If you come to The Tuckshop on a Wednesday morning from 9 to 11am, you’ll meet some of Lismore’s finest new baristas and chefs in training.The Tuckshop is the new cafe and education centre run by CASPA – one of Lismore’s child welfare and care services providers.The difference at The Tuckshop to other cafes, is that the staff are all young people who come from trauma backgrounds – and now are learning on the job as they receive support to make their way into a future of employment.CASPA chief executive Naarah Rodwell said The Tuckshop been two years in the making, and is funded by two grants.“The training program for the kids started about six months ago,” she said.“Here, we have therapeutically trained staff who know how to support them to get their skills up.“These kids come from trauma backgrounds and the everyday environment is not always suitable for them.“We have partnerships with other training agencies who come into the education centre and run courses here.“It also exposes the community to what we are doing here.Naarah said the kids and staff are also doing internal catering for events as well.“That creates a funding stream to help us give kids more opportunities to work and learn new skills,” she said.Caz, 13, has been learning skills at The Tuckshop for two months now. She takes Wednesday mornings off school and helps out on the till, making coffee or food.“I’m still in the process of learning and it’s really fun learning how to make coffees,” she said. “My sister is a barista in town and I’d like to be a great barista too.“I have social anxiety and it’s good for me to be able to deal with the public in this job. It’s also great to meet other CASPA kids here.”Mel, one of the educators at The Tuckshop said Tuckshop Wednesday was so popular with young people that they have a roster system so they can all get an opportunity to come and be here.“They really engage in learning and have a wonderful time gaining skills and connecting to others.”“This environment is important to support kids appropriately.”Wednesday morning is currently the only day open to the public. The Tuckshop is located at 15 Keen Street, near the Lismore Cinemas and the church.

Numbers of new local Covid cases continue to decrease, with 314 new cases confirmed in the last 24 hours – and 19 of them in Lismore Local Government Area (LGA).Of the new cases in our Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), 100 were identified from positive PCR tests and 214 from positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).The breakdown of new cases by LGA is as follows (PCR and RAT included):Tweed 103, Ballina 57, Clarence Valley 56, Byron 37, Lismore 19, Richmond Valley 17, Kyogle 6.There are 32 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 4 of these in ICU.NSW StatisticsThere were 7,437 new positive test results (cases) across NSW, including 3,917 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 3,520 positive PCR tests.Sadly, NSW Health is today reporting the deaths of 14 people with COVID-19; nine men and five women.Of the 14 people who died, one person was in their 40s, one person was in their 50s, two people were in their 60s, five people were in their 70s, three people were in their 80s and two people were in their 90s. Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions.Two people who died were aged under 65. These two men were not vaccinated and had significant underlying health conditions. Of the 14 people who died, two people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, seven people had received two doses, one person had received one dose and four people were not vaccinated.NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to their loved ones. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,580.There are currently 2,099 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 137 people in intensive care, 60 of whom require ventilation.VaccinationsAcross NSW, more than 95% of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94.1% have received two doses to Saturday 5 February 2022.Of children aged 12 to 15, 83.4% have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.7% have received two dosesOf children aged 5 to 11, 43.1% have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccineOf people aged 16 plus, 43.8% have now received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccineGet testedNNSWLHD is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is required to register their result with Service NSW. Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.BoostersEveryone who is eligible for a booster is encouraged to book without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 16 and over who had their second dose at least three months ago.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.Case data by postcode is also available on the NSW Government website.For the most up to date COVID-19 information visit nsw.gov.au.

Clunes Tennis Club Secretary Amanda Hughes is beyond excited about a new grant that promises to breathe life into village's only sports facility. Amanda said Clunes Tennis Club thanks to a grant of $107,000 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, the club will; be able to resurface their courts and create new fencing.The local tennis courts are the only public sports facility in Clunes and have not been upgraded in nearly two decades.“The courts are really starting to show their age. Our fencing is also starting to deteriorate and we will now be able to replace the entire fence and not have to worry about constantly patching holes,” Ms Hughes said.“While Covid has made it hard to organise matches and competitions in the last few years we have noticed a huge increase in the amount of non-members that have been hiring the courts."We have been able to play tennis throughout the pandemic. It has been great to see so many local families enjoying our facilities.”“This upgrade will just improve the whole space, physically and visually, and we are really excited to start the ball rolling.”Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said he was thrilled the NSW Government was able to help breathe new life into the courts.“This funding will make sure Clunes Tennis Club is able to support generations of players well into the future,” Mr Franklin said.“As the only public sports facility in town, the courts are regularly used and it is vital they are updated to meet the needs of the community.“Tennis is incredibly popular among all generations and the new fencing will ensure that both players and spectators are safe while using the courts and that the community can stay healthy, active and connected.”The Stronger Country Communities Fund is delivering new and upgraded facilities, infrastructure and programs that make a big difference to everyday life for people in coastal and country towns across the state.Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has invested over $500 million into regional NSW to support upwards of 1,900 local projects.

