As students head back to school for 2025 this week, one Lismore institution begins celebrating a milestone in its history.It has been 40 years since St Mary's College and St Joseph's College combined to form what has been known since as Trinity Catholic College Lismore.The Presentation Sisters founded St Mary’s College for Girls in 1886, and the Marist Brothers opened St Joseph’s High School for Boys in 1911.After some years of senior co-instruction, the two schools formally amalgamated to form Trinity Catholic College Lismore in 1985 under the leadership of Sister Mary Cannane pbvm.In late 1984 the students and staff from both St Mary’s and St Joseph’s attended a Mass in St Carthage’s Cathedral. The two schools entered the Cathedral as separate entities under their own school banners. In a ritual handing over, the Captains of both St Mary’s and St Joseph’s handed over their banners to Fr Frank.(The handing over of the banners in late 1984. Photo: supplied)With the banners handed over, the students and staff left the Cathedral as one school community under the “Trinity Catholic College Lismore” banner. The motto for the newly amalgamated school, as suggested and endorsed by the students and staff at the time, was Deeds not Words. In the past 40 years, thousands of students have been educated in the best traditions of the Presentation Sisters and Marist Brothers. These students have now moved into the world and have made a positive contribution in a variety of different fields. Sr Mary Cannane pbvm served as the Foundation Principal until 1992, after which five Marist Brothers served as Principal until 2022 when Mr Jesse Smith, the first lay Principal, was appointed.The Marist Brothers maintain a presence on staff and in the Lismore community. The Presentation Sisters of Lismore maintained a presence on staff until the end of 2018, but remain active in the Lismore community. Both Orders have a strong and ongoing relationship with the College, and the charismatic traditions of Venerable Nano Nagle and Saint Marcellin Champagnat continue to inspire current students and staff in the same way they have since 1886 and 1911, respectively.Principle Jesse Smith said, “We have much to celebrate over the past 40 years, particularly given the tumult of the past few years. "Our College is much older than the anniversary we celebrate this year. We trace our heritage back to 1886 when the Presentation Sisters started St Mary’s. Next year, we will celebrate 140 years since that moment in our history. "This year’s celebrations will focus on the past 40 years in particular and all that was achieved and accomplished through the amalgamation of St Mary’s and St Joseph’s. "I know that the Class of 1985 recently gathered on the Australia Day long weekend here in Lismore, but we hope to see them back with us in the second half of the year to celebrate with as many of our alumni as possible."We are asking those interested in joining us to register their details via our College website. We will post updates to this group as the year progresses."2025 is also a Jubilee Year for the Universal Church - a year in which we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope. My hope is that we can give thanks to all who have gone before us and to celebrate the positive contributions of so many.” This year, Trinity Catholic College will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of its amalgamation. Alumni and former staff are encouraged to register their interest via Trinity's website - www.trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au. Register your Interest in our 40th Anniversary Celebrations - https://trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au/form/5Details regarding events and celebrations will be announced in due course. Trinity is planning a celebration dinner in Lismore in August 2025.You can read more about Trinity's history by clicking https://trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au/about/our-history.

