnose heart failure. This is especially good news for those living in remote and regional areas, where access to specialists can be limited,” said Professor Sindone.  Tanya Hall, CEO and founder of Hearts4heart, is dedicated to raising awareness about heart failure, its associated comorbidities, and the importance of early detection through initiatives like Heart Failure Awareness Week, taking place this week (23 – 29 June 2025).  “It’s deeply concerning that tens of thousands of Australians are unknowingly living with a life-threatening condition. I lost my dad to heart failure when he was just 59 years old. No one should ever have to experience that kind of loss. That’s why we want more Australians to be aware of early detection tools like NT-proBNP so they are empowered to have meaningful conversations with their healthcare professional.” Ms Hall urges, “Anyone experiencing common symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles or feet, struggling to sleep while laying down and sudden weight gain - especially those over 65, should speak with their GP about their risk and seek early screening as soon as possible.” If you are concerned about yourself, a friend or loved one who may be showing symptoms of heart failure, visit www.hearts4heart.org.au to access resources and information. 

The NSW Government’s 2025-26 Budget, announced tomorrow (Tuesday), will deliver a record $3.4 billion investment in TAFE and skills funding, as part of its plan to tackle the housing crisis by building the skilled workforce needed to construct more homes across the state.The Government is investing $40.2 million over two years towards fee-free apprenticeships and traineeships, which will fund an additional 23,000 construction apprenticeships, providing people with access to free training for jobs including plumbing, carpentry and electrotechnology.These investments are complemented by a $13.8 million Construction Workforce Package, designed to upskill and support 4,800 workers into residential construction jobs over the next two years, boosting the number of tradies on job sites and accelerating the delivery of much-needed homes.Together, these initiatives aim to fast-track a new pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the housing challenge head-on.The Construction Workforce Package will aim to train people already in the workforce, support career changers and skilled migrants, and engage young people considering careers in the building trades. It includes: $7 million for 800 existing workers and skilled migrants to gain formal trade qualifications through tailored assessment, training and trade testing.  $4.8 million to support 4,000 existing workers to upskill or transition into trades, providing training for labourers, semi-skilled workers, and those changing careers, helping them move into higher-skilled construction roles or retrain in new technologies and methods. $2 million to fund school careers fairs, industry school partnerships, try-a-trade opportunities for up to 3,000 school students to pursue a career in the construction workforce through programs including Tiny Homes and Girls Can Too.  In addition to the targeted Construction Workforce Package, the state government is delivering broader reforms to strengthen TAFE NSW and ensure it remains a modern, accessible, and high-quality training provider. This year’s record $2.8 billion investment includes critical investments to upgrade facilities, secure teaching staff, and support strategic campus relocations—laying the groundwork for a more skilled and future-ready workforce.Key measures include:$121 million to repair TAFE NSW campuses statewide, including modernising learning and teaching spaces and investing in digital equipment ensuring teachers and students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and technology.$78 million to continue to convert eligible teachers from casual to permanent roles, strengthening job security and helping TAFE NSW attract and retain high quality educators to shape the future workforce.$100 million to support the strategic relocation of teaching operations from TAFE NSW Bankstown to Western Sydney University Tower and TAFE NSW Padstow to facilitate construction of the new Bankstown Hospital while ensuring continuity in education delivery.Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “This Budget brings together housing and skills to meet the state’s future needs.“You can’t build homes without workers, and this Budget delivers both. It ensures our investment in housing is backed by an investment in people. “It’s a targeted investment that delivers immediate benefits while building long-term capacity in the NSW workforce.” Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said, “TAFE NSW is crucial to delivering the skills we need now and, in the future, and this landmark investment will ensure TAFE continues to meet the needs of industry and the community. “Whether you’re already working in construction, new to the industry, or just starting out at school, the Construction Workforce Package will open new pathways into construction for thousands of people across the state.  “This government is funding the training and skills development needed to grow our construction workforce and help tackle the state’s housing challenges.” 

