It might seem strange, but the connection between ukuleles, Lismore floods and storytelling is taking local SCU academic Jeanti St Clair to the Byron Writers Festival this weekend.Jeanti will join a panel of speakers discussing how creativity plays an important role in communities recovering from natural disasters. “The journey back from the emotional and mental trauma of climate disasters is huge,” Jeanti said. “If we can take part in a gentle creative process, it can help process traumas.“Part of the work is to create events that provide gentle opportunities for people to engage creatively in processing grief and trauma.“Particularly with single experience events, often you can benefit from sharing your stories – it can be a creative and therapeutic expression.”Flood Stories ProjectJeanti’s Flood Stories project began in 2017 after the Lismore flood and culminated in audio walks through the streets of Lismore.The project continued this year after the February and March floods, when Jeanti again gathered flood stories from people in the Lismore community who had been affected by flooding.“I have now updated the Flood Stories website to make space for other projects - and I’ve teamed up with local photographer Raymond De Weerdt to capture pictures of civilian rescuers.“We are talking about holding an exhibition next year and publishing a book called 'Rescue', capturing the experiences of the flood rescuers, their terrifying moments on water and the experience problem solving in doing it.“After some of the rescuers told me their stories, they said ’I didn’t know if I could tell it again, but I feel better for it'.“The creative methodology helped them process their experience – they felt seen and acknowledged.”The Creative Recovery panelThe Creative Recovery panel will be at the Byron Writers Festival at 11.30am, this Sunday, August 28.Jeanti said on the panel will be other locals talking about a similar process of engaging communities in mental health recovery - talking about bushfire recovery and other projects in Wollongbar and Ballina.“I’m involved with a larger collective alliance of creatives, teachers and mental health professionals - and we all came together as the creative first aid alliance,” Jeanti said.Ukelele ClubAs well as her flood stories project, Jeanti is using the power of musical expression to help the Lismore community recover from the floods.“I’ve started the ukulele club and we will have monthly uke events where people can gather, strum and sing along ,” she said.“It activates positive hormones and switches on the vagus nerve and makes you feel happier.“Byron Music donated ukeleles and I’m giving them away to flood affected people who come to the club.”If anyone wants to join the uke club, look for Lismore Uke Club on Facebook for updates.Byron Writers FestivalThe 2022 Byron Writers Festival will take place this Friday 26 August to Sunday 28 August.More than 140 writers and thinkers will converge on Byron Bay to explore the theme ‘Radical Hope’ and celebrate the power of words with festival audiences.The event takes place on the grounds adjacent to Elements of Byron Resort (144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay) and includes five stages, hosting sessions on a range of topics such as the environment, social issues, the arts, science, crime, poetry, politics, memoir and fiction.This year’s line-up includes best-selling authors Trent Dalton (Love Stories), Hannah Kent (Devotion) and Rob Drewe (Nimblefoot), artist Ben Quilty (Free Fall) and actor Bryan Brown (Sweet Jimmy), authors and commentators Indira Naidoo (The Space Between The Stars), Sarah Wilson (This One Wild and Precious Life) and Julia Baird (Phosphorescence), prize winning poet Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis (Costa's World) and British philosopher A.C. Grayling (For The Good of the World) amongst many more. 3-Day and 1-Day Passes are available as well as tickets to a selection of Feature Events and workshops. Tickets can be purchased online via byronwritersfestival.com/tickets or from the onsite Festival box office from Friday 26 August.

Inside the Northern Rivers Pilates studio on Keen Street, the revamped space with its high ceilings and open plan look could be described as ‘Berlin meets New York’. The new local pilates studio has been stripped back to bare bones since the February flood – and the opportunity to create the new studio is something that studio manager Maddi Garlick said was actually a blessing in disguise.“The bare bones studio is flood proof now,” Maddi said. “When we got back in to clean up the mud, we ripped out the roof and loved the high ceilings with the open beams at the top. “We even knocked out the back two rooms to create one big space for the studio.“It’s given us heaps of space and we are opening a new second floor studio up the top now.”Maddi said it was all thanks to the help of family and friends that the family-owned studio got back on its feet after the flood.“Everyone came and gave us a hand and my dad is a carpenter who reused the old timber cut out of the ceiling. He made removable panels to cover the walls – and the panels can be hosed off if another flood comes.”Generosity“We also lost our equipment – even though we moved it to a warehouse in East Lismore, because the warehouse went under too. Everything we put in the upstairs mezzanine also went under.”But thanks to the generosity of the national pilates community, the studio was able to reopen.“We got donations from lots of different studios in Australia and a pilates studios in Brisbane held a gofundme to help us purchase equipment again – we’ve been lucky,” Maddi said. Renowned pilates teacherMaddi’s mum is renowned pilates teacher Kimberley Garlick. Kimberley founded Northern Rivers Pilates when their family moved to the local area 15 years ago. “My mum started doing aerobics and teaching in 1995,” Maddi said. “She was the first in Sydney to teach group pilates sessions and has had many pilates studios since then.”Before the family moved to the Keen Street studio, they were located on Magellan Street for 11 year, above Timezone. New upstairs studio open dayNow expanding again, the new upstairs studio is set to open on September 3 and fitness classes will be held up there.Maddi said an open day on September 3 welcomes people to book in to try mat, barre and reformer classes for free between 9am and 12pm.“We have a booking system and people need to book in advance for the limited spaces,” Maddi said.Why try pilates?“Pilates is for everybody and anybody, aged 10 to 100-years old,” Maddi said.“It’s not just about having a strong core – even though that’s a part of it.“You also need to have spine mobility. The founder of pilates, Joseph Pilates says you are only as young as your spine is - you need to move, flex and bend.“Pilates is versatile and for all bodies. Our downstairs studio is going to focus on rehabilitation where people use the equipment, while upstairs will be for group classes.“My nan is 76 and she’s a pilates teacher too. She is a good example of how pilates can help you as you age. “She is an inspiration and she’ll be at the open day.” The studio will be open for classes every day from 6.30am to 11.30am, then 3.30pm to 7.30pm. Private consultations can also be booked. The studio has teamed up with massage therapists Kevin Privett and Christian Munoz from Olè Wellness.“They rent a room in the studio and have created a beautiful and blissful space for massage and craniosacral therapy.” Maddi said. To find out more about classes or booking a session, you can contact Maddi on 0413 090 265 or visit the website https://northernriverspilates.com.au/You can also visit Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialnorthernriverspilates?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