By the time the production of 'Running Up a Dress' finally comes to the stage at Goonellabah’s Rochdale Theatre, it will possibly be the most polished performance the Lismore Theatre Company has ever put on.Company president and show director Sharon Brodie said the lights at the theatre which were due to light the stage on February 18, will sadly remain dimmed - for now.Originally scheduled for last September, the production has been postponed for a second time due to the current Covid wave.“It wasn’t a difficult decision to postpone it as we don’t want to put any of our patrons at risk,” Sharon said. “We hope it will be re-staged in about six weeks' time."ChangesBut never fear, our local thespians never rest. Sharon said because of postponements, the extra five months had made the cast more rehearsed that ever.“Everyone from the set and costume designer to performers are more committed than ever to bring this show to the community," she said.“We’ve had people sick and three left the cast and we had to replace them.“But each setback was an opportunity for us to improve the show.“I got to work with different actors and see different things in their abilities - and also the script.The birth “This is a story of women, labour, daughters and birth – and the process we’ve been through to get here is just like a birthing story.“We get these moments in birth where we think ‘I cant do this’. We are now at that stage - and that means we are getting to the end.“Now we can finally show the baby off to the world.”Support local theatreSharon hopes the community will come and see the show and support local community theatre. The Covid pandemic has majorly impacted on the company’s income.“Prior to Covid, we did five shows a year and they were all sold out.“We only managed two in the last two years and for a voluntary organization, the drop in funds is a major blow.“We are lucky Council waived our rent in the lockdowns, but we need community to come and see us and keep us alive in future.”Show detailsTo see the latest news on new show dates, patrons are asked to check the Lismore Theatre Company Facebook page. When bookings re-open, tickets will be available at www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au ($25/$20) or contact Jenny on 0402651394 for a special price for 10 tickets or more.Contact has been made with those who have already purchased tickets and when new dates are announced, those people will have first choice on the new dates when they are announced.

Pilates teacher Kate DeMaere is ready to take fitness and pilates to a whole new level.Using a rare exercise machine with a space age name - the Gyrotonic – Kate makes exercising look like a flowing dance. It’s a workout that doesn’t seem like a workout, using the core and resetting the spine.“Using the Gyrotonic looks like a mix of pilates and yoga,” Kate said. “And there’s no one else in Lismore with one.”Working from her new home studio in East Lismore, Kate is offering one on one sessions of pilates and Gyrotonic to clients. Part of the session will be to use the Gyrotonic – but there’s other pilates equipment too that will help build core strength and spinal flexibility.“Once people try it, they love it,” Kate said.Like swimming“It’s also like swimming and some of the movements are named after things you might recognize.“There’s the cat and the arch n curl for your spine; the dolphin works your legs, back, feet and stomach and channels the energy through your body“It was originally developed for dancers – but now it’s an exercise for everybody.“People use it for rehabilitation or just for general health.“I get a lot of women coming in to have some ME time and focus on themselves once a week.New face in townKate is a new face in Lismore and moved here with her same-sex partner and children last year.“We are a rainbow family,” Kate said. “My partner is a GP at Lismore Clinic and we both work in the health industry – so keeping Covid-safe is important to us.“I taught pilates in Sydney before we moved to the Northern Rivers.Dream studio“It’s been my dream to open my own studio for years, so it’s so exciting to be opening it in Lismore.“My first client contacted me because she didn’t want her exercise to impact on her vulnerable family members.“Here, I offer private lessons and follow Covid protocols, clean between clients and wear a mask.”Kate’s new business is called Saha Wellness – saha means ‘health’ in Lebanese.“It’s a greeting too – and I thought it was lovely and wanted to use for my business.”Try it outKate said she is offering an introduction class at a discounted rate of $35 for the first class.“If people book in, I work with them to develop a program. We start with a consultation and look at posture, injuries, goals and aims,” she said.’“I worked with my partner through her pregnancy – and I like working with women post natal too.“I also love working with the ageing population. It’s a great exercise that good if you have injuries – and will help with fall prevention as you develop a sense of where your body is.”To find out more about Kate’s classes, visit the Saha Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076257336416

