Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions in Australia. Every 8 minutes, someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with increasing rates among young people.1.3 million Australians are living with type 2 diabetes, while 2 million Australians live with all types of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes. Diabetes costs the Australian health system an estimated $9.1 billion annually.Diabetes Australia has marked National Diabetes Week (13 – 19 July 2025) with two major initiatives designed to tackle Australia’s type 2 diabetes epidemic and improve outcomes for people living with the condition.A policy paper released yesterday calls on the Australian Government to more than double its investment in preventive health, lifting it to 5 per cent of total health expenditure by 2030. A second report also highlights the importance of preventing complications, showing more than 560,000 Australians are reducing their risk of diabetes-related blindness through the KeepSight eye check reminder program.Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said both reports highlight the urgent need for national leadership and coordinated action to reduce the impact of diabetes on the health system and the lives of millions of Australians.“Prevention is the most cost-effective and sustainable strategy to address the type 2 diabetes epidemic,” Ms Cain said.“Preventing type 2 diabetes is not only possible, it is essential. Around 58 per cent of cases can be prevented or delayed. Early detection of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can also help to prevent serious complications.”Report: A Healthier Future: Reducing the Impact of Diabetes Through PreventionThe diabetes prevalence rate in Australia is increasing rapidly. Since 2000, the number of Australians diagnosed with all types of diabetes has risen by 220 percent from 460,000 to almost 1.5 million. If current trends continue, that number could reach 3.6 million by 2050.Diabetes Australia’s new policy paper, A Healthier Future: Reducing the Impact of Diabetes Through Prevention, outlines four national priority goals:Prioritise reducing disparities and overcoming barriersPrevention and early detection of type 2 diabetesStrengthen support for diabetes self-management  Prevent complications and optimise diabetes management“Many of the most serious complications, such as amputations, kidney failure and vision loss, can be prevented with timely, coordinated care and support,” Ms Cain said.“Lifting investment in preventive health to 5 percent of national healthcare spending will save lives, reduce complications from chronic conditions like diabetes and help keep our health system financially sustainable.”Report: Unveiling the Value of KeepSight: Enhancing Diabetes-Related Vision Care and Preventing Vision LossAs part of its commitment to preventing complications, Diabetes Australia delivers KeepSight, a national reminder program encouraging people with diabetes to have regular eye checks.Since its launch in 2019, KeepSight has helped more than half a million Australians reduce their risk of diabetes-related blindness by over 90 percent. Over 8,000 people join the program each month, and more than 60 percent of those who receive reminders return for ongoing checks within the recommended timeframes.A new report, Unveiling the Value of KeepSight: Enhancing Diabetes-Related Vision Care and Preventing Vision Loss, highlights the success of the program and the importance of regular screening in detecting diabetes-related retinopathy and vision issues before symptoms appear.“Diabetes is relentless. People manage multiple health concerns every day, and eye checks can slip down the priority list,” Ms Cain said.“KeepSight provides a simple, effective nudge that helps people take action. It’s a great example of how digital health interventions can improve outcomes and change behaviour.”Most participants are referred to KeepSight by their optometrist, with more than 80 per cent of the major and independent optometry providers integrated in the program. It is publicly/privately funded by the Australian Government and founding partner Specsavers, with support from the eye sector, including Vision 2020 Australia, RANZCO, and Optometry Australia.Vision 2020 Australia CEO Carly Iles said the program breaks down common barriers to care.“Cost, access, or even fear of a diagnosis can prevent people from getting checked. KeepSight helps reduce those barriers by offering reminders and reassurance from a trusted source,” Ms Iles said.The report positions KeepSight as a national benchmark for coordinated diabetes eye care, bringing together government, optometry, ophthalmology and health bodies to ensure consistency and quality across the sector.Ms Cain said both the policy paper and KeepSight report demonstrate the importance of preventing diabetes complications. “This is a turning point. We must act now to prevent more people from developing type 2 diabetes and ensure better care and outcomes for those already living with the condition.”