After having a tough time getting through the HSC during Covid shutdowns, former Richmond River High and Trinity Catholic College student, Jacqueline Bodill, wanted to make it easier for others. So, inspired by some of the good online resources she found, she made it a mission to compile them into one easy to find location - for future HSC students.It was a labour of love for her and yesterday, she received a NSW Young Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition for her efforts in establishing the HSC Resource Survival Kit.Now studying at university and working in Sydney, the 22 year old said one of the main reasons she created the Survival Kit was because schools were under-resourced and finding appropriate online content was a minefield.“During Covid when I was in year 12, schools were in transition to online learning and were under resourced when it came to online learning materials,” she said.Under supported“I felt under-supported and under-resourced, while around me was a culture of distributed content.“Then in 2021, I was moderating an online HSC discussion forum with 40,000 HSC students in it and I would distribute resources and my posts got hundreds of likes.“There’s a tradition that students who have graduated will create HSC resources for other cohorts, but a problem with distribution – and often the vast majority of students won’t be doing the same extension and resource will be lost online.“So I decided to approach all the HSC resource creators for content so I could compile it in one place.“Now, you can find things like a table of equations you use in Maths Essential 1 or an analysis of English HSC subjects – or example essays – all in the one place.” Find the resourceYou can find it here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PjjbRmvG6GG_TDyqMg1eAXd1rQnj18IDYesterday at a ceremony in Sydney, Jacqueline received a certificate for being the young volunteer of the year for Sydney City and the Eastern Suburbs region.Now, Jacqueline is studying in mechanical engineering and chemistry at UTS as well as working. Lismore in her heartShe went to Coraki High School, Richmond River High and Trinity Catholic College, then moved to Sydney in 2019. She returned to Lismore recently to visit friends and see Lismore after the flood.“My friend said Lismore was better now, but it devastated me,” she said. “The store fronts were shut – and Richmond River High and Trinity too - and my favourite shop CarringtonBizarre is gone.“I miss the culture here and Lismore still in my heart.”2022 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are in their 16th year and have grown to become one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across Australia. They are an annual program run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW. Individuals or teams can be nominated in one of eight award categories:• Young Volunteer of the Year • Employee Volunteer of the Year • Adult Volunteer of the Year • Volunteer Leader of the Year • Senior Volunteer of the Year • NSW Club Volunteer of the Year • Volunteer Team of the Year • Not for Profit Voluntary Governance Award 

Just like the gemstone it’s named after, the new premises of Lazuki & Co is beautiful, bright and inviting. Peta Tillett, owner of Lismore’s boutique hairdresser and beauty salon, has rebuilt the salon bigger and better after the February flood.Now located in the upper storey of 180 Molesworth Street, the salon takes up the whole floor of the historic brick building, with its light, airy verandah spaces and high ceilings.“All our clients are excited at the beautiful new space,” Peta said. “It’s such a great building, high above flood and want to make it a comfy safe space for people to relax - and feel welcome and warm.“It’s a space where people can take time for themselves.”Peta lost all her salon equipment in the February flood, despite spending two days moving everything to a higher level. But, instead of giving up, she decided to expand the business. “As soon as we announced we were opening here, our clients were booking in,” Peta saidNot only has she retained all her staff, this week, Peta has a new beauty therapist starting and people can book in for an appointment.The new salon features a beauty therapy and massage room, as well as a two hair salon rooms - and there are plans to have a sauna. People can book in for facials, nails, beauty treatments, massage and maintenance.ConnectingPeta has owned the business for four years and is a make up artist who sells her own brand of cosmetics.  “All my powders are Australian made entirely from natural ingredients, with no preservatives,” she said.“I like connecting with people,” she said. “In this business, we touch people for a living in a massage and beauty way and it is such a nice thing."When Peta moved to Lismore from Victoria, she saw there were single operator salons and medi spas – but nothing in-between.She had previously worked in a day spa, but wanted to create a place where people could have massage and a facial and not feel not intimidated.“A place where they could come in and talk about skin, or buy a voucher to have a massage, pedicure, and blowwave,” she said. TeamworkPeta said keeping all her staff after the flood was important to her because “it’s all about the team”.“Educating my team well is something I’m really into,” she said. “We sublet a place in Goonellabah to maintain their work and keep them engaged with education and volunteering.“More jobs means more opportunities and I’m putting more juniors so that they can develop their skills, while offering a discounted rate for people who want to work with apprentices.“In Lismore, lots of people are still rebuilding or trying to get their business open in Lismore and can’t afford the full luxury service.”Hair AidSoon, Peta is heading off to volunteer with Hair Aid this September and will be working with people in prison in Bali.  “It’s been over two years since our team’s last project in Cambodia and I’m looking forward to making some positive change in someone’s life once more,” she said.“This project will be working with a women’s prison, a dump community and a street community.”Peta is looking for donations of hairdressing items, capes, scissors, clips and combs.She is also collecting old mobile phones, they are used by the dump community to help with the children’s homework, toiletries such as tooth brushes, sanitation pads, soaps, mini shampoo and conditioners – and bras.Job availablePeta is still looking for another hairdresser, so if you are interested you can call her on 0401636208 or email [email protected] salon is located at level 1, 180 Molesworth Street and is open Monday to Saturday by appointment. For more information, or to book, visit http://www.lazuliandco.com.au/