A program tailored for businesses and not-for-profits in the Northern Rivers to prepare for future disasters, continue to trade during tough times and develop strategies to recover following a disaster has been announced by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).The Business Beyond Disasters program provides participants with access to weekly learning modules and check-ins to develop business plans for disasters, build essential business continuity capabilities, and work together to overcome future challenges.The RA has engaged experts from Resilient Ready, an organisation specialising in business and community risk reduction and resilience, to develop and roll out the program, which is free for all Northern Rivers businesses.The programs will run for 10 weeks, starting from March 17 to May 2025 and businesses can also access the online learning modules until December 2025.Information sessions are scheduled in February 2025 in each Northern Rivers Local Government Area for local businesses to learn about the program, sign up and connect with key support agencies such as NSW SES and the Australian Red Cross.Participants can choose one of five specific business programs that best align to their specific area of business, including:Retail, professional services and educationAgribusiness and aqua businessTourismHealth and social servicesConstruction, trade and manufacturing.   Participants will be able to access eLearning modules that cover topics such as operating through disasters, financial viability, understanding insurance, evacuation triggers, and how disasters can bring opportunities.Course participants will have the chance to exchange experiences and discover the resilience initiatives implemented by other businesspeople in the region.Business Beyond Disasters is part of a broader project funded under Round One of the Disaster Ready Fund called the Northern Rivers Disaster Readiness Program (previously known as the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Project - Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation). The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government.  Northern Rivers businesses are encouraged to attend a local information session in February 2025 to find out more – book your spot here: https://collections.humanitix.com/business-beyond-disasters-information-sessions.The Business Beyond Disaster schedule is:Wednesday, 19 February (3:30pm - 5pm) - MullumbimbyThursday, 20 February (8:30am - 10am) - KyogleThursday, 20 February (3:30pm - 5pm) - LismoreFriday, 21 February (7:30am - 9am) - BallinaTuesday, 25 February (4pm - 5:30pm) - MurwillumbahWednesday, 26 February (8:30am - 10am) - GraftonWednesday, 26 February (3:30pm - 5pm) - CasinoThursday, 27 February (1pm - 1:30pm) - On LineFederal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said, “Supporting small businesses and not-for-profit organisations is crucial for the resilience of our regional communities, especially during and after disasters.“These online courses and information sessions will equip participants with actionable strategies to face future challenges head-on and emerge even stronger after disasters.“The Australian Government remains committed to the recovery and resilience of all regions affected by disasters.”NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “One of the Reconstruction Authority’s clear mandates is to reduce exposure to risk and better prepare businesses for the next disaster.“The Minns Government’s State Disaster Mitigation Plan sets out clear action items to foster risk reduction and improve resilience from future disasters, including the “Get Ready” campaign. This program will assist businesses and communities to be better prepared for the types of hazards that affect their local area.NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “We have been working with the community to support recovery in the Northern Rivers, and this initiative is a great example of how we are working with businesses to improve their resilience.”“This program has been designed to provide tools and information across a range of industries to help businesses prepare themselves for the next time disaster strikes.”Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “This is a useful free offer to local businesses and not-for-profit organisations to build a better understanding of how to best prepare for and respond to natural disasters.“It’s another good way of supporting our business sector and something that has been raised with me in the community as the recovery from the 2022 floods continues.”Resilient Ready CEO Renae Hanvin said, “Back in 2021, we co-designed and piloted our business community resilience micro-learning program with a number of NSW businesses recovering from the bushfires. Pilot participants from the Northern Rivers region told us the learnings helped them recover better and prepare for the impacts from COVID and floods.

With most school children going back to the classroom tomorrow, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan says the cost for parents is too high.In a statement released yesterday, Mr Hogan said that new inflation data confirms what parents already know - the cost of sending kids back to school is out of control.From school supplies and uniforms to lunchbox staples and after-school snacks, families are being hit with shocking double-digit price hikes.Families are struggling to keep up, with many forced to cut back on essential expenses just to make ends meet.“Parents are telling me they will need to cut out sport, dance classes, and excursions just so they can afford the basics,” Mr Hogan said.“But it’s not just extracurricular activities that families are struggling with; it’s the everyday essentials like a healthy breakfast and lunchbox.”With the cost of packing a school lunch up by more than 20% in some cases, food charities are reporting record levels of demand from hardworking Australian families.“The fact that parents in a country like Australia are turning to food charities just to ensure their kids have breakfast is simply not good enough.”“Labor has no plan to fix this historic collapse in Australians’ living standards. Families cannot afford another three years of Labor.”This year, families will be forced to pay an average of $2,761 per primary school student and $5,043 per secondary student - putting enormous strain on household budgets.Key price increases under Labor (March 2022 – December 2024):Back to School Essentials:Education: +12%Sports participation: +17%Stationery: +16%Technology: +17%Kids’ clothing: +9%Haircuts: +18%Healthy Breakfast Costs:Cereal: +21%Milk: +18%Bread: +25%Spreads: +12%Eggs: +36%Juice: +15%Healthy Lunchbox Costs:Drinks (water, juice, soft drinks): +15%Fruit: +16%Cheese: +20%Ham (pork): +10%Chicken (poultry): +12%Cakes & biscuits: +22%Mr Hogan said only a Coalition Government will fight cost-of-living pressures, build a stronger economy, and get Australia back on track.“Labor’s failure to manage inflation means every trip to the supermarket, every school fee invoice, and every extracurricular activity comes with more pain for families,” he said.“The Coalition understands that parents are stretched to their limit. We are committed to delivering real relief for Australian families.”