Working in one business for 46 years is a feat that not many people can claim. Few marriages last that long.Lismore's Glyn Harding, however, can make that claim. His career with Australia Post started in 1979, and physically ended yesterday at the Lismore Post Office on Conway Street at 5pm when Glyn walked out of the door for the last time.As you would expect after 46 years, there is some long-service leave to use, so Glyn's official last day will be in 2026. But come Monday morning, Glyn won't have to get out of bed and start the familiar routine that gets him to work by 9am."I'm just going to take my long service and fade away," Glyn told the Lismore App. "I'm looking forward to it."Glyn started working for Australia Post in 1978, but took time off to travel overseas; therefore, his official starting year is 1979.Being a Lismore-born and bred boy, he had hoped to complete his training in Sydney and come back home. However, in those days, getting a transfer back to the country was difficult; people held onto their jobs in Australia Post for a long time.Once Glyn completed his 6-month training course in Strathfield, he lived in Sydney for 13 years. Firstly, in Coogee, before he purchased a place in Stanmore for the last four years."And then, when I had kids, I decided to move back and bring the kids up in the country. A better environment for them.""I commenced at the Lismore Post Office, in this building, as the manager in 1996, and I've been here ever since."As you can imagine, a great deal has changed over the last 46 years, with technology being the driving force."We used to use telex machines when I started, so we had to learn to type at the rate of 50 words a minute to pass. We went from telex machines (telegrams) to fax machines, to now emails. So, technology has really driven the changes."Letters have declined, unfortunately. The day of people posting letters is almost gone. It's mainly emails these days."Parcels have increased, as online spending has increased. E-commerce has taken over. Australia Post is now a parcel business, not a retail business."The noticeable difference due to technology is the decline in people physically coming into the post office."Older people still like to visit the Post Office as they like to have that face-to-face contact. They still like to pay their bills through us. But having said that, there are some who have embraced the technology and do everything online, through their smartphones. Some of them embrace it, while others struggle with it."Glyn explained that some people still go into the post office to pay their rates or water bills from council, and people still do their banking through Australia Post."Bank@ Post is still very popular. We've got quite a few banks that use our organisation for their banking. We have three of the major banks using us as their agent, but only for deposits and withdrawals."Technology has not just changed the way Australia Post operates, as people choose different methods to celebrate Christmas and other special moments, but internally, computers have made a big difference to how staff operate."Back when I started, everything had to be written down, so we used to use carbon paper, as everything had to be in triplicate. We had to write down all the telephone accounts and then send them off to Telecom (Telstra). Then, in about '91, we introduced technology into Post Offices by installing computers on the counter. This enabled us to enter everything into the computers, through scanning the barcodes. "Technology has also changed the way we do our training. The training I went through in 1979 ceased to operate in the late 1980s. The training school closed down, and now it's a three-month on-the-job training, which includes online tutorials."Like Australia Post, Glyn's life will change from Monday. More golf is on the agenda, and when his partner retires next year, overseas travel will be added to the list, and as they get older, they will travel around Australia.The Australia Post shop on Conway Street won't be quite the same, but after 46 years, Glyn deserves some time for himself.