In an Australian first, the NSW Government has mandated all hospitality staff and liquor licence holders receive specialised sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training.The training will enable hospitality staff to identify and respond to sexual harassment and sexual violence in licensed venues, is part of an update to the state’s Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training program.The additional training is an important step in helping improve workplace safety for hospitality staff across NSW.RSA training is mandatory for anyone who sells, serves or supplies alcohol in NSW. Certification is valid for five years and must be renewed to remain current.The new sexual harassment and sexual violence course material was developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW in partnership with Good Night Out, an international campaigning organisation focused on gender-based violence prevention in night-time economies.Approved training providers must now deliver all RSA courses using the updated materials.This update builds on last year’s RSA training handbook revision, which included new guidance on drink spiking, and is part of a broader strategy to improve both patron and workplace safety in the hospitality industry.The strengthened RSA module gives hospitality workers a clear understanding of the law, including the differences between sexual harassment, sexual assault and drink spiking.It explains how alcohol can affect a person’s ability to consent and the role coercion can play. The training reinforces that alcohol is not the cause of sexual violence and is often used to excuse perpetrators and shift blame onto victims. Staff will also be trained in how to respond when patrons disclose sexual harassment, sexual violence or suspected drink spiking, and how to connect them with appropriate support services.Licensee training has also been updated to reflect employers' obligations under the federal government’s Respect@Work legislation, which requires businesses to take proactive steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including providing relevant education and training for all employees.The licensee training now references workplace safety requirements for prevention of sexual harassment in addition to guidance on patron safety requirements.These changes complement existing initiatives such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, reinforcing the NSW Government’s commitment to a safer, more inclusive night-time economy.Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said, “We want NSW to be the global gold standard for live music, nightlife and entertainment. That only happens if our venues are safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone who walks through the door.“The updated RSA training course gives hospitality staff real-world tools and guidance needed to step in, defuse trouble and assist their patrons when it counts.“One of the key priorities in the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy is safety for night-time workers, and these changes are all about ensuring workers can look after their colleagues and customers.”Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said, “Sexual violence and harassment have no place in any workplace or community.“SafeWork NSW is committed to educating employers, enforcing Work Health and Safety laws, and supporting respectful, safe workplaces across the state.“With a dedicated Respect at Work team and the largest investment in workplace mental health in NSW history, we are strengthening protections and expanding specialist inspector roles to prevent psychosocial harm and workplace sexual harassment.“Every worker deserves to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones.”Support: Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 424 017.

Last Tuesday, Lismore City Councillors adopted a suite of documents that will shape the city's future over the next 12 months, 4 years, and 10 years.Many of the documents have been rolled over since the early 2010s, so council staff have no clear direction when making recommendations to councillors.Now, the Community Strategic Plan (CSP), the Operational Plan, Asset Management Planning, Long Term Financial Plan and more have been reviewed and adopted, so they are fit for purpose for Lismore in 2025.In his Talking Lismore podcast, Mayor Steve Krieg thanked council staff for the work they have done over a pretty long journey."The pleasing thing for myself and the majority of the councillors was the fact that they're actually refreshed documents. They're new, they're fit for purpose. They're designed to help or to guide Lismore, a modern Lismore, a 2025 Lismore. For too long now, we've rehashed some of these documents, we've rolled them over, and they haven't really been fit for purpose. And given the 22 flooding events and cyclone Alfred, we really did need to re-examine how we're doing business, how we see Lismore into the future? So to get those documents through council with no changes was really, really pleasing," Mayor Krieg told the Lismore App."The overwhelming majority of of people that I speak to want to see Lismore get back to that vibrant regional center that we remember of the '90s and the early 2000s, when you could walk around the CBD and you could pick your music venue and and you felt safe, and the place was alive and it had a real vibrancy."How do we get Lismore