With just over three weeks until the third anniversary of the February 28 2022 big flood ripped through Lismore and the Northern Rivers, one annual event will continue and is open to any local business.The third "All In The Same Boat" Barefoot Bowls Challenge pits business against business in a fun game of barefoot lawn bowls at the Lismore City Bowling Club.The challenge happens over three Wednesdays:February 19February 26March 5This year, Sharon Pepper has made the event more inclusive, so it can involve any Northern Rivers business, not just those from Lismore."Everyone was affected by the 2022 flood in some way, even if they weren't directly involved, like those in Goonellabah, so we're inviting all businesses because it is a community event."Three Wednesdays from about 5:30, with kick-off about 6pm. It will run till about. 7:15."The beauty of the Barefoot Bowls Challenge is that you don't need any experience."If you can make a bowling action and want to have some fun with lots of other business owners, managers and employees, then you should register and come along. It's a really great three Wednesday afternoons, I reckon."If you can't make the three consecutive Wednesdays, you can register for one or two. The other benefit is that you get paired against another business randomly, so people can get to know each other at a time that has emotions running deep for most of the community."We are all tied in one respect to that 2022 flood. It's not that we're in there having a moan and groan about the flood. We're enjoying each other, and we survived it and have come out the other end."The cost is a very reasonable $20 per team, which includes a free sausage sizzle, weekly prizes and a $500 prize for the business that scores the most points over the three weeks.To register call Sharon Pepper on 0416 282 247 Bob Thomson on 0419 607 748.

A question often asked on the street and social media pages regarding the illegal squatters in Pine Street, North Lismore, is why the police and Lismore City Council are not aiding the NSW Reconstruction Authority in their removal so the houses can be assessed for relocation.The Lismore App asked specific questions to both organisations and received very evasive answers.Why don't NSW Police remove or arrest the squatters for trespassing?The NSW Police statement said:Officers from Richmond Police District are assisting the NSW Reconstruction Authority to liaise with those living in flood-affected homes, which were purchased by the NSW Government under the Resilient Homes program. Key issues include safety concerns and legalities around living in these homes.A key part of this strategy is connecting those living in flood-affected homes to the Department of Communities and Justice where options of safe accommodation can be explored.As we know from the NSWRA, the assistance offered to the few locals who are claiming to need a roof over their heads has been rejected.The land in front of each NSWRA-owned home, as is the case for any home, is owned by council. The question to Lismore City Council was what actions will they take for Pine Street being a campground as there are a large number of backpackers living in their vans on the side of the street.Lismore City GM Jon Gibbons said, "Media enquiries about squatters should continue to be referred to NSWRA, police or the NSW government. The Government owned the homes and the land through their buyback, and the issue of social housing and homelessness is not local government issues."The issues Mr Gibbons mentioned are not local government issues; however, camping on the roadside in an urban area does fall under council regulations.Under Illegal Camping on the NSW Planning website, it states:Roadside rest areasCamping in a roadside rest area may be permitted, unless a ‘no camping’ or ‘no overnight stays’ sign has been placed there by a council or the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) (or other relevant authority). Enquiries about the use of rest areas along roads administered by the RTA may be made to that agency.Pine Street cannot be considered a designated 'Roadside Rest Area'. Anyone who has driven along the M1 understands that definition. Imagine if any resident invited their family to live outside their house for two years. Would council allow this?Lismore City Council did allow people to live in temporary accommodation for two years following the February 2022 flood; however, that was for 'people who have been displaced as a result of the flood'.If a number of caravans, campervans or tents are camping, then this needs a Development Application, which requires the consent of council. This is the case for temporary camping grounds or caravan parks.Under the Local Government Regulation 2005:A temporary caravan park or camping ground operated for a period of 6 weeks or less, solely in connection with use of the land for a sporting, recreation or cultural event, does not have to be designed, constructed, maintained and operated in accordance with Subdivisions 1-8 of Division 3 of Part 3 of the Regulation. Squatting would not be considered a sporting, recreational or cultural event.Under 'Problems caused by illegal camping':Councils are encouraged to be proactive in preventing illegal camping. The reasons for this include:If inadequate facilities are provided or the standard of operation is unsatisfactory, the health and safety of campers will not be assured. This may be especially so in relation to fire safety;This point becomes very relevant when the water is permanently disconnected to the Pine Street houses. With no running water, sanitation is going to pose a considerable problem, and the safety of the houses and squatters because of a potential fire becomes a real risk.Both NSW Police and Lismore City Council have referred all potential solutions to the NSWRA, washing their hands of a delicate, controversial situation that Lismore, as a recovering city, does not need.