As numbers of new Covid cases in our local health district seem to stabilise in the 500s, could it be that the peak of Omicron has been reached?Today, 523 new Covid cases were reported in the Northern NSW Local Health District, similar to yesterday’s new total of 526.Out of the new cases, 211 were from positive PCR tests and 312 from positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).Across our local government areas, the breakdown is as follows:Lismore 61, Ballina 97, Byron 55, Clarence Valley 66 ,Kyogle 8, Richmond Valley 55, Tweed 181.There are 33 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 5 of these in ICU.NSW statisticsAcross NSW, there were 11,807 positive test results (cases) notified to 4pm yesterday – including 6,314 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 5,493 positive PCR tests.DeathsSadly, NSW Health reports the deaths of 27 people with COVID-19; 15 men and 12 women.Of the 27 people who died; one was in their 50s, three were in their 60s, three were in their 70s, 11 were in their 80s, eight were in their 90s, and one was aged 100.Four people who died had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 14 people had received two doses and nine people were not vaccinated.One person who died was aged under 65. A woman in her 50s was not vaccinated and had significant underlying health conditions.The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is now 1,451.There are currently 2,622 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 170 people in intensive care, 72 of whom require ventilation.VaccinationsAcross NSW, more than 95% of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94% have received two doses to Monday 31 January 2022.Of people aged 12 to 15, 83.3% have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.5% have received two doses. Of people aged 5 to 11, 40.3% have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.Get testedNorthern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is required to register their result with Service NSW. Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.Everyone who is eligible for a booster is encouraged to book without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Case data by postcode is also available on the NSW Government website.For the most up to date COVID-19 information visit nsw.gov.au. 

When a Lismore local muso took his great grandparents to see the Bee Gees and ABBA Tribute show at Lismore’s Star Court Theatre last week, he was in for a surprise – and a disappointment.As he watched the keyboard and guitarists, he realised they were not actually playing their instruments.So, he contacted the Lismore App with his story.“The Bee Gees band came on and I noticed the band were ‘playing’ their instruments but the guitarist wasn't strumming and the pianist wasn't hitting the keyboard at the right times - and the drums were playing the wrong thing,” he said. “The women were really singing though and they did a great job.”As a performer himself, he felt disappointed and wanted to know why.So he mentioned it to the bartenders and staff, but they didn't answer and avoided the question.“Then I quickly popped into the control room where I found a laptop with the Bee Gees top 25 hits playing,” he said.Unknown to him at the time, it wasn’t a fully ‘live’ show.While he was disappointed, his ageing Pop really enjoyed the show.“Pop didn’t know they were not playing because he is blind and it all seemed real to him – he wouldn’t have noticed it was a backing track playing.“Before the show, Pop was sad because he had lost his dog. He was his only friend and Pop got really sad all the time and this concert was the one thing he was looking forward to - and this happens.Disappointed“I was disappointed as I work as a session muso at a Byron studio and I thought they were ripping people off - the tickets were $40 each.“Later I got more information from an audio engineer I know. Apparently 90% of the Gold Coast bands play backing tracks to their music.“Cover bands can’t have an orchestra, so they recreate the bigger sound with a backing track and play along.. “But I saw that some of those band members didn’t play anything all night.“The guitarist didn’t play guitar, but did a good job playing keyboard on the ABBA set.”Theatre responseThe Lismore App spoke to the Star Court Theatre Manager SJ Loxton about the performance.SJ said the sound engineer on the night confirmed with her that the set was a combination of live instruments and some backing tracks, all of which were recorded by the band.“To re-create the sound and performance of both ABBA and The Bee Gees you need do this, because the original bands would use a 20 piece band on stage,” she said.The lesson in this story is that if you go to see a cover band, be prepared for some miming – and maybe close your eyes and enjoy the music.