We said goodbye to our fantastic run of winter days today. 7.6mm fell in the early hours of the morning.As far as the weekend is concerned, Saturday is the pick of the weekend weather, with a partly cloudy day and 19 degrees the forecast.Sunday's weather has a 60% chance of rain, a potential of 4mm and 15 to 20km/h southwesterly winds.The BoM says that small amounts of rain will hang around for the rest of the week.Art, films, markets, and live music sum up What's On this weekend.THE ARTSThe arts have the Through the Heart photographic exhibition running at the Lismore Regional Gallery until August 10.Over 100 of Jacklyn Wagner's photographs capture the emotion and heartache of the 2022 floods. The gallery is open 10am to 4pm both days.The 2024 Archibald Prize is also on exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.This is only the second time the Archibald has made its way to Lismore. You have until August 31 to view the works of the 57 finalists.Lismore's 11-based artists at Converge, located at 123 Woodlark Street, have their Bright Light Habits exhibition on display until next Saturday, July 26.The works cover film, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, costume design and participatory projects. You can view them between 10am and 3pm tomorrow (Saturday).To celebrate Bastille Day (July 14), the local Alliance Française Côte du Nord is showing four French movies over the weekend at the Star Court Theatre:Lucky Winner: Saturday, 11:30amMy Everything: Saturday, at 2:30pmThe Good Teacher: Saturday, July 5:30pmHoly Cow: Sunday, 2:30pm and 5:30pm.MARKETSThere are three markets this weekend.The weekly Lismore Farmers Markets get underway at the Lismore Showgrounds from 7:30am to 11:30am.There will be a new stallholder this week as Essential Self Healing makes its debut with massages and Reiki. The CWA Evening Branch are back with their famous scones and dog coats. Plus, there is the usual fresh fruit and vegetables, and live music from Cheese 'n' Crackers.It is the third Sunday of July, so the new Bowlo Markets return at the Lismore City Bowling Club between 9am and 1pm. There will be over 30 stalls for you to browse bric-a-brac, books, fruit trees, honey, ceramics and more.The Lismore Free Markets are on Sunday also, at the Lismore Community Garden at 50 Brewster Street, just down from the Lismore Square between 9am and 11am.Everything is free. There is no bartering, trading or selling of goods.Don't forget to put LOLA, Laneway's of Lismore Arts Festival, on your calendar for Saturday, August 23.LIVE MUSICGhostown are playing at the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore tonight until 10pm.Tahlia Matheson will be playing in the Main Lounge of the Lismore Workers Club tomorrow (Saturday) between 5pm and 8pm.The Workers Club has just announced the Everly Brothers will be performing their big hits, such as Cathy's Clown, Bird Dog, Wake Up Little Suzie and more on Wednesday, August 20. Tickets are only $29.90 with the show starting at 12pm.Ballina is the town to travel to fill up with any type of fuel over the weekend, after it reduced prices by 10 cents a litre across all fuel types during the week. That makes the difference between Lismore and Casino 15 to 20 cents a litre, in all cases, except diesel. A saving of $9 to $12 for a 60-litre fuel tank.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 174.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, the Oles Express on Dawson Street and the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street in Lismore, 175.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 155.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 177.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street in Casino, and 157.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 168.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 199.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 177.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 across Casino, and 179.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

During Lismore's flood recovery over the last three and a half years, the focus has been on the NSW Reconstruction Authority's Resilient Homes Program and the Resilient Lands Program, and on residential developments that will increase Lismore's housing stock and eventually, its population.Another integral part of our local flood recovery is the economic growth that is required to provide jobs for the increased population. South Lismore doesn't receive a lot of media coverage, but in Lismore, it was the engine room for business recovery as the CBD remained without power for six weeks before retail shops could get in, clean out, refurbish and restock.South Lismore presents an opportunity for existing commercial businesses to continue to look for opportunities to change and grow, while there are opportunities for new businesses to open. The latest indication is the construction of a $1.8 million Wilson Street Business Park.174 Wilson Street is one of a number of vacant blocks of land near Three Chain Road, but if Lismore City Council approves the development application (DA), it will transform into a complex of 8 industrial units with 16 car parks.Each unit has approximately 144 square metres with a ground floor height of 12m, a 50 square metre mezzanine level at 15.3m to use when the next big flood hits. The PMF (probable maximum flood) is 16.42m.Just a little further south on Wilson Street, another DA will see a vehicle repair business open, Regal Mechanic.