back to where it needs to be, as that regional hub, that regional centre? We look around the state, and every region has its little capital. You go out a little bit further west, and you've got the Tamworths of the world, and the Dubbos and the Oranges and the Bathursts, the Alburys, those sorts of places have that regionality about them. They're experiencing growth, they're experiencing the employment booms, they're experiencing the housing booms."Lismore, for too long, has been overlooked, and a lot of it has to do with what's written in these plans. It directs the staff as to what the public want to see, and so I don't ever shy away from taking out the affordable housing terminology and replacing it with diverse housing."We need a range of diverse housing, and I'm on record as saying I'd love to see our riverbank lined with multi-story apartment complexes. Why can't our nurses and our health workers and our retail sector, and all of that, those great people, work in Lismore, live in and around our CBD in a third or fourth storey one or two bedroom apartment, if that's what they're looking for?"Our families, as they're growing, if they want a rural residential subdivision, very similar to what North Casino offers, why can't you get that in Lismore? You know the townhouse complexes, the good old quarter-acre block, we need to offer the whole diverse strategy of housing options."With supply comes affordability. It's a natural progression, and what these documents now do is direct staff to provide those options to the developers, to the people looking at investing in Lismore. That is the direction that the majority of Councillors want to see Lismore heading."With more diverse housing options in Lismore's future, our city needs a sewage treatment plant that can handle Lismore's future capacity in terms of a growing population. In Friday's news article, we discovered that the state government has budgeted around $39 million to rebuild the East and South Lismore Treatment Plants, when the previous government had promised $108 million. You can read the full story here: Is Lismore's Sewage Treatment Plant rebuild and future growth under threat?.Lismore has loss-making assets that have been under review since the 2022 big flood. The Lismore Airport is one of those assets."An asset like an airport is very dependent on the population base in a lot of respects," the mayor explained. "There has been a lot of theory thrown in and around the airport, and is it worth it? And I was only thinking about this the other day, I remember when the Northern Star was printed as a daily, and a group came in offering to buy the airport, I think it was Mayor Dowell's day at the time, and the thought of the day was if there's one group, then there must be hundreds of groups that want to buy it, and let's put it on the open market."We all know that particular group that expressed interest in the Lismore Airport have since moved to Toowoomba and has turned Toowoomba into an absolute gold mine. Is that the solution for Lismore down the track to privatise the airport, or something along those lines? I can't answer that just yet, but what I am still very strongly advocating for, and it's my role, is to have discussions with commercial airlines to start their passenger flights back into Lismore, and that's something we're looking at."We've also developed a really flood-proof master plan for the airport as well, which requires significant investment, like everything. It's basically moving what's there to another site, another flood-free site. But again, these are plans that have been drawn up and are very much theoretical at the moment."The first goal is to activate that precinct and and attract those businesses, like Matt, who does the helicopters, for example, an outstanding business, and how do we support him to grow his business and to use that, along with the flying schools that operate out of there, and encourage a few more private users to to use our facility? But certainly in the background, and for the last 12 or 18 months, we've had some very robust and meaningful discussions with some commercial airlines about reactivating our passenger flights.""We are not going to have a commercial flight in the next three or four months, but it's certainly something, given the talks that we've had, they're looking at changing their methodology for creating a route. They normally go off historic data, but in Lismore's case, they're prepared to look at our forecast data, which is really, really good, and that's why I say we need that growth. We need that economic development, and that then makes our airport a viable asset in the future again."The Lismore Property Strategy has been running for about six months now. What is the latest?"The team driving that has done an exceptional job. You talk about that suite of documents that we just got through Council, having a really effective and an up-to-date asset management plan, so that you actually know what you own and what you're responsible for."For too long, our council staff and our councillors have been flying blind because they just haven't had the knowledge of what council was responsible for. So, this property strategy is really critical, so that we can offer best value, fit for purpose, uses for our assets."If you want to take a controversial one again, let's look at the Richmond River Historical Society. There is a volunteer group and a vital