When Michelle Sullivan finally reopened her Molesworth Street business MP’s The Meeting Place last week, it was after a long and frustrating journey of dealing with fraud and theft.Michelle had applied for post-flood grant funding after the February flood destroyed her CBD business. That’s when she realised her Australian Business Number (ABN) had been stolen.Michelle had already applied for the first half of the $50K small business grant, so when her application for the second half of it was knocked back by Service NSW, she was stunned and surprised. “When I went to submit the application, Service NSW said I can’t apply, because it looks like you already have all of the $50K grant’,” Michelle said.“But now, they’ve cleared it up through their IT and fraud department.“The staff have been so helpful and next week I have help from them to start the application again – but the money would have been good weeks ago.“I find it difficult to find out how people reopen without $50K in the bank,” she said.More ABNs stolenMichelle said Service NSW told her they had heard of “one or two” other cases of stolen ABNs being used to apply for grant money.“This is the second fraud that has happened to us, Michelle said. “Service NSW asked me if we had applied for the $3K rates rebate. I said ‘no, but I’d love to’ and the lady started the application for that, but found someone else had already applied for it and they had already paid it out.“The case is now with the Federal Police and is escalating to a fraud case.RenovationsGetting the networking hub back open again without the grant money already in their pockets meant long weeks renovating the business themselves.“Me, my husband and our parents worked nights and weekends to do the renovations,” Michelle said.“It’s been exhausting and we had to find money ourselves – so far we are up to $68K in costs – and we are still waiting for the grant money.”Office spaces available post-floodMichelle first opened The Meeting Place in 2020 as a venue where people could have shared work places with private office spaces.“We thought its really needed again right now because so many people are without an office after the flood,” Michelle said.“We have 10 private office spaces and seven are now available.“They are suitable for one occupant and are fully secured, each with its own fob key to the main entry and office. They have their own AC and are fully furnished with a desk, chair and lockable filing cabinet.“They cost $125 a week and wifi and electricity are included- and the office gets cleaned twice a week.“There’s also a cafe barrista at the door, and there are kitchen and bathroom facilities.”HistoryThe Meeting Place opened in 2020 when Michelle wanted to bring a space to Lismore like those she had seen in Melbourne.“Lismore was becoming a funky town after the 2017 flood and was getting its jive back, with new shops cafes and restaurants,” Michelle said.“It had a had a nice vibe and we loved it and thought it would be great to have a modern space in the CBD close to everything and shops.“It’s heartbreaking what’s happened, but we have to keep going and hope for the future.”If you are interested in hiring office space, you can phone Michelle on 0402 234 456 or email [email protected] can also visit the website https://mpsthemeetingplace.com.au/    

Today, on Dying to Know Day, new research has revealed the attitudes, behaviours and experiences of Australians around death, dying and end-of-life planning. Dying to Know Day encourages Australians to ‘get dead set’ having conversations and start planning around end of life.The research study, commissioned by leading not-for-profit The Groundswell Project Australia, reveals that while nine in ten (87%) Australians believe it is important to do some end-of-life planning, only one in three (35%) have actually taken action.The research shows that almost two in three (64%) Australians feel there are challenges and barriers to them undertaking end-of-life planning - including death and dying being too emotional to think about (14%), not knowing where to start (17%), or where to get help or information (16%) and not understanding their choices when it comes to end-of-life (15%).However, the research also explored the perceived benefits of end-of-life planning at all stages of life. Most profoundly, Australians say that if they were to die unexpectedly, having some end-of-life planning in place would help the people they care about.With almost half (48%) saying it would lessen the mental burden of organising financial and legal affairs on their loved ones; and two in five (40%) believe that their loved ones would be comforted by knowing for certain what they want to have happen after they die. Almost a third (30%) believe it would help their loved ones grieve and heal more readily.Cherelle Martin, Dying to Know Campaign Manager at The Groundswell Project Australia, says that these results reinforce the importance of reshaping the way we approach death in our communities, especially at a time where the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live, die and grieve.“Death is often over-medicalised and institutionalised. Our superstitions, fears, discomfort, and lack of knowledge about dying affect our approach to end-of-life. This new data emphasises that Australians think conversations – and action – around end-of-life is important,” said Cherelle.“This new research highlights the many ways in which people can feel ill equipped to act or start a conversation. Sadly, this can mean that end-of-life experiences are not aligned with an individual’s values, preferences or wishes.”“At a time where our mortality is a part of our collective consciousness like never before, it is crucial to ensure that we normalise conversations around death and dying, so Australians can ‘get dead set’,” said Cherelle.The Groundswell Project Australia’s Dying to Know campaign - which culminates on Dying to Know Day on 8 August - aims to improve death literacy and positivity in individuals and communities through local events. Death literacy is the knowledge, compassion and practical skills that enable supportive action and active decision-making around someone’s end-of-life choices.The national campaign asks people of all ages and stages of life to ‘get dead set’ around the reality of death and dying – because it’s going to happen to us all.The campaign, which has the support of Australian actress and writer Anna Lindner, invites Australians to overcome their fears or discomfort around death and take action on end-of-life planning in a way that is right for them. It outlines simple steps people can take around end-of-life planning, which is personal and unique to everyone.There are three key ways Australians can 'get dead set':Capture your choices in writing. Like a will, substitute decision maker and guidance on your social media or organ donation. These could be documents, or as simple as a text or scribble on a serviette to start.Have conversations with loved ones and others so they understand your wishes – and you understand theirs.Prepare your send-off. Share what you want it to look like so you can be celebrated and remembered in line with your wishes.“Dying To Know Day provides Australians with an opportunity to come together, join the conversation and get dead set. Our localised events give people safe spaces to engage in meaningful conversations around death and learn more about how we can prepare for end-of-life,” said Cherelle.To register your Dying to Know event, find an event or access support for your end-of-life planning journey, visit www.dyingtoknowday.com. The campaign provides supporting resources and workshops to guide your discussions, and a toolkit to help promote your gathering or event.People are also encouraged to join the conversation and share their experience via social media using the hashtag #GetDeadSet and #DyingToKnowDay. Don’t forget to tag @D2KDay on Facebook and Instagram.