Cost Shifting. Two words that anger and frustrate local councils in NSW.Cost shifting occurs when services that were once funded by state and federal governments are now paid for by local councils. A new report, “Cost Shifting 2025: How State Costs Eat Council Rates”, prepared by independent consultants Morrison Low, shows a 10% increase in cost shifting in three years, which results in a $500 cost per ratepayer per year in NSW. For regional town/cities, the total is $429.60.It further detailed how Councils across NSW are now absorbing a staggering $1.5 billion in cost shifting from State and Federal governments each year – a cumulative $11.3 billion over the past decade.The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA), of which Lismore City Council is one of 92 rural and regional members, has reiterated their frustrations and the fact that the impacts are more deeply felt in rural, regional and remote communities.“On behalf of our CMA Board, I extend our congratulations to our sister organisation LGNSW. It is important that our Governments and communities understand the big picture impacts of adding to our expenses, in a time of inadequate funding for rural, remote and regional communities,” CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM said.“The figures are not surprising, but they are disturbing and hopefully enlightening, as unprecedented operational cost increases in recent years and constrained income growth make financial sustainability a mission impossible for some.”“It is clear that the impacts of cost shifting are bigger barriers to financial sustainability for non-metropolitan Councils. Some of our rural and remote members have a small rate base that is essentially stagnant or even declining. Over 70 per cent of some country Councils’ revenue is grants, but that varies annually, and the Federal Government’s (untied) Financial Assistance Grants are half of what they once were. We will continue to lobby the Federal Government to return them to one per cent of national taxation revenue, as we work to raise awareness of the ever-growing demands on rural, regional and remote councils in NSW.”Mayor Firman said that while CMA members feel the brunt of cost shifting and funding reduction impacts, he is optimistic that the NSW Government will make some positive decisions in the near future.“The NSW Government’s Public Accounts Committee handed down some appropriate recommendations after its’ “Inquiry into the assets, premises and funding of the NSW Rural Fire Service”. As one of the most inexplicable examples of cost shifting, our Member Councils in NSW are forced by the State Government to wear the financial impacts of having Rural Fire Service Assets on their books, despite not actually owning them."The ‘Red Fleet’ is something that the CMA has lobbied intensively on, and we acknowledge the NSW Treasurer, the Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC, NSW Emergency Services Minister the Hon Jihad Dib MP and NSW Local Government Minister the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP have been working hard on resolving the issue.Mayor Firman recalled that Country Mayors were underwhelmed with the recent (seemingly Western Sydney-focused) State budget. “It saw further funding cuts to local galleries and other valued community services, meaning many of our Member Councils will carry more financial responsibility, regardless of their capacity to absorb the costs that the State Government saves.”“The Transport for NSW reclassification program is also to be commended. With that, we could see a good number of road maintenance burdens dumped onto Councils go back into State Government management,” he said.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg told the Lismore App that he doesn't share Mayor Firman's optimism."Organisations, like the CMA and the Regional Cities Forum, which Lismore councils are part of, both of those are strong and loud advocacy voices, but unless there's willingness from state and federal governments to to actually assume their responsibilities of looking after these things, like emergency services and the like, things aren't going to change in a hurry. "It looks better for their books and balancing their budgets. And that's the problem that local government deals with. We're probably the lowest in the food chain, sadly, and that's why we need to unite with these organisations to present a much louder voice.""Take emergency services as an example. It is cost-shifting because councils have to take on what they call the red fleet. All of those rural fire services, trucks and assets are on Council's books, even though they're supposed to be funded by the state government. We have to take those on and depreciate them through our accounting system. And the fact is that the state government double dips on these things. It's also on everyone's insurance policies, but it's also on everyone's rate notices as well. "So, it's an ongoing problem that country mayors and regional cities, both groups, have been strongly advocating to take the pressure off councils a little bit. The state needs to allocate the funds where they're supposed to go. And like I said before, it's very much creative accounting in a lot of respects of both state and federal governments, but it puts immense pressure on local governments' financial sustainability."

