On Monday, the Lismore App announced that the state government was funding $500,000 worth of defibrillators to sporting organisations around NSW.Yesterday, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin encouraged more local sporting and active recreation organisations to apply for up to $3,000 in funding under the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.Ms Saffin said Dunoon United Football Club was one of eight recipients from the electorate in the program’s 2024-25 round and had installed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at its Balzer Park home ground.Club President Simon Webster said: “As a rural community football club, we believe it’s very important for us to have a defibrillator on site.“Hopefully we will never need to use it, but it is reassuring to know that it’s there, and that if anything should happen to a player, match official or spectator, we will be able to help,” Mr Webster said.Ms Saffin said since the popular program started, more than 2,300 potentially life-saving defibrillators had been funded for use at sports and recreation facilities across New South Wales.Applications for the 2025-26 Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program close 1 December or when funding is exhausted.For further information, including eligibility criteria, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-programMinister for Sport Steve Kamper also announced that the Heartbeat of Football Foundation will use a $150,000 NSW Government grant to map facilities that have AEDs and those that do not, guiding future government investment in this critical equipment.

Australians are still waiting for the latest official estimate of koala numbers through the National Koala Monitoring Program (NKMP), with the 2025 update delayed for more than seven months. The figures, which guide funding and planning for the endangered species, were finalised earlier this year but have yet to be published.The NKMP began in late 2022 when the Australian Government's Saving Koalas Fund invested $10 million with the CSIRO to build and deliver a robust estimate of koala numbers and build a long-lasting capability to monitor and assess trends in koala populations. This would lead to ongoing recovery and management efforts.The CSIRO developed a Koala Spotter app, to help build the most accurate national population count to date and asked the community for help to record sightings.Populations of the iconic marsupial were officially listed as endangered across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland in February 2022.  In August 2024, CSIRO Quantitative Biologist, Dr Andrew Hoskins, said a range of technologies and methods were needed to count koalas accurately.  “Koalas can be difficult to spot from the ground, and as they are most active at night, they often rest high in trees during the day,” Dr Hoskins said.  “To count the species, scientists have been using thermal drones to spot koalas from above, deploying acoustic recorders in the field and detection dogs, conducting scat analysis, while also carrying out systematic visual surveys and data integration from previous and historic sources."The first NKMP data-driven estimate of the koala population was released in March 2023. The listed koala population range for Queensland, NSW and the ACT was between 117,000 and 244,440. However, the adjusted NKMP estimate in 2023 was between 86,000 and 176,000.The CSIRO explanation is that estimates are derived from modelling of data with known gaps. Adjusting the model for where there is little or no data gives an anticipated listed koala population estimate between 86,000 and 176,000 koalas. This will be improved by collecting and ingesting additional data over time.The second data-driven estimate was released in March 2024. The listed koala population range was between 95,000 and 238,000. There has been no adjusted estimate.The CSIRO states that the increase in the koala population range is not an increase in the number of koalas but a refinement of the modelled estimate.The third and final data-driven estimate was to include more NSW data, which included data from the NSW Government, to help improve the confidence of the estimates. It was also to include more regional data where sufficient data was available.Those results were due to be released in March 2025, seven months ago.The Lismore App first contacted the CSIRO to get an update on when the numbers would be updated on the 12th of May 2025. The reply said that due to the large volume of data collected over the past year, particularly from the audio recorders, it has taken the CSIRO team longer than expected to process and incorporate the data into the updated model. Additionally, there was the Federal Election in May, which caused further delays because the government went into caretaker mode.They then stated that the estimates were finalised and the update will be published shortly.When no data was published by July 14, two months later, another approach was made to CSIRO.The reply was that CSIRO was waiting on a 'go live' date from DCCEEW (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water of Australia), the client of CSIRO who was funding the NKMP project. They suggested we get in touch with DCCEEW.On August 20, a departmental spokesperson from DCCEEW said, "The Australian Government is partnering with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to deliver the National Koala Monitoring Program (NKMP), as part of the $76 million Saving Koalas Fund. "NKMP updates are published by the CSIRO at nkmp.org.au as they are finalised. The CSIRO is currently finalising the population estimates data, and we anticipate the next update to the NKMP shortly."There is that word again, 'shortly', as DCCEEW clearly pushed the non-publication issue back to the CSIRO team.On September 22, the Lismore App made another enquiry to CSIRO this time. The reply said that they believed the koala estimates are with DCCEEW, and they are still waiting on the timing of an announcement, which they will lead.An enquiry sent to DCCEEW on September 25 has remained unanswered.Following the email trail, it would appear the DCCEEW is holding back on the release of the 2025 National Koala Monitoring Program numbers.As we enter October, there are more questions than answers:If the count is complete and the data shared with DCCEEW, why have the latest koala population estimates not been published?Is the koala population estimate more than was previously published? Or less?We will, hopefully, get the answers 'shortly'.