With two floors now open and functioning, Lismore's Harvey Norman store is double the shopping fun.Since the February flood, the store has been operating from the upstairs section only. But after months of work, this week, the lower floor has again opened to the public. Sue Hollingworth is the franchisee of the local Harvey Norman store. She said it was a mammoth task getting the place refitted after it being ‘bulldozed’ by the mega-flood.“It was awful - the water went through roof of the first floor, butut we moved stock upstairs and were able to open again quickly on the second floor,“ Sue said.“The flood was a double whammy for us, the water also flooded our warehouse by 2.5 metres. Our staff helped clean that out so we could start trading again three weeks after the flood.”If you visit the new store, there’s a few differences. Now the electrical and fridge section is at the back and the computers and appliances are at the front.“It was always on the cards for us to fit it out differently – but we never could have imagined it would be because of this,” Sue said.Sue said the store had retained all the previous staff, as well as recruiting a few new faces to the team to help with the reopening of the shop.“We want to thank the community for its support and shopping with us,” she said.“People have been so patient and ordering stock through this store and being happy to wait for weeks till the warehouse was sorted and we could get back on feet.“Even though we are a franchise location operating under the Harvey Norman brand, Leah and me are the franchisees who live and work locally – it’s not all about Gerry and we appreciate the community’s support.

At the back of the new Kidsnest shop, a sensory display room is forming. With dimmable lighting and stars projected on the ceiling, it’s a safe haven for kids and adults who suffer from anxiety.Soon it will be filled with a range of calming devices - from a sensory swing, to a blow up canoe that ‘hugs’ you and makes you feel safe.For shop owner and ‘sensory’ mother Rebecca Klemm, the room has been her dream since she opened her first small shop on Dawson Street - more than two years ago.She started the shop as a response to her own needs for her children - and now the wider community is benefitting from her products.“I’ve had people tell me these products have helped change their kids’ lives,” Rebecca said.The sensory room “When you walk in there, it’s for families who have kids, teenagers or adults on the spectrum, who need help to function and get on with their daily lives,” she said.“In the sensory room, they get a chance to test higher-value products before they buy them – so they know they are going to work.“I’m going to have a Cloudpod and a new product that’s a desk with an exercise bike built into it. It’s perfect for a classroom or office - those that need to move their feet to concentrate.“So, you can be working and riding at the same time.”Opening dateAlthough she doesn’t officially reopen Kidsnest until 9am Friday, customers have already been walking in and buying Rebecca Klemm’s expanded range of products.Like many other businesses, the February flood has opened opportunities for Rebecca to remake her business exactly the way she wants.“So, I’ve bought the shop behind this one and extended to finally make room for her sensory display room,” she said.Sense sections“I’ve also set up the shop in sections that relate to the senses – so people can see where they need to go when they walk in.” Sections include proprioceptive, vestibular, hand eye coordination, fine motor, tactile, auditory, sensory water play, opened ended play and olfactory – with a display of natural stress-relief oils.The floodThe February flood didn’t stop Rebecca, in fact business skyrocketed and online orders poured in. “We didn’t lose any stock because we packed up on the Friday night before, after a friend in the SES said it was going to be really bad,” she said.“I am super organized and had a truck on standby in case it ever flooded, and I took it all home into the shed. Then later, it took up the whole house as I kept adding products and expanded the range.“I love books and have expanded to include calming journals for adults and teens.Flood anxiety help is here“A lot of these products are really helping people through their trauma and anxiety after the flood.“A lot of kids like my daughter have struggled since the flood.“My daughter struggles with separation anxiety – she always wants me there, because she’s so anxious about the changes.“She lost her school and having security is important to her – especially for a child that is already anxious.Weighted animalsRebecca’s range of weighted animals- and body socks- have been popular.“Kids need it for regulation to keep them going,” she said.“My 11 year old like the weighted turtle and puts it on the belly.“It’s good to watch it move when breathing – it moves up n down and helps regulate them.“The smaller weighted animals smell like French Lavendar and can be heated in the microwave or put in the freezer.“It can help regulate the vagus nerve and the brain if placed on the back of the neck.”FidgitsThere’s also a shelf full of fidgits for adults and teens. There’s one that looks like a bike chain, another device work so the person can roll and press it into the skin, without breaking it. Kidsnest opens on Friday from 9am till 4pm and then trading hours will be Monday to Saturday as normal.

With a fine sweat on her brow and a smile on her face, Fitness Manouvres' owner Kate Cairnduff is moving her body – now that she’s back in business in her revamped Dawson Street studio.“My studio looks amazing,” Kate said. “I wanted it to be a healing place and took my time to get it right. Now, it looks like a flood hasn’t come into the building.”Kate said getting the place ready so soon after the mega-flood was thanks to a great landlord who had connections in the construction industry.Flood angels“He was compassionate and asked what I needed,” Kate said. “I felt like I had flood angels all around me.“He employed local tradies and he ordered what was needed for the rebuild.”Kate always knew her studio was in a flood zone, so in February, she already had a plan for what to do if a flood came.“Everything in here is removeable – event the black floor mats - and we got most of the stuff out,” she said.“I only lost one major piece of equipment and the prowler track.”ClientsSince she reopened Fitness Manouvres last week, her excited clients have keen to get back into training with her.“I’ve got nearly all my clients back – only a few had a pause on training as they were displaced, lost their businesses or moved away,” she said.“I now have have some spaces available for clients for want to get moving.”What to expectKate said she offers one on one personal training sessions - or two on one if you have a friend who wants to join you.“It could be boxing, stretching, using free weights,” she said. “The whole studio space is theirs to use in their session – It’s lots of fun.”“I also have my online training program available - Fitness by Kate.“It’s for those financially not ready to commit to personal training and gently eases them in for a $40 one off 6 week program they can do at home, with audio assist.”The journeyIn the aftermath of the February flood, Kate’s studio took on the role of a food hub for a short while.“The Food Bank Australia delivered a load of food hampers with things like milk, bread, plums and watermelon and we got that out to where it was needed it – to flood-affected people that may have fallen through the gaps,” she said.“Then my daughter Jess came up with packs of things for kids – like shoes, nappies and backpacks for local families.“It was lovely to help families who were ready to start take things as they got their homes put back together.“It’s been a journey - but I never thought I wouldn’t open up - not after 12 years of nurturing my business in Lismore.“I knew my clients would be back, we have created an amazing community together.”To find out more about Kate and her training option, visit  https://fitnessmanouvers.com/Read about her beginnings: Kate's new fitness business manouvers into Dawson Street