Lismore has hosted two Legends of Cricket games at Oakes Oval. In 2019, it hosted an AFL Community Series game between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast, and in 2022, we had the NSW Blues at Oakes for a training run in front of an enthusiastic crowd.Soccer, or football, as the purists will call it, is the next high-profile sport about to grace Crozier Field or Oakes Oval on Saturday, August 9, when the Newcastle Jets play an A-League pre-season game against the Brisbane Roar. The last time Lismore hosted a pre-season A-League match was in 2013.On their way to Lismore, the Jets will also visit Taree and Port Macquarie, where they will host Jets: PLAY clinics, school visits, local football club engagement, an open training session and the exhibition match.Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg said he was delighted to welcome the Newcastle Jets to Lismore."This is what the recovery and the rebuild of Lismore is all about. Attracting world-class teams, world-class players and coaches to the region to explore everything that we've got to offer. The Northern Rivers is more than just the coast. We've got great waterfalls and national parks here, as well as some of the greatest sporting facilities in regional Australia. So, it's great to see our sporting facilities utilised by, as I say, world-class athletes coached by world-class humans.""What they're actually doing is establishing Lismore as a sporting destination for these bigger clubs, and that's the beginning of the legacy that this event will provide for us. So, it's still about the awareness of where we're at, but we're also coming back stronger and bigger than ever. So it's a really positive and strong message that the Newcastle Jets are providing for us."When Mayor Krieg introduced former Socceroo and newly appointed head coach of the Newcastle Jets, Mark Milligan, he enthused over his achievements."For those who are too young to remember 2006, when Australia qualified for the World Cup. Mark was part of that squad. So, he's heavily ingrained in the history and folklore of Australian sport, and in soccer and culture as well. It's great that you're bringing Newcastle up to Lismore for your training camp, to get out of the cities and to see the regional centre. We are really grateful for your support. "We have to acknowledge the support of their sponsors, the Greater Bank. None of this happens without sponsorship and without corporate backing. Mark Milligan said he wants to instil a sense of community into the players at the Jets."We can't expect support from the community if we're not willing to go out and give back where we can as well. And obviously, as you mentioned, with the support of Greater Bank, we've been able to organise this, albeit at late notice, and to be able to cap it off with a game for the locals to come out and watch. It's a fantastic opportunity for our players, and it's a fantastic opportunity for the community, so we're extremely grateful for what you're doing for us and what you're providing."Mark explained that the clinic run in Lismore is an opportunity for 200 kids to be among the players and coaching staff."It's very important that the younger generation have an understanding of who we are and what we represent. We have great numbers that play the game, and parents and kids give up a lot of their time to be involved in that. And as I said, us reaching out and being able to provide not only support from afar, but be a part of it. And you know, we'll have myself and my staff and players involved in these events as well. It's not just about a weekend away for us, it's about really giving back. And the expectation that we have of ourselves as a club is to give what we expect to get back as well.""It's open to all kids and of all abilities, of all ages, boys and girls. And I think that's the most important thing," Mark said.Registration details for the Lismore clinic will be announced soon.As for the facilities at Crozier Field and Oakes Oval?"We've had a good look around. It's a fantastic facility. I believe it's quite new as well. We had a good look downstairs at all the change rooms. We were trying to find a really small change room for Brisbane," Mark laughed, "But, it's a fantastic setup here."From a football perspective, it will be one of the first times that the region will see the new-look Newcastle side. Newly appointed head coach Mark Milligan has added to the squad by signing some stars, including Japanese international Kota Mizunuma and Scottish Premiership defender Joe Shaughnessy.Mark said he is stubborn about how he wants the Jets to play, so that will be on display during the pre-season clash with the Brisbane Roar.2025 Jets TOUR Details: PLAY Clinic:Date: Saturday, 9 AugustVenue: Oakes Oval, LismoreTime: 4:30pm Exhibition Match:Date: Saturday, 9 AugustVenue: Crozier Field, LismoreKick Off: 3pmTickets: On sale from Tuesday through Oztix. They are expected to be $20, with children under 12 free.Crozier Field holds a crowd of approximately 3,000. If that is exceeded, the match will be transferred to Oakes Oval, which has a capacity of 10,000.