organisation in the Lismore fabric, but is it best practice to have them in the CBD, in the municipal building, or do we have other assets that are available for them that is more affordable for them to be able to use?"You have to understand, there's something like 47 or 48 community groups, like the Richmond River Historical Society, that council provides services to. It's a big number, and so it's like doing a big jigsaw puzzle fitting all the pieces into what is best for the organisation, what is best for council, and what is best for ratepayers in the long term."If you don't know what you own, how are you supposed to do that, and so I'm really looking forward to seeing the outcome of the Property Strategy.We've got something like 200-odd properties that council owns. Do we need 200 properties? Do we have to be property managers for all of these facilities? Or is there a better, and a cheaper, and a more economic way to do it? We talk about keeping people's rates as low as we can, well, council needs to develop another income stream other than rates to be able to keep mum and dad ratepayers' bills as low as they can be. So yeah, we might have to sell, or we might enter into a public, private partnership with a developer that wants to build some affordable housing on a block of land that we own, or something like that. They're all things that we can look at for the future.This week, Mayor Krieg, Deputy-Mayor Jeri Hall and two other councillors will be travelling to Canberra for four days to attend the Australian Local Government Association Conference."I'm meeting with the new Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain. I've met Kristie a number of times; she's a lovely person, but this is the first time in her role. I'm also catching up with Brendan Moon, the head of NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) and Catherine King. I'm also going to hit Albo up, he promised me a beer at the lodge last time he was up for Alfred. So I'll put the hard word on and see if I can't get in there as well. "It is really important to see what other councils right around the country are dealing with, but it's really important when you talk about advocacy and finding that shortfall in budget allocations for things like our sewage treatment plant. If the state can't cough up, maybe Kristy McBain can find some money in the federal budget for us. "I know that there'll be an element listening to this going, Oh, another junket for the mayor, but it really is an opportunity to keep tapping Canberra on the shoulder and saying, we're only just starting in the Lismore rebuild, and we need the money and the support to keep flowing."You can listen to the full Talking Lismore podcast by clicking the link via the Lismore App.

It is always difficult to estimate the size of a large crowd. Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, who was part of the opening of the Fiery Finale, told the crowd at Oakes Oval that this appeared to be the biggest crowd she had seen. This would make the crowd around the 30,000 mark.Another impressive tribute to the people of Lismore and the Northern Rivers who rugged up and hit the streets of the CBD. People took every vantage point available on Molesworth Street, Magellan Street and Dawson Street. Families lined the sidewalks and roundabout islands waiting for the 2025 Lismore Lantern Parade to walk by.As is the case each year, lanterns of all sizes were on display, and different types of music were played along the route, giving off a carnival atmosphere.The weather did play a part in the earlier festivities, with crowds down in numbers while light rain fell in the early afternoon. But that cleared by 4pm, giving people the confidence to head into town.The heart at the start of the Fiery Finale was a memorial to the many people who have helped and inspired others over the 31 years of the Lismore Lantern Parade, who have passed away.Jyllie Jackson said, "Let tonight be a reminder, no matter how big the shadows, how heavy the rain, the sun always rises, so do we."2025 is the Year of the Snake in Chinese culture, and that was celebrated with the green lantern snake and the fire snake. The crowd clapped in tune to the music.As a large crane and smaller birds moved around the sun, there was uplifting Irish folk music playing, before the sun spoke, bonfires were lit, and the sun was set on fire to an instrumental of The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun.Jyllie Jackson's secret 2025 message was revealed in flames, 'Time For Kindness'.This year, the Fiery Finale ended with a short but crowd-pleasing fireworks display.It has been a number of years since Oakes Oval was used as the venue for the Fiery Finale, and it appeared to be a huge success for Jyllie and the Lantern Parade team. The grandstands were full, and the grass area was taken up to watch Lismore's largest single-day crowd event on the calendar.The Lismore App would like to undertake a small poll to determine Lismore's favourite venue for the Fiery Finale. Simply click on the site you prefer, and the results will reveal themselves.To Jyllie Jackson and her wonderful team of volunteers and lantern carriers, Thank You once again for another incredible Lismore Lantern Parade.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