More women are taking part in breast cancer screening through the BreastScreen Australia program, with over 1.9 million women aged 50–74, or 52% of the target population, screening in 2023–2024. This is an increase from the 1.8 million or 50% who were screened in 2021–2022.Published today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the BreastScreen Australia monitoring report 2025 features the latest data from BreastScreen Australia on breast cancer incidence, mortality and screening participation. The program provides free 2-yearly screening mammograms to women aged 40 and over, actively targeting women aged 50–74. It aims to detect unsuspected breast cancer, providing an opportunity for early treatment that can reduce illness and death.Since the program began in 1991 to 2023, it is estimated that more than 26.7 million mammograms have been carried out and over 137,000 invasive breast cancers have been detected.‘In that time, the age-standardised breast cancer mortality rate for women has halved from 74 to 37 deaths per 100,000 women,’ said AIHW spokesperson Moira Hewitt.‘This decrease is due to the early detection along with advances in the management and treatment of breast cancer.’‘Continued uptake of breast screening is crucially important.’ The proportion of participants aged 50–72 in 2021 who rescreened within 27 months was 54% after having their first screen through BreastScreen Australia, 63% after their second screen and 78% after having their third or higher screen.Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women, with 11,540 new cases diagnosed in women aged 50–74 in 2021. Of these, 49% were detected through BreastScreen Australia. This was an increase from 10,935 in 2020.‘Incidence of breast cancer is much higher in older women, with 81% of breast cancers occurring in women aged 50 and over,’ said Ms Hewitt.‘In fact, women aged 70–74 are most at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, with an incidence rate of 427 new cases per 100,000 women in 2021.’