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has helped secure NSW Government funding to enable Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) to make a new home in the former Hampton & Larsson timber joinery works in the heart of Lismore’s CBD.Ms Saffin, who is also NSW Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, said two separate State grants would fund immediate repairs of an historic industrial building, allowing NORPA to create a temporary office and theatre-making studio.“The Joinery is an ambitious adaptive project which will transform an old factory into a flood-resilient creative hub, a welcome addition to an arts precinct close by which already boasts a regional art gallery, conservatorium and library,” Ms Saffin said.“NORPA, an iconic Northern Rivers cultural institution known for its world-class theatre productions, has big plans for a larger development of the site in the longer term but for now it’s great that they have a permanent foothold for revitalisation and growth.”NORPA Artistic Director, Julian Louis, said: “We are grateful to MP Janelle Saffin and the many champions in Government and our community who have supported this project.“The Joinery has the potential to be a creative satellite -- a place that nurtures bold ideas and reflects the unique culture of our region.“It will play an important role in the vibrancy, economy, and well-being of where we live. We also see it as a project of adaptation -- where the arts is central to our recovery.” NORPA Chair, Damian Kassabgi said: “Repairing and utilising this building is a vital step in NORPA’s return to Lismore and a powerful act of cultural renewal. Most importantly it gives NORPA and our artistic community a home." Funding towards Stage Zero of The Joinery includes $1.986 million under the NSW Government’s Towns & Villages Resilient Business Activation Program and $300,000 from Create NSW.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is making sure that 60 young Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams.At a Local Sporting Champions Award event yesterday, Mr Hogan presented the local teenagers with a certificate in recognition of their achievements and confirmed their grants from the Local Sporting Champions program.“Those who received the Awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage,” Mr Hogan said.“The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport.”“The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent.” “Unfortunately, succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions. I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.”“Sport is important in the development of young people: it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy.”“I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office or checking out the website ausport.gov.au.”Our latest Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are:Adi Mereiana Cawa from Goonellabah, NetballAlbie Whitten from Caniaba, BaseballAlice Shields from Casino, NetballAmarli King from Goonellabah, NetballArchie Sauer from Evans Head, Rugby UnionAva Lane from McLeans Ridges, NetballCamryn Anderson from Alstonvale, BowlsCharlotte Sams from Wollongbar, NetballChelsea Gosling from Goonellabah, NetballChloe Keep from Shannon Brook, SwimmingChloe Ryall from Lismore Heights, NetballClaire Freeburn from Casino, NetballCooper Dendle from Goonellabah, AthleticsGus Maloney from Woodenbong, SwimmingEbony Andrews from Wyrallah, NetballEmma Green from Fairy Hill, SwimmingEzekiel Kubils from McKees Hill, Rugby UnionFinlay Stevenson from Evans Head, SwimmingFynn Turner from Broadwater, Touch FootballEmilee Reichmann from Leeville, NetballGemma Reichmann from Leeville, NetballGeorgia Dodds from Richmond Hill , NetballGracyn Ind from Woodview, NetballGus Collings from Caniaba, BaseballHanna Formaggin from Goonellabah, NetballHannah Mason from Eltham, Water PoloHarper Richardson from Caniaba, BaseballHarry Hosking from Alstonville, HockeyHenry Condon from Caniaba, BaseballIsabella Cooper from Fairy Hill, SwimmingIsabella Moretti from Lismore Heights, NetballJaymie Leadley from Casino, NetballJosie Carey from Fairy Hill, NetballKaty Bryant from Casino, SwimmingKaytlyn Turner from Goonellabah, NetballKnox Ellis from Casino, SwimmingKyna Rhodes from Goonellabah, NetballLachlan Elphick from Goonellabah, Rugby UnionLachlan Trease from Alstonville, SwimmingLarayah-rose Bolt Dangerfield from Goonellabah, NetballLucinda Barnes from Alstonville, NetballLuella Maloney from Broadwater, SwimmingMacy Batinovic from Woombah, NetballMason Campbell from Bexhill, Rugby UnionMax Halliday from Goonellabah, BasketballNoah Middleton from Caniaba, BaseballOliver Collings from McLeans Ridges, Rugby UnionPaiten Hampson from Greenridge, NetballRatu Isireli Cawa from Goonellabah, BasketballRetrouvailles Banza from Lismore, NetballSamuel Butler from Deep Creek, Rugby UnionSofie Formaggin from Goonellabah, NetballSophie Leadley from Casino, NetballTaylor Hancock from Casino, SwimmingTeo Stavenow from Casino, AthleticsTheo Dickson from Shannondale, HockeyToby Makejev from Casino, Australian FootballTyler Powell from Lismore, BaseballWilliam Bullpitt from South Gundurimba, SwimmingZoe Formaggin from Goonellabah, Netball(Our Local Sporting Champions and their families. Photo: supplied)