Jeht Burgoyne’s new business is opening with a flourish in Lismore’s Southside.Called Flourish Art Gallery, the new classroom, gallery and creative space is now ready to take people of all ages and abilities to new creative levels. With a visual arts diploma and a Fine Arts degree under her belt, Jeht really knows about the creative arts and her vivacious personality inspires people to give art a go.“A lot of people think they can’t – but there’s no can’t with making art,” she said. “Everyone is gifted, just open your package.“It’s all about experimenting, giving it a go, and taking the first step – your art is just for you.”Kids, adults and NDIS clients classesShe’s been teaching kids and adults’ art classes for a few years now – but opening a dedicated art classroom and gallery means she doesn’t have to lug equipment anymore to different venues for classes.“Everything is set up here,” Jeht said. “There’s a place to clean your palette, a mini printing press, easels pallets, a fridge and art library - and enough room to sit 20 people comfortably.”It’s also a space she welcomes the community to use and is calling for others who want to facilitate art classes or crafts there - such as macramé or calligraphy.Kids classesNow, her nine week program of school term classes for kids kicks off next week in the new space on week days - from 4pm to 5.30pm. Parents can come and wait with their kids if they want.“I have students been with me in my art classes for three years now,” Jeht said.“I’ve seen them grow from primary school to high school – and I see them come back and show me an artwork they have made with a new technique they have learned – or their proud mums show me.“It’s a great way to get kids off their screens and get them to use hands and brains.”Her regular school holidays programs will also be run in the space.Dabble n Tipple“I also hold the adults paint n sip class on Saturdays. It’s called ‘Dabble n Tipple’ and anyone can come and have fun once a month,” she said.“You bring your own wine and be guided through different art projects - from painting to sculpting.“It’s a fun creative space. It doesn’t matter if you’ve done art all your life, or it’s the first time – I welcome everyone to come and have arty fun.”Master classesJeht also plans to run master classes for people who want to know more about techniques like print making, etching, lino blocking and soon will be looking for someone to facilitate a life drawing class in the new space.NDIS clientsShe also has plans to small group classes for NDIS clients on set days of the week and invites clients and providers to get involved.“The classes will be work to the participants’ different skill levels and ability,” Jeht said. “The building is all on the lower floor, for wheelchair access.”Artists wanted“I’m also looking for practicing artists to hold exhibitions in the new gallery,” Jeht said.“I’ll be holding a grand opening of the gallery on Friday February 25 with a solo exhibition of my own work. The exhibition will run for a month, then, the gallery space will be available to professional practicing artists.“The good thing about this gallery is that artists only have to rent the space – there’s no commission on work sold.“In other places, artists lose 50% of their sales to the gallery, but not here, this is a space for artists and facilitators.”The gallery will be open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm - or by appointment.To find out more about upcoming classes and exhibitions in the new space, you can visit the Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/flourishartworkshopsYou can also use your NSW Discover vouchers for the classes there. 

Another 526 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Northern NSW Local Health District, with 75 of them in Lismore Local Government Area (LGA).There has also been a rise in Covid patients admitted to local hospitals – today there are 56 patients in hospital, with five in ICU. Yesterday, hospitalised cases numbered only 35.Of the new reported cases, 144 of them came from positive PCR tests and 382 from positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).New Covid case numbers in the Clarence Valley are rising - and interestingly, numbers in Byron are significantly lower than at the start of the latest spike in Covid cases.Local breakdownThe totals new cases by LGA are as follows: (both PCR and RAT included):Tweed 193, Ballina 85, Clarence Valley 79, Lismore 75, Richmond Valley 43, Byron 41, Kyogle 10.Locally, two people from the Tweed area aged in their 80s have died from from COVID-19.NSW statisticsAcross NSW, there were 12,818 positive test results (cases) notified to 8pm last night – including 7,913 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 4,905 positive PCR tests.The deaths of 30 people with COVID-19 have also been reported; 21 men and 9 women.One was in their 30s, one was in their 50s, five were in their 70s, 19 were in their 80s and four were in their 90s.Five people who died had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 19 people had received two doses and six people were not vaccinated.Two people who died were aged under 65. A man in his 30s had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had no significant underlying health conditions. A woman in her 50s was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,424.There are currently 2,749 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 186 people in intensive care, 70 of whom require ventilation.VaccinationsAcross NSW, more than 95% of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94% have received two doses to Sunday 30 January 2022.Of people aged 12 to 15, 83.2% have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.5% have received two doses. Of people aged 5 to 11, 39% have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 15,727,205 with 4,792,299 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 10,934,906 administered by the GP network, pharmacies and other providers to 11:59pm on Sunday 30 January 2022.Get testedNorthern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is required to register their result with Service NSW. Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.Everyone who is eligible for a booster is encouraged to book without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least three months ago. We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.People aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised are recommended to have a third primary dose of vaccine from two months after their second dose.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.Case data by postcode is also available on the NSW Government website.For the most up to date COVID-19 information visit nsw.gov.au.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has declared an early end to the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) in the Northern Rivers and Far North Coast regions, due to recent sustained rainfall. From this Thursday, February 3, fire permits will no longer be required in the Rural Areas of the Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas. The statutory BFDP was scheduled to end on 31 March 2022, but a decision had been made in consultation with local authorities and stakeholders to end the season at the beginning of February due to the favourable conditions. “Even though a fire permit is no longer required in these rural areas, residents must still notify their neighbours and the Rural Fire Service at least 24 hours before burning," said Acting Zone Manager Inspector Boyd Townsend. Notifications by landowners of their intention to light a fire on their properties can also be done on line by visiting the RFS website http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP/burn-notifications Inspector Townsend said "Despite these milder conditions, there is always the potential for fires to threaten life, property and the environment if they are not managed correctly, and we ask that people take care and ensure they have planned their activity.” For further information, Lismore residents can contact the Northern Rivers Fire Control Centre on (02) 6663 0000For current incidents or major fire updates visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au 