One of Lismore’s best kept secrets has again opened its doors to good times and good company.Still a popular meeting place, Unplugged Games on Dawson Street is again filled with smiling people who have come together to play games and make social connections.A home school group meets to play and hang out.Shop manager Liam Fraser-Quick said after a tough few years, having the games shop back open has been welcomed by the local community.“After the first flood in February, we lost stock but opened three weeks later,” Liam said.“Then the second flood happened and we were ankle deep water - and we had to get everything out again.”Now, the shop is operating at a limited capacity – and it’s all thanks to the fact that shop staff managed to save much of the stock – cards and games – from the mega-flood.”“We did lose lots of single cards - like for Magic the Gathering in the warehouse – even though we put stuff up high,” he said.The floodThe day before the flood, Liam said they moved everything up higher than the 2017 flood level height - which was waist high - and weighed down the tables so thru wouldn't float.. But by night time, they realised it would be higher - and they took out all the board games and cards.“It was enough to reopen with,” Liam said. “We also have good suppliers who let us pay later for stock.“In the flood, the cards in the hard cases survived. They took on moisture and warped but were ok.“We sold them online and the wider community saw them and wanted to help out and loved buying cheaper cards.“We had so much help in the floods too. Lots of community members helped us clear the and some people took paint and miniatures home to scrub them for us.“It’s humbling and makes you realise how much you mean to the community.”The future“In a few months, the main play space opens next door - where more people can fit in. We can hold bigger events like Warhammer and Dungeon andDragons games there.“At the moment La Nova Massage is working in there temporarily.Don’t grow up“I’ve been in this industry for over a decade and I have great admiration for those that play games and refuse to grow up,” Liam said.“Everyone gets told to put down the toys and pick up the tools - but they want to keep playing games – and they have tools too.“I like giving people a place to come together to smile and sit across the table and hang out in person, rather than just sitting alone behind a screen.“Later we will have a fridge and sandwiches creature comforts we don’t have now, when we have more power points”The shop now holds a weekly roster of different events, board and card games. You can visit the Facebook site for details.You can drop in, hang out, have a chat with like minded people - buy cards and and play games like Dungeons and Dragons, UDO, Flesh and Blood, Monopoly, Scrabble and Risk.The shop is open Monday to Saturday, from 9.30am to 8.30 weekdays or 5.30pm Saturdays.

Even the biggest flood in Lismore’s recorded history couldn’t stop Chris Knight and his wife Pa from bringing the delicious smell of Thai food back to the Lismore CBD.The couple reopened their Keen Street takeaway food shop Thai Satay Hut just in time for the Lismore Lantern Parade – and have been busy since then.On their Facebook page, there’s pictures of the shop under water – and one of the couple in a boat coming into the Lismore CBD."We were the second shop owners in town after the flood,” Chris said,.“We got a non-motorised dinghy to bring us in, so there is no disturbance to any buildings.“It’s vitally important we get back here soon after the flood water recedes so we can get the mud off the walls and floors before it dries, or it’s too hard to get off.”Inside the shop, there’s a 2022 flood height marker, high up near the roof.Chris said after the flood, they, found one of their dining tables on top of the shelf above the front door.“We have been through ten floods in Lismore, but never one like this,” he said.“The ceiling had fallen in too and now there is a waterproof ceiling.“We had a good landlord who paid for it – he came in to see it after the flood and was happy to pay for it.”With so many Lismore CBD shop owners still waiting on tradespeople to complete work on their buildings, how did the couple manage to open so quickly?“We annoyed our tradies to get them here to get the job done,” Chris laughed.“Everything had to be done and it was a big job to coordinate all of the workers - from electricians to builders and painters.“I was recovering from an operation after the flood and Pa was here coordinating everything.”Pa said she has gotten her energy back now after the stress of overseeing the repairs and is happy to be back cooking her Thai food for the Lismore community.“I love Lismore – It’s the best place. I only ever want to live here.“We will always reopen - even after the biggest flood we’ve ever had.”The shop is open 6 days a week – Monday to Saturday, from 11am.

 With cloudy skies and rain predicted for the next few days, organisers of the Lismore Car Boot Market have made the call not to hold the outdoor market this Sunday, July 3.Sad news, we know – both for stall holders and punters looking for food and a bargain.Read the latest weather news: We've seen the last of the sun as the rain returnsHeld on the first and third Sundays of the month, the market has proved popular since it made a reappearance last month, for the first time since the flood.Now held in a new location in Lismore CBD - in the carpark at back of the Lismore Quad - the market is subject to the vagaries of the weather.When the market began, it was held undercover in the carpark of Lismore Shopping Square for 32 years, before moving to a new location. Read more: New beginnings come to Lismore’s Car Boot MarketThe market then reappeared at Lismore Showgrounds when Covid restrictions made undercover markets difficult.The Lismore Car Boot Market joins the Channon Craft market in bringing life back to Lismore’s CBD. Read more: Car Boot and Channon Markets coming to Lismore's CBDThe Channon market will be held in the same carpark on the second Sunday of the month (so, July 10).If the weather is good, the next Car Boot Market will be held July 17.Read more about the Carboot Market: Car Boot Market brings 'normal' back to Lismore