While NSW Forestry Corporation invites us to celebrate National Forestry Day today, conservationists are calling it a “day of shame for Australia”.At the heart of the issue is the logging of Australia’s native forests.Behind Forestry Corporation’s promise to plant 14.7 million seedlings to grow timber this year, is a long history of logging that doesn’t use plantation forests as the source.North East Forest Alliance spokesperson Sean O’Shannessey said the native forest logging industry “hides its appalling record of environmental vandalism behind the achievements of the sustainable plantation timber industry”.“There is no such thing as sustainable industrial logging in native forests,” Sean said.“Houses are not built out of native forest timber, they are built of softwood plantation timber.“Most of what they rip out of our threatened species homes is used for low value disposable products.“The most valuable products of our forests are water, carbon, biodiversity and tourism.“These are about 10 times the value of the trees taken by loggers, and are destroyed by driving bulldozers and chainsaws through them.“Courageous community volunteers are standing up for our forests all over NSW and will keep doing so until they are safe from forestry loggers."Forestry Corporation Forestry Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Anshul Chaudhary said “wood is the ultimate renewable resource, and the forestry cycle means organisations like Forestry Corporation can keep supplying the community with essential materials for generations to come”.“Native forestry is essential for sustainably supplying wood products for wharves, bridges, telegraph poles and our homes,” Mr Chaudhary said. “NSW’s two million hectare State forest estate and the renewable wood products it supplies actively sequester and store carbon.  “National Forestry Day also highlights the positive impacts of the state’s native forestry industry and the stringent environment it operates in. “NSW’s strict environmental regulations mean timber from native State forests is amongst the most sustainable in the world with the forests careful managed to provide timber while also supporting wildlife populations in concert with surround national parks and other forested land,” Mr Chaudhary said. “Timber harvesting operations take place in around 0.1 per cent of NSW forested land and all harvested areas are completely regenerated.” “In NSW State forests have been harvested for timber and regrown for over 100 years.“Today these forests are open to the public for free camping, mountain biking, four wheel driving and so much more. “

Lismore’s longest running vegetarian restaurant and ashram, 20,000 Cows, is about to be reborn in a new format - as the Wolf and Lamb Cafe.Since the North Lismore venue was destroyed in the February flood, owner Marijonas Vilkelis (Mari) has been trying to find a way to reopen, including running a GoFundMe fundraiser to reconstruct the building.But now, thanks to his inspired collaborators Jodie and Manny, Mari has found a new home for his signature dishes, in Nimbin.Mari, cooking inside the 20,000 Cows North Lismore venue.“Jodie was inspired to create a vegan restaurant for Nimbin,” Mari said. “So now we are working together to bring a vegan menu to the new cafe.“Manny makes Maltese vegan food at the markets and will do part of the menu.“Some of the 20,000 Cows menu faves like potato croquettes, mellawah and middle eastern dishes and curries will be too.”Damage inside the 20,000 Cows North Lismore venue after the flood.Opening dayWhile the new cafe is not ready to open yet, Mari said the three of them (and a handful of volunteers) have been working hard to get it finished. He hopes to be open before Mardi Grass on September 16.“We keep hitting snag after snag,” Mari said. “We said we’d be open two weeks ago, about a month ago and we are still not there. “So we aren’t taking bookings - we’ll just open doors when we are ready.”The cafe will be open days and evenings, from Wednesday to Saturday and is located on Cullen Street, next to Tribal Magic.The new cafe’s name Wolf and Lamb, refers back to Mari’s famous cookbook of his recipes. Maris said he chose the name because in the bible, the Prophet Isaiah wrote a prophesy about "a day will come when wolf and lamb ... will be at peace”.“It seemed like a worthwhile thing to work toward,” he said. “Most people say a wolf won’t be vegan, but the way nature is now, is consequential and we don’t know what it was at the begin of existence – it’s become that from something else.“Humans aren’t the same as back then. I like to think that if we stop creating death and suffering, then the load on the planet will lessen.”His vision of a safe haven inspired the concept of calling the restaurant an ashram – an ancient Sanscrit word for sanctuary.Damage inside the 20,000 Cows North Lismore venue after the flood.History and futureMari first opened 20,000 Cows in Bridge Street, North Lismore in 1996. It was his sixth restaurant.Mari said his love of making food started in 1979 in Melbourne after he did his first 41 day fast.“I had a vision to create a restaurant and so I went on to do that,” he said.“Opening again in Nimbin gives me a chance to finish off the tracks that I started.“Now, the new restaurant is hopefully stepping a stone to heaven.“I have a theme I like to work with – that the definition of professionalism is a procedure toward self redundancy“So I’ll be teaching other people to make the food.“It will be a relief to have income again, as I’ve been living off my savings all year."