The clock is ticking for two major events in October. The first being Daylight Saving this Sunday, and the second the 2025 Elders North Coast National Lismore Show being held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 16, 17 and 18.Under warm blue skies with the sprinkler on in the main arena, North Coast National A & I Society President John Gibson said the popular Show would return with all the usual favourites, including a rodeo on the final night.“It is not long until the Show, so now is the time to get ready for the return of our regular popular competitions and exhibitions. We already have some great attractions booked, including the HLB Mann Judd Ashton Circus that will perform throughout each day and Monster Trucks on Thursday and Friday,” he said“Again, this year also have the Chill and Charge zone, which is a quiet zone for people to relax over a coffee and recharge themselves and their phones.“The very popular FMX bikes will return, along with Jet Packs, a petting zoo, reptiles, fireworks and a community stage with a range of local acts, plus Dave Graney & the Coral Snakes on Friday night.“The Show has been at the heart of our community since 1885 and is where memories are made.“Once again, I would like to thank our naming rights sponsor, Elders, and all our regular sponsors. Without them, the Show could not go on.“This year we also welcome new major sponsors, including Northern Rivers Ford and North Coast Petroleum Liberty Service Stations, with the latter running an Elders Lismore Show promotion through its four Lismore Liberty Service Stations.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said Lismore was lucky to have such a great range of community events.“The Lismore Show is one of my favourites. Now in its 140th year, the show has always brought our community together to catch up with old friends and make new ones,” he said.The mayor also confessed to the Led Steers being his favourite part of the Lismore Show."I'm an old school teacher. I worked in agricultural schools in a past life, and was involved when I was a school teacher in helping the kids train their steers, and to see the love and the care. The public sees these kids for one day, there's eight, nine or ten months of work that goes into getting these steers prepared for the show. It's not always the best ending, but, for me, to see the joy on the kids' faces, to see them develop and grow with their animals, is what I love."I love everything that goes on in the ring as well. I love just sitting in the stand, eating some fairy floss and watching everything that goes on. I'm excited that the rodeo is here. I think that's huge as well. They've tried a few times to have the rodeo in Lismore, and for whatever reason, mainly weather, that hasn't eventuated. So, fingers crossed for a dry three or four days, and we'll get it all in."While it is too far out for any weather predictions for the three Show days this year, preparations are underway to make the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore the best they can be for the expected 25,000 to 30,000 visitors.John Gibson said that entries across the board are strong, so the pavilion for art, vegetables and baked goods, horses and beef cattle."We've got entries from Tamworth, the Southern Tablelands and South East Queensland, so they travel a long way to get a win at Lismore."State Member for Lismore and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said she was honoured to be opening the 2025 Elders Love Lismore Show, representing Minister for Lands Steve Kamper.“The North Coast National is an iconic event because it has been bringing the best of the country to town for 140 years,” Ms Saffin said.“A rodeo will be a highlight of Saturday’s program and will add plenty of excitement for the crowd.”Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, said events like the North Coast National support local businesses, highlight our farmers and producers, and give our community a real economic boost.“The Lismore Show has always been about bringing people together. It’s a place where families come back year after year, where our kids get their first taste of the rides or the show ring, and where the whole community takes pride in showcasing the best of the Northern Rivers,” Mr Hogan said.“I encourage everyone, whether you live locally or further afield, to come along, support our community, and enjoy everything this great event has to offer.”Nominations are also now open for the 2025 North Coast National Young Woman and Teen Showgirl Competitions, but hurry, they close this Friday.If you're between 13 and 25, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and make a difference. The Young Woman competition is for those aged 18 to 25 and Teen Showgirl for girls aged 13 to 17.This is your chance to be an ambassador for your community, showcase your passion for agriculture and promote Lismore and the Lismore Show.For more information about how to apply for the Young Woman and Teen Showgirl competitions, go to https://northcoastnational.com.au. Entries close this Friday, 3 October.The gate prices for 2025 are $25 for single tickets, children (12-17)/pensioners and concessions $15, family pass (2 adults/3 children) $45, and children 11 and under are free. Parking is $5.At the end of each Elders Lismore Show night, around 9pm, there will be a fireworks display.See you at the Show.

A body has been located following this morning's fire at a home in East Lismore.About 5.45am (Tuesday, 30 September 2025), emergency services were called to the home on Belvedere Drive following reports of a fire.At the scene, officers found the front rooms of the home fully engulfed in flames.Firefighters responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze; however, the home sustained significant damage.The body of a man was located at the home and is yet to be formally identified.Officers are waiting for the home to be declared structurally sound before the property can be entered.A crime scene has been established, and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fire are underway.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

There has been a house fire at Belvedere Drive, East Lismore, early this morning, with one person still unaccounted for.Superintendent Adam Dewberry from Fire and Rescue NSW said the fire started at 5:47 this morning when they received about twenty 000 calls."When firefighters arrived, they were confronted with significant fire activity. There is one person unaccounted for. They are still unaccounted for. We've got five fire trucks on scene, that's about 20 firefighters. We have had a significant structural collapse, which is impeding our ability to get complete extinguishment and conduct a thorough search. "Operations will continue. We will work with New South Wales Police in determining where this person that's unaccounted for is. They'll do the outside inquiries and Fire and Rescue. New South Wales will get in and continue a search, but due to the structural integrity, we are having difficulties getting complete extinguishment and completing that search."More to come.

The Lismore App has discovered that 000 emergency calls to NSW Ambulance have been dropping out since 11:30 yesterday morning, and the issue is ongoing.Anonymous sources raised concerns, and further investigation has led us to believe that multiple 000 calls are dropping out from Coffs Harbour to the Tweed, including Lismore.According to the sources, callers ringing 000 are connecting to the operator, but when the call is routed to NSW Ambulance, it drops out. This is not a one-off occurrence; a caller can experience multiple drop-outs before a successful connection is made.The Lismore App understands that an investigation and a thorough review are underway. We can tell you that no network issues have been found, and there have been no reports of negative outcomes.The number of call drop-outs is believed to be low, so this is not a widespread issue.The Lismore App contacted NSW Ambulance for comment, a spokesperson said, "NSW Ambulance is aware of a small number of reported cases involving unsuccessful attempts to connect to Triple Zero (000) in the Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Tweed regions on Monday 29 September. "NSW Ambulance has referred the reported calls to the Emergency Triple Zero telecommunications provider for review. "eHealth NSW, who manage the telecommunications for NSW Health, confirmed the Triple Zero (000) environment between Telstra and NSW Ambulance was operating as required. "We are undertaking a review of the identified Triple Zero (000) calls received by NSW Ambulance. "NSW Ambulance has not received further reports of concern from callers in the area since Monday morning and has not identified any adverse patient outcomes related to these calls. "NSW Ambulance urges anyone experiencing a medical emergency to call Triple Zero (000)."