The likelihood of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announcing an interest rate cut at the next meeting in two weeks (Tuesday, February 18) is above 90% as underlying inflation sits at 2.7%, near the mid-point of the RBA's 2-3% range, and the big four banks confident of a positive result.In Lismore and the Northern Rivers, a 0.25 basis point reduction would mean an owner/occupier paying principal and interest on a $500,000 mortgage on the average variable rate of 6.33 per cent over 25 years would pay $77 less each month.While that amount looks small, it is more money in the pockets of families. That amount may double if further interest rate decreases occur in the next three months.Will that lead to our local businesses benefitting from an increase in-store visits and purchases?The Lismore App approached owners and managers across varied sectors to gauge their response.Alan Magnay from AJ Magnay's Building Materials and Hardware on Macaulay Street, North Lismore, joked, "Absolutely, they'll be swarming in here in droves," but then went on, "I don't think it's going to make that much difference at the end of the day until interest rates have considerable drops, or consecutive drops."Two, maybe three, will be needed so people feel safe and have more dollars in their pocket. Just about every industry I talked to is struggling at the moment, especially hospitality. They're really struggling to try and get people through the door."Me and Anna went out the other day, it was $100 for the pair of us, and we had two main meals, an entree and a drink each. That's 100 bucks. You might do that once a month or something."I can see where they're coming from with their prices. They've got to lift the prices because everything else has gone up. The wages have gone up, insurance has gone up and turnovers down. How else do you get enough money to keep going?"I think the interest rate decrease will put a bit of confidence back into the market."Ethan Lim from Uncle Lim's Chinese Restaurant on Keen Street told the Lismore App his business has not really been effected."We have had consistent customers in the last twelve months. Sure, we are not sold out every night, but we do have people dining with us or doing takeaway.""I don't think a drop in interest rates will affect our restaurant very much."Matthew Healy from Daleys Homewares & Monogramming shares Alan's opinion."I'm not sure that it will have a dramatic impact on people. People are stressed at the moment, so I'm actually expecting people to just be a little bit more relaxed about things. So it's more a sigh of relief rather than opening their wallets.I think it's incredibly unlikely there'll be a second one before May. Easter is in the road. That's not really likely in the schedule of the Reserve Bank meetings. So, it'd have to be a fairly dramatic change in the economy for the reserve to take something so out of character.Matt thinks the federal election, which has to happen before the middle of May, will have a negative impact on business until June."I think in the lead-up to a federal election, people are going to start shutting down again. People usually stop spending in the lead-up to an election. So assuming there's a rate cut in a couple of weeks' time, and assuming there's a clear outcome on the election, I think we won't have any sort of real recovery until probably June or even into the next financial year.Deb Ray from Music Bizarre on Magellan Street saw more of the same thinking."On my business, it's not really going to affect me. It's going to affect me on my home loan, but my mortgage on this building is to my mum, so she's not going to be changing her rates."I think (the rate drop) will be great. I mean, they've been talking we'll maybe get a rate cut, and it would be really fabulous to see it. I think that the Labor government have done a brilliant job of keeping inflation down, getting it to go down. I think they've done incredibly well with their cost of living strategies that they've used, and I think that has been a real and very significant change for people, particularly on lower incomes. So I hope to see that reflected in mortgages, house mortgages and rents and stuff like that too. It'd be nice to see them actually drop the rate.As for how many rate drops it would take to see an upturn in her business?"Oh, goodness knows. For a long time, I've thought that people don't have much money around here. You need to have things that are really reasonably priced. And then someone comes in with amazing vintage clothing for hundreds of dollars, and teenagers buy it without blinking. And I'm like, Oh, really. It's all perception. The perception of value in things and what people value."Obviously, the younger generations have grown up with all the chain