The tragic death of local music legend John Lush (43) at the Lismore Lantern Parade has rocked the local community.John (known to his friends as Grunt), suffered a heart attack and was treated by paramedics in the Lismore CBD on Saturday evening, as the parade made its way through town.He was taken by ambulance to Lismore Base Hospital, but was pronounced dead.John’s best friend and fellow muso, Isaac Vincent said John leaves behind two children, John Junior and Bettina May.He also leaves behind his pregnant partner, Viv – who is due to give birth to John’s baby any day.A Gofundme page has been set up to help Viv pay for funeral costs and look after their child.Wake up callIsaac said John’s death has been a wake up call to many who knew him.“It’s good to be aware of the signs of heart attack,” Isaac said.“The day before, Viv said he ran out of breath when he was on a walk and said said his heart felt weird.“But he brushed it off and focused on his pregnant partner instead.”Music Legend – The Humans of LismoreBorn and bred in Lismore, John Lush also leaves behind a long musical legacy, including being lead singer in T.H.O.L. (formerly known as The Humans of Lismore).“In 2014 John and I stated jamming and making up songs about funny things we see in Lismore – like too many hairdressing salons, bakeries and mechanics," Isaac said.Isaac said T.H.O.L. started after Issac’s photo was featured on Denise Alison’s Humans of Lismore Facebook site.“John gave me shit about it at first and would say ‘we ARE the humans of Lismore’. Then we started a band with the same same – sorry Denise,” he said.“John had a punk rock ethos – then we got to know Denise and we changed the name to T.H.O.L. because we didn’t want to annoy her.“The Humans of Lismore was like a variety show band. We wanted a David Letterman show feel and would play venues like the Star Court Theatre.“John would interview people and we would play songs in-between.“I was the violin player and also did the slide shows in the performances.”First band Isaac said John’s first band in Lismore was P.I.S.S.“The band broke up, but would meet up every five years and do another show,” Isaac said.“They almost had record for the most times a band can break up and reform.“They were weird – people would walk into a venue and say ‘what is this band?’.“They only had one real instrument and Grunt would sing in outrageous costume. The drummer played a desk with ashtrays and pot plants attached to it.“But the music was tidy.”More recently, John was the lead singer in The Munted – and he loved doing it.Family and historyJohn was born, bred and schooled in Lismore.“People called John more Lismore than human.“His mum Marlene is the lady you see walking around town in a sequined beanie collecting cans.“Once he was playing a guitar that he said his mum found in a bin."Isaac said John was John Lush the 3rd.“He actually comes from a long line of John Lush’s,” he said.“His son is called John Lush the 4th.NicknameJohn got the nickname Grunt (or Gruntus) from his older sister.“His middle name is Grantley and she use to tease him and called him Gruntus,” Isaac said.“At first he hated it, but it caught on. When he started liking it, she started calling him John.“The name suits him - the first time I met him, I saw him when I was busking."He was walking in a leather trenchcoat on a 40 degree day in Lismore and looked like an angry punk dude.“But I found out he was a happy, nerdy, quirky person - not as mean as he looked. The name like grunt went with it.Wit and humour“’Grunt had wit and a sense of humour. He was dangerously smart and could take anybody down, but he was the nicest person – he gave so much more to community than he took.“He was into local theatre and comedy – and was the mainstay at gaming stores. He loved board games, Magic the gathering and Dungeons and Dragons.“He was a massive wrestling enthusiast and he’d go to any indie Aussie show – he loved the theatre of the ring."The Flood and TributeIsaac said John and Viv lost everything in the February flood and the couple came to live with Issac for a few months until they fortunately found another home.“It was good to spend time with him - I didn’t realise it was such a special time until now.”Isaac said a tribute to John is being planned in the coming weeks.“We want to put on a big show called Gruntfest and we’ll need people to help us make it happen,’ he said.John also leaves behind his siblings Naja Lush, Dale Mallet, Anneke and Guy, as well as his mum Marlene and two children John Lush 4th and Bettina May.GoFundMe“The Gofundme page will raise money to pay for John’s funeral and also help Viv with paying the rent and buying food and not having to worry about that for now,” Isaac said.“She’s being induced today and will have the baby soon. She is focused on the baby now – but grief comes in waves and she will be dealing with it.“Any donations no matter the size are welcomed. Rest in peace Gruntus, and thank you for all the good times."To contribute, visit https://gofund.me/17dfe284

Binnie O’Dwyer lost everything when her house was inundated in the February flood. But creating paper lantern boats for the Lismore Lantern Parade has been a big part of her healing process.“It was so soothing because my life is in disarray,” Binnie said. “I’ve been doing flood repairs and that's as hard as cleaning up was.“I just wanted to be here at the Lismore Lantern Parade workshop, papering and glueing.“I didn’t have to make decisions about the house. I could just come here and work.“I get to use a different part of my brain - and although this year's theme still deals with the flood, it’s a creative pursuit and doesn’t trigger my despair.“I’m surrounded by paper hearts – it’s a beautiful thing.”The theme of this year’s Lismore Lantern Parade is “Our healing hearts” and Binnie is one of many volunteers helping to make the healing happen.“The Parade has been one of Lismore’s highlights for decades and this year will be super special because it survived the flood, like most of us, with help from the brave and courageous individuals who risked their own lives to save others,” Binnie said.“I’m looking forward to Saturday evening and honouring those people and our lovely community - and the river."No ticketsFestival creative director Jyllie Jackson said this year’s event in the CBD won’t need tickets – but the festival still needs your donations of money.“This year, we’ve had less than a month to put it all together,” Jyllie said.“We’ve had lots of new volunteers coming in for an hour to help – but then saying they don’t want to leave.“This is something this place has always given to the community – an interesting and safe place where people find something special they didn’t know they had.”Jyllie said tomorrow’s parade will give people a chance to walk around the CBD and see which places have reopened.There’s also a few shops with lanterns in the windows – such as ‘The Boys’ on Woodlark Street.Read more about what has opened: Leo's reopens with Lismore's favourite fried foodThe parade and fiery finale viewing – what you need to know Festivities begin Saturday at 12pm with markets, activities and music. The parade begins at 6pm from the Quad. The route map for the parade has been released.Every year is a year of firsts for the parade and this year, the viewing platform for the fiery finale is the road near the skate park on Victoria Street. Access to Riverside Park is excluded as it is not safe.Viewers will look toward the levy bank where the milk churn is and there will be a bonfire there.Even though volunteers have been filling in road potholes as best they can, Jyllie warns people to look out for potholes.“Please be kind to each other and understand it’s an adventure,” Jyllie said."There will also be a surprise performance piece which will acknowledge our communities in North and South Lismore."The community is also invited to take part in the parade with a little flotilla for the lantern parade of 50 little lantern tinnies and boats which were created to give to flood families.If you would like to join in, they are walking behind the preschool lanterns and will meet up at the corner of Magellan Street and Keen Street at 5pm Saturday.For more information, visit https://www.lismorelanternparade.com.au.