Resilient Lismore has launched a new online system for its Tool Library, making it even easier for locals to borrow the tools they need to get handyman jobs done on their property, and it is completely free.“The Tool Library includes a huge range of useful gear like drills, sanders, lawn mowers, ladders, and much more. It’s designed to help people with home repairs, garden work, clean-ups, and community projects,” said Celine Massa, project coordinator.“Since 2022, there have been 2,800 loans through our Tool Library, and we have also delivered more than 20 tool workshops where we have trained over 200 people to build their skills and their confidence while also creating community connections. “Our Tool Library and workshops are all about giving people the tools, the skills, and the support that they need to do things for themselves or help their neighbours. We know that having access to the Tool Library has helped people whose homes were damaged by the 2022 disaster to do work at home that they couldn’t otherwise afford” “This new online system makes it quicker and easier for people to find what they need and plan their jobs.”The updated website means people can now browse the full library of tools collection, check what’s available, and reserve items ahead of time. It also includes simple guides and answers to common questions about how the system works.Tool hire is free; however, some items, such as the trailer, require a refundable cash deposit. Check each item page for details. Visit the new system today and see what’s available at www.resilientlismore.org/tool-library.Resilient Lismore’s Community Recovery and Resilience Hub is open Wednesday to Friday, 10am - 2pm, at 215 Keen Street, Lismore, next to the Lismore Workers Club.

The most topical conversation in our LGA, without a doubt, is water. It seems that we either have too much or not enough. And herein lies the challenge. How can we store enough water for long-term supply, and slow the inundation of water that Lismore suffers when we get too much rain?Let's start with water security.There's no doubt we all have to be smarter about how we use water. But we also need to think about the supply of water to our growing population.Rocky Creek Dam, built over seventy years ago as Lismore’s primary water source for a population of around fifteen thousand people, is quite simply too small. Now, under the control of Rous County Council, the dam services a population in excess of one hundred and twenty thousand regional residents.Its size of fourteen thousand mega litres categorises Rocky Creek as a small dam, and the only possible way it can service the number of people it does, is because of our high average yearly rainfall. If we had zero rainfall for nine months, our dam would be dry.Water security needs to be approached regionally, and funded by state and federal governments, but we in Lismore should be driving this forward. Previous terms of council have sold us out on water security by not fully exploring all options and pushing individual agendas.You will remember only a few years ago, when Councillors Ekins and Cook were our Rous Council representatives, they both voted to move the head office of Rous to Ballina, taking many jobs out of Lismore and down to the coast. Forget the fact that all of Rous’ main water assets are in the Lismore LGA!Councillor Ekins, who is currently standing to be the next mayor, is openly saying that she encourages business in the CBD and wants the CBD to thrive, yet voted to take forty jobs away from our CBD only three and a half years ago.Not only that, they also removed water storage options from the future water strategy. Many would think of this as being the Dunoon Dam, but all water storage options need to be scientifically considered, and the best outcome reached for the long term growth and benefit of the region.Top of Councillor Ekins's agenda is recycled water, which is basically filtering our wastewater treatment plant and putting it back through your taps to drink, wash and play in. We live in an area with the highest rainfall in the state. The Greens and Labor want to build an incredibly expensive filtration plant, made from mined products and powered by fossil fuel, to filter our wastewater. Why don’t we just capture what falls from the sky? I know what I would rather drink!And then there's flood mitigation. What do we do when there’s a flood?Again, a very complex issue, which has multiple layers to be a successful strategy. For the first time in our history, our catchment is being analysed by the CSIRO, in a report called the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative (NRRI).Previous councils have spent countless ratepayer funds getting small reports done to mitigate against small to moderate floods. Finally, we are getting a