stores having the same stuff. So if you've got something that's in good condition from the 70s or even the 90s, they call it vintage now, which is funny for an oldie like me, but they want that because it's different. It's completely unique. And so the value, and how much people will part with for various things, is always a bit of a mystery and a bit random to me."Elton Cummings, owner of Bi-Rite Home Appliances and Furniture Court Lismore, said the home appliance part of the business has been strong, while the furniture side could have performed better."If your washing machine breaks down or your TV stops working, people will replace it straight away. However, if it's a bed or a lounge, they are items that can be purchased later."I think a drop in interest rates will give people confidence, but it won't necessarily lead to people spending more money straight away. We would need two or three rate drops to see a change in spending habits. Plus, we have a federal election coming up, and that makes people uncertain."Mayumi Okamura from Paul Meccanico on Keen Street said she doesn't think an interest rate cut will make any difference to her store."The look of the CBD isn't good; it hasn't bounced back from the flood. Beautifying the CBD would lead to more foot traffic and more items being sold."While a reduction in interest rates of 0.25% will benefit households, the consensus was that will not flow through to the tills for Lismore retailers and hospitality.

Despite final touches still being made to the Lismore Library rebuild and refurbishment after the devastating 2022 floods, the beloved landmark on Magellan Street is now open to the public. This will result in the Lismore Pop-up Library on Molesworth Street and the Lismore Children’s Library in Lismore Central Shopping Centre permanently closing and relocating to their regular locations in this renowned building.The Lismore Library is currently undergoing an extensive upgrade to make it sturdier and more flood-resilient. Despite the continuing repair work, including the installation of a new lift, it was important to respond to public demand and open doors as soon as possible.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg is excited to see the building operational again, recalling the iconic images of the sodden pile of library books that circulated globally and signified the devastation of one of the worst natural disasters in Australian history.“Like many people, I vividly remember the disturbing picture of the large pile of water-soaked books outside the library reaching up to the second story. In total, 30,000 books were lost,” he said.“While we are not quite there in terms of the rebuild, the public is keen to return to their treasured library, as is the staff.” Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said having the library back home is wonderful.“I know how much the local community has been looking forward to Lismore Library returning to this site because they kept asking about it!” she said.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the reopening of Lismore Library is a powerful symbol of our community’s rebuild.“Almost three years on, and today we see not just a restoration of what was lost, but a transformation that ensures this space is stronger and better prepared for the future,” Mr Hogan said.For Michael Lewis, Lismore Area Librarian, who experienced the devastation first-hand and is leading the internal re-design, the move back into the space is an exciting milestone for his team and the community.“We know how important the library is to our community, which is why we decided to welcome them back despite the final works yet to be finalised.”“With the elevator still not operational, we have temporarily relocated a selection of services from the higher levels to the ground floor.”Once the rebuild and refurbishment have been completed, the Lismore Library will be officially opened to celebrate this major achievement. One of the key features being prepared for the official opening is a public art installation recognising the substantial contribution and support received by the Australian public.The $5.6 million flood-resilient restoration of the Lismore Library is being funded by significant investments, including:Flood Restoration funds shared between State and Federal Governments – $4.5 millionNSW Government’s 2022 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Arts and Cultural Priority Needs Program – $135,8212023 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – $494,400State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grants – $325,427Lismore City Council – $222,000.The Lismore Central Shopping Centre community book swap will continue to operate. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.