A series of break ins and acts of vandalism have been reported in the Lismore CBD over the last week - to the dismay of local business owners. Sportspower Fitness Warehouse is the latest business to be broken into - and joins the Stockpot Kitchen in a growing list of businesses battling vandalism after the flood. Sportspower shares a building on Molesworth Street with Cummings Electrical and a chartered accountant firm (located behind the old Cummings building).Owner of the building, Elton Cummings said the owners of the sports store got broken into last Sunday morning. "The thieves must have looked at the place on the Saturday afternoon," Elton said. "They then came in at 5am on Sunday morning and cut live electrical wires which could have easily killed them. "They bashed out a power point and put their hand though a small hole in the floor and stole things off the racks."They stole about six shirt and pairs of shorts. "They left a torch with their finger prints on it - and they must have been small because they dug a hole under some bars and climbed under them to get out and in under the floor."While the damage to the building has been repaired, and building security now increased, Elton said they were waiting to see what happens with fingerprints now."The damage to the building and the expense to us to fix it is far greater than the value of what they stole," he said.Read more about businesses just reopened: Leo's reopens with Lismore's favourite fried foodIt's not the first time since the flood that the building has been broken into .Directly after the flood when there was no power, Elton said there had been three separate incidents where vandals had smashed glass. "We stopped than by putting a person on site to sleep here who chased the thieves one night and kept them away," he said.With lengthy waits for many buisnesses to get glaziers in to replace glass broken in the floods - as well as electricians to fix wiring, the actions of the vandals have astounded business owners. According to Elton, the situation is about to get worse."We have kids in town with nothing to do, nowhere to go, no bowling alleys, skating rink, no nothing - they are bored."The problem is idle hands - to get into trouble. But what will the kids do. It's a toughie."Read more: SUNDAY PROFILE: on the couch with Elton Cummings talking about floods, business and rescue serviceStockpot Kitchen vandalisedGraeme Stockdale , owner of Stockpot Kitchen said his Molesworth Street premises was vandalised in the early hours of Wednesday morning.He arrived at work Wednesday to find the front window smashed - so he shored it up with plywood.After working to get his business operational after the flood, he is taking the vanadalism with good humour."I actually like the new plywood look," he laughed."We are fine. But I don't know why someone is running around town doing this - there's enough boards up already, we don't need more"The Lismore App took a walk down Molesworth Street and saw another shopfront window smashed too.Graeme said he had heard word about break-ins at other Lismore businesses, including Lion and Lamb and the Chinese restaurant.Police respondThe Lismore App spoke to Richmond Police District Superintendent Scott Tanner about the recent vandalism and break-ins.Supt Tanner said local police were aware of a number of break and enters over the last week - and they are still under investigation."We ask people to let us know if they see suspicious behaviour in town," he said. "It is deplorable behaviour for people to break into businesses affected by flood. "There's nothing lower - these people have suffered enough."With less people walking about in the CBD these days, Supt Tanner said there are less "eyes and ears" reporting."But we have increased police presence in the CBD areaa and the CCTV cameras are operating in the CBD," he said."We know the Chinese restaurant was broken into a month ago - and we locked people up for that - and it was not juveniles."ReductionWhen it comes to statistics about break-ins in Lismore, Supt Tanner said he has seen a 30% reduction in them this year - as compared to the same time last year.(It is worth noting that this year, there are a lot less businesses open than last year.)If anyone notices anything suspicious in Lismore, Supt Tanner said they should call the Crimestoppers number 1800 333 000 or Lismore Police.Another window on Molesworth Street was smashed.

Lismore's favourite fried food - including potato scallops and dim sims - are back on the Lismore takeaway menu. With new oil in the fryers, Leo's food bar reopened at 9am today after being closed for four months since the big flood.Finally reopening was a relief to Leo's owners Judy and Warren.After 15 years in business in the Magellan Street location, it was never a question of if they would reopen, but when."We are back here again - but things are a little bit different," Judy said."We won't have chickens for a couple of weeks - and the cost of stock has gone up, so our food prices have too."But we are keeping it as low as we can."Judy said getting the shop ready to reopen after the devastating flood was due Warren's months of effort in refitting the shop. "Warren has done 99% of the work himself with the help of his two daughters and grandson," Judy said.The shop will open from Monday to Saturday from 9am, but Judy said when they close each day will depend on how many customers are walking through the door. Getting social post-floodWhile Judy and warren are still trying to get their phone and internet in the business sorted out, they are posting updates on social media.In the business' Facebook page, the couple revealed that their "hearts were broken with the rest of the community on February 28th.""We prepared the best we could by packing everything above '74 level, this proved not to be high enough. "On social media we watched the water levels continue to rise, we heard the horror that was unfolding, we hoped and prayed for the best for everyone. "When we were finally able to get in town, the devastation was incomprehensible. "The lives of each and every single person in the community had been affected. We entered what can only be described as annihilation. "The damage to the shop had been a lot worse than we could have ever anticipated or expected based on 2017 flood damage. "There were tears, there was anger and then fear set in. Would we re-open? Can we do this again? How are we going to do this? How are we going to afford this again?"Once the initial devastation had been processed, we said... we'll we have to pick ourselves up and get back to work. "Leo’s has been here for over 30 years and we plan to be here for many more years to come. "For the last few months, we have been working tirelessly to get the shop back up to standard to continue providing the community with hot, fresh quick service food. "We are pleased to announce WE ARE BACK!!!!! "We are operating on a limited basis as we have had to shut half the shop down due to the back being taken away with the force of the flood water. "Please be patient while we navigate through this new normal. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and everyone who has provided positive words of encouragement." 