Out of the 474 new cases of Covid reported overnight in our Northern NSW Local Health District, more than two thirds of the new positive case­­­s were the result of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).Officially, health officials have reported 152 positive PCR tests and 322 RATs.As the use of RATs overtakes the number of PCR tests, it’s possible RATS will become the leading indicator of the spread of Covid in our local area.With school due to start back this week and local parents expected to conduct two RATs a week for each of their children, it will be interesting to see if the positive RAT results grow exponentially as the school term continues.The breakdown of new Covid cases (with both PCR and RAT include) across our Local Government Areas is as follows:Lismore 77, Tweed 158, Clarence Valley 76, Ballina 68, Byron 53, Richmond Valley 38, Kyogle 4.There are 35 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 5 of these in ICU.NSW statisticsAcross NSW, there were 13,026 positive Covid cases, including 5,664 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 7,362 positive PCR tests.NSW Health reported 27 deaths - 17 men and 10 women.Five were in their 60s, six were in their 70s, 10 were in their 80s and six were in their 90s. Eight people who died had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 16 people had received two doses and three people were not vaccinated.Of the four people who died who were aged under 65, three were men and one was a woman.Three people had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and one person was unvaccinated. All four people had significant underlying health conditions.There are currently 2,779 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 185 people in intensive care, 67 of whom require ventilation.Get testedNorthern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is required to register their result with Service NSW.Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.VaccinationsAcross NSW, more than 95% of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94% have received two doses to Saturday 29 January 2022.Of people aged 12 to 15, 83.2% have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.5% have received two doses.Of people aged 5 to 11, 38.7% have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.Everyone who is eligible for a booster is encouraged to book without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least three months ago. We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.Health also recommends that people aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised have a third primary dose of vaccine from two months after their second dose.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.Case data by postcode is also available on the NSW Government website.For the most up to date COVID-19 information visit http://www.nsw.gov.au

Selling winning Lotto tickets to local battlers is something that brings a smile to Alstonville Newsagency owner Ray Smith’s face.So, when an Alstonville local walked in to his newsagency last Thursday to present his $1 million Division One winning ticket, Ray was over the moon.Ray said the local was a regular lottery ticket buyer in his 70s – and he already had plans for how he was going to use the prize cash to help out his family members.“He’s not on a great income, so he was happy about the $1 million prize and wanted to help out his mother and sister with the money,” Ray said.“He is a regular punter and came in knowing the numbers were winners.“He pointed out the numbers he won on also came up as winners in 2014 - and he had a record of that play because he kept all his winning entry slips.“The Lottery is all about luck - and his consistent play entries paid off for him.“I’m so glad it was a local who won and all his funds will be well spent.”The luckiest newsagency?Ray said the Lottery win was the second major jackpot win he’s had from his Alstonville newsagency in the past decade he’s had the business.“The last winning local also won a million dollars on a ticket they bought here,” Ray said.Ray said the local newsagency has sold tickets to six big winners over the last ten years.So, does that mean it’s a particularly lucky newsagency?"Some newsagencies have more major wins than others,” Ray said.“I can’t say we are the luckiest, but we have a good track record.”Read the latest Covid news: Covid update: RATs double PCR tests in new cases tally