funded report by Australia’s eminent scientific body, to help our region combat major flooding.The report is due to be released in June of 2025, with practical solutions to potentially reduce the impacts of major flooding for Lismore and the region. I look forward to the findings of this report, as it gives council a measure of how to better protect our businesses and homes. Personally, I will be strongly advocating for every recommendation in the report to be implemented, to give our businesses and ratepayers the confidence and security in the future of Lismore.My team and I are backing the future of Lismore through sensible and affordable water security and best-practice flood mitigation to enable our city to grow and thrive for generations to come.Water Water Everywhere by Mayor Steve Krieg

Elections are very interesting. There are a lot of opinions, allegations and sometimes outright lies that are put on public record for the sake of gaining a few votes.As I have read on more than one occasion, voters in the upcoming local government election need to make informed choices based on the facts. So here are a few myths that need busting.WasteCouncillor Ekins has stated on record that in this current term of council, waste collection has been privatised and “effectively ripped a million dollars out of the local economy and gave it to a contractor from out of town and out of state.”This is simply not true.The fact is that this current term of council has inherited a waste operation costing ratepayers an average of $4.31 million per year since 2019; without intervention, this would have likely grown to $6.5 million at the end of FY25.What council has done is undertake the most in-depth review of waste services that has ever been done in Lismore to determine the best path forward to enable meeting environmental expectations, recycling obligations and general waste management.Councillor Ekins has proclaimed many times that LCC’s waste collection services “makes a million dollar profit every year.”This section of the business of waste is determined by a forward projection of costs. These projections aim to cover the cost at best, so that council will break even at the end of the financial year. There is definitely no profit!In fact, due to a complete disregard for adequate asset management over the past decade or more, the fleet of waste collection trucks are in such disrepair that out of the seven trucks owned by LCC, up to four of them can be in the council workshop for repair on any given day.We have also inherited a fleet with such old technology, that our drivers are following printed maps with highlighted routes! No GPS, no camera’s, an outdated and inefficient system has led to the most inefficient operation possible. This is absolutely no fault of staff. This is a total neglect by elected officials from previous terms of Council to maintain and improve assets.Why am I paying so much more for waste collection and receiving less service?The reality is that the oversight of our collection service has not kept up with the demand of our LGA.Previous terms of Council have not made these decisions for over a decade, which has placed us in this precarious position. A sobering statistic is that a truck has to pick up a bin every 17 seconds to cover the cost of having that truck on the road. That is possible in urban areas, but as the landscape moves into less densely populated areas, this becomes harder to achieve.The new fee structure aims to ensure fairness across the LGA, ensures compliance of Councils cost recovery policies, and brings greater equity to those who are using the waste collection service. Previous councils have been asleep at the wheel in managing fair and equitable distribution of fees, and this council has been tasked to rectify that.I would encourage everyone to have a good look at their rates notice, and talk with council officers to ensure your waste collection plan is what is best for your needs. Many people don’t actually know what service they are paying for. I spoke with a lady who was able to save a significant amount of money through a simple modification of her collection service.Changing habits is hard, but in our waste services, it is absolutely critical to ensure viability and sustainability. We are projecting that with current changes, we will be at a break-even point in the 24/25 financial year. That is a dramatic turnaround from a potential $6.5 million loss last in FY25. That's $6.5 million to go into areas that you care about, like road repair, parks and gardens, footpaths, and other infrastructure to make our LGA a great place to live.We have a plan for our LGA. Waste reform is one important step in strengthening the organisation of council to provide the services our ratepayers expect and deserve. Decisions made by this council may not always be the most popular, but I believe them to be the right decisions to undo decades of neglect in the critical core business of council operations.The Truth About Our Waste by Mayor Steve Krieg.

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.