With domestic violence rates increasing after disasters (like fires and floods), a free workshop is set to help people identify what’s going on and understand how to deal with it.Run by Gender and Disaster Australia, the May 18 workshop is for all community members and disaster recovery workers.Gender and Disaster Australia director Debra Parkinson said the two hour, federally funded session is for all genders – and will also cover the effects of disaster on LGBTIQ+ people.“We want to facilitate a conversation so people can identify family and domestic violence and know what to do to respond constructively,” Debra said.Evacuation centres“In Lismore, after the floods, we heard about evacuation centre staff picking up on domestic violence and not knowing what to do to help.“Community members might have friends and family at home who are experiencing violence after floods and we can have conversations about what ordinary people can do.“Disaster is no excuse for family violence." “It’s for men as well - men don’t ask for help. So, we talk about ways to get help for men who might need it. “One of the workshop trainers, Steve O’Malley, is a firefighter. He’s spent more than 30 years working with us since we did our first research on how men respond to disasters like Black Saturday. The hero danger“There’s a gendered expectation applied to men and women in times disasters.“There’s a danger of expecting people to be heroes in disaster – and it’s damaging to men who find it hard to live up to that protector/provider role.“After the fires in 2018, we researched long term disaster resilience and interviewed 57 people.Aftermath of flood“Some people also had experience with devastating floods, where there’s a long hard aftermath and clean up.“It’s tough until basic government and private services like power internet and water service are back on. There’s the clean up mud and debris and asbestos. It’s a big task.Hierachy of grief“There are pressures not to talk about it. There’s hierarchy of grief – that someone else’s needs are higher than ours.“So, we put others’ needs first – and for women, there’s also pressure to be loyal to the man, making excuses like ‘he’s a good bloke, he’s suffering or traumatised’.“We all have a right to a safe environment."“There’s also pressure on communities, in the spotlight and pressured to be the resilient community that embodies the Aussie spirit.“People also don’t say anything because they are thinking about the children.”What to do?Debra said there are help lines to call, where people can safely speak about what’s happening to them.Workshop detailsThere will be two free workshops, but registration is essential because of limited numbers. Book here: Two-Hour Session: Lessons in Disaster Tickets, Multiple Dates | EventbriteTuesday, May 17, from 1-3pm, at Brunswick Valley Community CentreWednesday, May 18, from 1-3pm at Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre.

With no clothes or shoes, and flooded out of their innundated homes, the staff of Lismore’s St Vincent’s Hospital kept showing up to work after the February flood.Their dedication and resilience was recently rewarded when Lismore’s Presentation Sisters raised thousands of dollars to help 64 of the most flood-affected 64 staff from the devastating flood.  St Vincent’s CEO, Steve Brierley, said out of 600 staff members, about 200 of them were cut off from work when the February 28 flood happened.“I realized how many staff didn’t live in the immediate area, because they couldn’t get into the island that Lismore had become,” Steve said.“But a number of staff whose houses went under in North, South and East Lismore, or Corkai still came to work - many without clothes.”Borrowed scrubs“We could give them scrubs to wear, but they had no shoes, but friends and colleagues helped them out.“It was amazing the resilience some people showed.“Some were in shock in the early stages and still hadn’t processed what was happening to them. Some had lost all their possessions.“We wanted them to feel welcome to come back to work and realized it would help them to get back to some sort of normality to be with colleagues who loved them - not surrounded by the bleakness of flooded houses.”Sleeping at workSteve said some of the staff with nowhere to go would sleep at the hospital.“We have an old cottage here for accommodation with six rooms that we cleared for staff,” he said.“We also had staff sleeping in vacant beds on wards and in the admissions area.“Some of the renal staff also stayed so they could treat renal patients who had to board at the hospital too.”“Many are still not able to return home and some will never able to and are living on the kindness of families and friends as best they can.“We already had a housing crisis here and now it’s much worse.”Sisters come to helpThat’s when Sister Anne Jordan from Lismore’s Presentation Sisters stepped in. “They were aware of the plight of our staff and raised a substantial amount of money, which was divided between 64 staff. They each received about $250,” Steve said.“We are grateful for their kindness – and the sisters said it was from the it was from people who donated to the appeal.“They also had a three bedroom unit in Dalley Street that they made available for our staff to stay in.”Presentation SistersSteve said, said the Presentation Sisters set up their congregation on the Northern Rivers in 1886 – and had a long association with the hospital.“Until recently, they took over pastoral care at St Vincent’s 42 years ago when the Sisters of Charity handed over the hospital to the Diocese of Lismore,” he said.Each of the donations given to staff members came with the message:“Our foundress, Nano Nagle, worked during challenging times. Her family motto of ‘Deeds not words’ inspires us still at this time. Please know our prayers are with you.”The boardSteve said the board of St Vincent’s indicated it will supplement donations and other offers of help with in-kind and financial support as appropriate.“The board already unanimously supported a special wage and salary payment to flood-affected staff,” he said.Herosim “After the sudden impact of the floods, we witnessed great heroism from our flood-affected staff, and most have returned to work despite their losses,” he said.“It’s a testament to their dedication to patient and resident care, and their desire to reclaim a sense of normality and dignity through work.Collective trauma“However, the hospital is mindful this is just one phase of a long response to collective trauma.“The next phase, which is a sense of disillusionment, will need to be fully appreciated and sensitively worked through before the rebuilding and restoration phase can begin.”St Vincent’s program of assistance has included helping find ongoing accommodation for displaced staff, transport, supplying essential items, supporting their social, emotional and spiritual needs where appropriate, and providing a secure and stable work environment.

Applications for Early Childhood Education and Care Flood Recovery Grants (ECEC) are now open to Lismore and surrounding Local Government Areas. State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging eligible early childhood education and care (ECEC) services impacted by major flooding to apply for grants of up to $30,000 to help rebuild. Ms Saffin said she hoped ECEC services in Lismore City, Tweed Shire and Kyogle local government areas would get their share of $9-million in funding from the NSW Government. Services in the neighbouring LGAs of Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley can also apply for funding by the closing date of 30 May 2022. “Many early childhood education and care operators in the Northern Rivers were severely impacted by the catastrophic flooding we experienced a few months ago, and any financial help is welcome,” Ms Saffin said. “I hope and trust that this application process runs smoothly so that eligible services receive funding quickly to undertake repairs or replace valuable resources. “Many local families rely heavily on ECEC services so the sooner they return to normal, the better it will be for our local communities.” The ECEC Flood Recovery Grants are available to community preschools, mobile preschools, long day care services, multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Services, Aboriginal Child and Family Centres, family day care services, occasional care services and out-of-school hours care services. For more information and to apply, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/floods/financial-support/businesses