When Lismore’s Jyllie Jackson received a phone call to say she would be awarded an Order of Australia Medal this year, she first thought it was a prank call.“We get a lot of fake calls here at the Lantern Parade headquarters - and I nearly told her to get lost,” she laughed. “I was really surprised. Jyllie is one of the people who will receive one of the highest honours in Australia for “service to the community of Lismore”.She said that the letters OAM after her name are quite an honor – but it’s really about all of the people in the local community who she has worked with that really deserve the honour. VolunteeringJyllie’s work with community began 30 years ago.“I’ve been on many committees in Lismore and Nimbin over time – Skillshare, Nimbin Birth and Beyond, Lismore Women’s Health Centre, Family Support Service - and I’ve been a Community Health representative,” she said.“I’m an Aries and I was in a lot of startups – I’m a change agent and I like to help set thing up.”Jyllie came to Lismore when she was 25 and brought her children up in Nimbin.She’s always been community minded and says she really likes people being happy.NATSKY 2017 - the Fiery Finale of ‘the Flood’ in 2017 after the flood when we were 4m under water.Lantern ParadeSince 1994, she’s been involved in organising the annual Lismore Lantern Parade. She said it was her previous work in Hong Kong, helping with lantern festivals there that inspired to bring the lantern love to Lismore.Now, 28 years later, and she’s still going strong. “The lantern parade keeps me out of trouble,” she laughed.“At the time we started it, Lismore was in a bit of a slump – even more so than now. The HOPE photo by NATSKY.Community connection“So, holding the lantern parade event on the longest night of the year, and connecting the community to the environment and seasons was important.  “It was a symbol of change, hope optimism and moving toward the light and leaving the darkness behind.The event became an important annual marker on the Lismore community calendar. “It was a time we really needed hope and that’s been something we’ve needed many times – especially in the 2017 flood,” Jyllie said.“Even when Covid was here, we still did the parade and we sent lanterns all over Australia – and we’ve travelled all over Australia to other events.“It’s in our DNA.“It’s about our adaptability and resilience as a community.”Natsky 2017 - the SES’ Ark.Peter Derrett’s Drummer really captures the spirit of the LLP.VolunteersJyllie has brought together volunteers over the years to work together as a community. In fact people who have met in the lantern workshop have gone on to have babies together.But now, many of the volunteers are now getting older and she is calling for new and younger volunteers to get involved in making lanterns, or volunteering some way on helping put the annual event on.“Having work for the dole volunteers has been great – especially because the event hasn’t attracted a lot of government support,” Jyllie said.Plans for this year’s parade are going ahead – and hopefully Covid restrictions allow the Lismore Lantern Parade will take to the streets again this year on 25 June 2022.For Jyllie, seeing people take joy in making lanterns or joining in the parade is what keeps her going.For her, it’s always been about community – and Lismore is forever in her heart.Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at http://www.gg.gov.au.Fire pix in the Quad was a testament to our adaptability.The Pegasus Moon by Natsky.The Fish and the Coral was an installation in Brisbane in December 2021.

As mask wearing and other restrictions across NSW continue, the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) tally of new Covid cases has today reached 768, with 10 in Lismore LGA.Read more Covid news: Restrictions including mask wearing extended as state prepares for return to school The new cases were identified through 354 positive PCR tests and 414 positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).NNSWLHD reported that a breakdown of results by LGA is not yet available for RAT results.The breakdown of cases across LGAs is as follows:Tweed 237, Ballina 54, Byron 24, Clarence Valley 17, Lismore 10, Richmond Valley 10, Kyogle 1, Tenterfield 1.There are 49 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 5 of these in ICU.NSW statisticsAcross NSW, there were 18,512 positive test results (cases) notified to 8pm last night – including 9,090 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 9,422 positive PCR tests.Of the 9,090 positive RAT results, 8,242 of these positive tests were from the previous seven days.Some cases may be included in these numbers where people have reported positive RATs on multiple days and/or where people have also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period.Sadly, NSW Health reports the deaths of 29 people with COVID-19; 16 men and 13 women.Five were aged in their 60s, three in their 70s, fourteen in their 80s, six in their 90s and one was more than 100 years old.Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditionsTwo people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 21 people had received two doses, and six people were not vaccinated.One person who died was aged under 65. This man was not vaccinated and had serious underlying health conditions.  There are currently 2,943 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 183 people in intensive care, 72 of whom require ventilation.Get testedNorthern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) are now required to register their result with Service NSW. Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.VaccinationsAcross NSW, more than 95 % of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 93.9% have received two doses to Sunday 23 January 2022.Of people aged 12 to 15, 82.7% have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.3% have received two doses. Of people aged 5 to 11, 28.7% have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine..Get vaccinatedEveryone who is eligible is encouraged to book into a NSW Health vaccination clinic or another provider without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least three months ago. We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.Health also strongly recommends that people aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised have a third primary dose of vaccine from two months after their second dose.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.If you are seeking data, you can search cases by postcode on the NSW Government website.For the most up to date COVID information visit nsw.gov.au 

Nimbin HEMP Embassy president Michael Balderstone is ready to see the fight against the war on drugs amp up another level.With a Federal and State election coming up, Michael is calling for people to get political – and nominate themselves as candidates in the newly named Legalise Cannabis Party (LCP).He’s also calling for volunteers for the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Nimbin MardiGrass this May.read the latest Covid update: Covid update: Ten new cases in Lismore, five in ICUFrom HEMP to LCPFormerly known as the HEMP Party, the LCP has been gaining traction over the past couple of years.Micheal ran as a HEMP Party candidate in the 2020 Monara/Eden by-election in the ACT. The good news is that the LCP is now legally registered as a political party in NSW.“It was a great achievement to get this done – there was so much paperwork to be done,” Michael said.NSW has become the third state to register a state based Legalise Cannabis Party after Qld and WA. South Australia will be hot on NSW’s heals with their registration pending; and Victorian member numbers are building steadily.Historic journey “Now we are looking for donations as well and candidates and volunteers who want to be part of this historic journey.”While Michael said he may be part of the candidacy for the LCP in NSW, it would be great if the party could attract the right people who know the system and can bring about cannabis reform.The issuesMichael said the party’s two main focus areas for drug reform were to see the drug driving laws changed and to be allowed to and grow some plants at home.“The ACT already has made it legal to grow plants at home – why not NSW too?”“It’s ridiculous that even people using legal medical cannabis are not allowed to drive.“It’s just bullying – and it’s because of the big pharma’s war on drugs - with the police working for them.“Our health should be in the not for profit sector.”Federal election“It’s a big issue for a lot of people and we could see changes in the Federal election which could be in May.”Michael said the Federal arm of the Legalise Cannabis Australia Party also recently re-registered, meeting the requirement of 1500 members for minor parties to maintain their federal registration.“More and more people are seeing that criminalising people for using a plant for relaxation or self supply for medical use is the real crime,” Michael said.“Aussies want cannabis to be more affordable and accessible“Hemp is a unique fibre, great as a building and textiles material – especially with the price of timber through the roof. It’s better for the environment than cotton and it clean toxin out of the soil. It’s also great as a seed food and medicine.How to get involvedYou can join State and Federal LC Party's and find instructions for prospective candidates and how to donate on www.legalisecannabis.org.au MardiGrass 30th AnniversaryAt the moment, the Nimbin HEMP Embassy is busying getting ready for this year’s annual MardiGrass on April 29 to May 1. “We are looking for volunteers with ideas, energy and creativity,” Michael said.“Stoners are creative and we are looking for special ways to celebrate the 30th anniversary of MardiGrass this year.“We are looking for photos and movies of the last 30 years and movies and have an exhibition – and maybe make a book.“We’d especially love to see some pre-digital photos from the 1990s.”You can apply to be a volunteer on the website https://nimbinmardigrass.com/ 

Holding back a good laugh because you are afraid to wet your pants is something that female fitness trainer Darlene Palin hates to hear about.In fact, her passion for helping women become stronger and more confident in a safe environment inspired her to open Happy Bodies. It’s a new personal training business based in Goonellabah – and it’s just for women.PregnancyCoach Darlene said she specializes in creating one-on-one personal training sessions with women who are pregnant, post partum, premenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal.“I program around the menstrual cycle,” Darlene said. “There’s four weeks in a cycle and our hormones fluctuate and affects our energy levels and focus.As women’s bodies change as they go through pregnancy and ageing, Darlene said talking about what’s going on can be a very private – and hard conversation to have.“So, I’ve created a space where ladies feel safe speaking to me,” she said.“My programs are very body positive and we do a lot of mental health and self care work – we especially need it right now.“I’m finding the ladies are really enjoying it.”PassionDarlene said she was inspired to follow the path of coaching and training women because she was passionate about personal fitness.“I used to live in the gym as a client, so it made sense to get my own qualifications,” she said.“I was so passionate and driven and people would approach me and ask for advice even before I was qualified.”Darlene said she’s been a personal trainer for four years and emerging from being a stay at home mum and back into the workforce as a personal trainer was her passion.What to expectCoach Darlene offers 45 minute training sessions twice a week, but first spends time finding out your exercise and medical history.“Everyone is in different phases of life and we design a program that takes into account your goals,” Darlene said“Some women are pregnant, some have issues with joints and some are post partum and might have a weak pelvic floor. It’s a muscle like any other and you can strengthen it.“I take time to help them to build up strength and confidence. “Each training session is different – it helps to keep the mid busy and not get bored. It also keeps the body guessing.”Darlene also has a unique piece of equipment called a Y bell that combines lots of equipment into one and makes for an effective training session.It’s something she says no one else in the area has.“I also have an introduction special called ‘New Year New You’ and each person gets free advice from a university qualified nutritionist with issues like weight loss, building muscle and menopause,” she said.The Happy Body fitness studio is open six days a week and is situated in Goonellabah, off Ballina Road near Discount Warehouse Chemist.If you want to contact Darlene, you can email her on [email protected] and find her on Instagram @happybodytoyou and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/happybodytoyou   

 When Nimbin Emporium owner Sue Churchill arrived at work this morning, there were 140 enquiries on the answering machine asking if the local business had any Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) in stock.Her answer to that burning question is - yes. In fact, they have quite a good supply.Read the latest Covid update: Covid update: Lismore resident dies of Covid-related causesIn hope of slowing down the number phone enquiries, Sue contacted the Lismore App with the good news that the local Nimbin supermarket can now help the community. “We ordered well before Christmas because we saw it was going to be problem,” Sue said. “Now, finally they have come in at the end of January.“We committed a huge amount of management resources to sourcing RAT supplies.:We had to pay up front for them - it’s been lots of money out of our cash flow.“Now, we are relieved they are here, but we won’t have them long. We don’t want to sit on them while people out there desperately need to know if they have Covid."Sue said the Emporium has been buying RATS for months, and often, if they order 200 of them – they might only get 20.“So, we order more because we really don’t know how many we will actually get.“We want the community to know we can look after them.RATs, RATs everywhere?“The government says the RATs are available everywhere, but the reality is they are not around.“The government’s testing mandate hasn’t been matching up with supply and demand – it’s been an awful situation for the entire population.”How to find a RATSue said when she checked the Find a RAT website (https://findarat.com.au/) at the end of last week, the Nimbin Emporium was the only place listed as having them locally.Now, she says it’s likely it’s the only place that has them.The Lismore App checked the Find a RAT website today, and no local locations are listed as having RATs.The Lismore App rang local Blooms and Chempro chemists and was told there were none currently in stock.Free and paid RATsSue said if you rock up to the Emporium, the price you will pay for a two pack of RATs will be higher than it was when the shop first started ordering them.“Our prices reflect what we have paid for them,” Sue said.“The government might say they should be under $10 each, but you can’t order them wholesale for that price.“They are also supposed to be rolled out for free to pension card holders today, but the chemist in Kyogle has a sign up saying they have no RATs.”Where are the free RATs?The Lismore App rang State MP Janelle Saffin to find out where the free RATs are.Ms Saffin she is still waiting to get clear details from the government about the supplies.“MPs still haven’t been told,” she said. “I found out from the Pharmacy Guild which includes 5500 chemists in Australia that are not part of big chains - and they say 700 chemists got them nationwide.“But people are still telling me they are hard to get.“The Pharmacy Guild is now running a campaign to get them more widely distributed.“If it’s a pandemic and a health issue, then why not run them through the pharmacies?“It’s so hit and miss finding one – sometimes I’ve found some in a supermarket, then I tell people and there are quickly none left.“It’s just a mess.”

In today’s Covid update, the Lismore App sadly reports that one Lismore resident with Covid has died in the past 24 hours.Read about where to find Rapid Antigen Tests locally: Elusive RATs arrive in Nimbin to help community get testedThis Covid-related death is one of two reported in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) – with the other person residing in the Tweed area. Both were aged in their 80s and 90s.In the same 24 hour period, the local district also recorded 464 new cases of Covid – with 19 of them in Lismore.There are 46 Covid positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 5 of these in ICU.The breakdown of new cases in our district is as follows:Lismore 19, Tweed 96, Clarence Valley 48, Ballina 33, Byron 29, Kyogle 1, Richmond Valley 8.The new cases are a result of 234 positive PCR tests and 330 positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).These RAT results may be from within the previous seven days, and there may be some cases included in these numbers where people have reported positive RATs on multiple days and/or where people have also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period.NSW statisticsAcross NSW, there were 15,091 positive test results (cases) notified to 8pm last night – including 6,901 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 8,190 positive PCR tests.There were also 24 deaths of people with COVID-19; 16 men and eight women. Two were aged in their 50s, one in their 60s, two in their 70s, 12 in their 80s and seven in their 90s. Two people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 16 people had received two doses, three people had received one dose and three people were not vaccinated. Of the two people who died aged under 65, both were men who had serious underlying health conditions.One man had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and one had received three doses.  There are currently 2,816 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 196 people in intensive care, 69 of whom require ventilation. Vaccination update Across NSW, more than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 93.9 per cent have received two doses. Of people aged 12 to 15, 82.7 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.4 per cent have received two doses. Of people aged 5 to 11, 28 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.Get testedNNSWLHD is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) are now required to register their result with Service NSW.Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.Everyone who is eligible is encouraged to book into a NSW Health vaccination clinic or another provider without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least four months ago.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old.Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.If you are seeking data, you can search cases by postcode on the NSW Government website.For the most up-to-date COVID information visit http://nsw.gov.au

LIsmore City Council has increased the number of free waste vouchers available to residents for January and February to help the community dispose of extra waste generated over the summer holiday period.“An extra 1000 vouchers are being made available for January and February that residents can apply for to help them get rid of any extra waste they accumulated over the Christmas and New Year period,” said Council’s Manager – Commercial Services (Resource Recovery) Dave Hanna.“Once a voucher is issued, you have 30 days to take your waste to either the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore or the Nimbin Transfer Station.“We do ask residents to please sort as much of their waste as possible to allow us to recycle as many items as we can to keep them out of landfill.”To apply for a free waste voucher and for more information, go to www.northernriverswaste.com.au