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) are criticised regularly, often by this very publication, think the Resilient Lands Program. But the RA also do some good work that largely goes unpublished.When an RA-owned buyback house is demolished, it is often put on social media, saying that the RA should be relocating the house or at least saving the old forest timbers, some of which are close to 100 years old.The Lismore App was introduced to Brad Lees, Managing Director, of the Leez Group, a family-owned Northern Rivers-based company who have won contracts from the RA to deconstruct and recycle buyback houses.To put a bulldozer through a buyback house is the easiest and cheapest option to remove it if it is deemed unlivable by the assessor. The timber and concrete can still be recycled, but considerably less than if the house were carefully deconstructed.Brad said the initial assessment is completed by an occupational hygienist and a structural engineer. Once that is complete, the Leez Group will review the assessment report and submit a tender with the RA."We do a further assessment on how much we think we can we can salvage and recycle out of each dwelling from the contamination report. Those reports will be issued to us on the hazardous materials in the dwelling, for example, the asbestos, and how much there is, the quantities, and therefore we'll have to deal with it and price it based off that report."Obviously, there's a massive focus with the New South Wales Reconstruction Authority, and for us, the Leez Group, to salvage and recycle as much as possible in terms of building materials like timber, windows, doors, concrete and brick. Anything like that."The Leez Group has deconstructed six properties so far. Included were two houses in Junction Street, East Lismore, the old Clean and Green Laundry building on Terania Street, North Lismore and the dwelling at the rear, and now Diadem Street in the CBD. Brad said he has another 15 to go as part of this tender.(The house being deconstructed in Diadem Street, Lismore)Brad's goal is to recycle between 80 to 85% of all houses he has to remove."For instance, our previous dwelling, I believe we hit a target of about 80% to 85% of recycled and reclaimed. That was over at Junction Street. So we did some estimates there. We recycled approximately 2,500 metres of timber, and we recycled approximately five ton of building materials, ie doors, windows, roofing sheets, garage doors and the like, so it was quite good.To reach that 80-85% range of recycled material, the process is definitely slower than if it involved a machine only. The average house is five to seven days."It's definitely a lot less machine hours and it's more labour intensive, because obviously the timber and the doors and the windows have to be salvaged for someone to reuse. So, it's carefully deconstructed, so we can then preserve those materials so they can be reused again throughout the community."It takes 5 to 7 days to take it down to the ground, and then we pull up the concrete. That will all go off locally to get crushed up and reused as road base, driveways, and some people are using it for drainage as well, which is great."One of the questions often raised within the community is who is benefiting from the recycled house materials. Where was it going? For Brad and the Leez Group, that involves three local Northern Rivers businesses."We've had a long-term relationship with AJ Magnay in North Lismore for probably ten years now, then there's Solid Grain and Red Neds."Solid Grain sells a lot of reclaimed timber and makes a lot of furniture out of it, and also has the community come and purchase the timber back off him for their projects. Then there's Red Ned's as well, who are up around the Tweed area."What comes across is a commonsense approach to the three local companies acquiring the material. Sometimes it is free, and other times they pay to resell it to the public."It depends on what it is. So, if it's a material that has taken us minimal time to get out, and it's just put aside, they'll just take it, but if it's timber that we've got to de-nail and unbolt, then they'll pay and obviously sell it."I would say that throughout our first six dwellings, we've hit, hit a target of 80 to 85% of recycling and salvage of the materials, which I and the boys are proud of and excited about."AJ Magnay is receiving interior fixings, windows, doors, and smallish type stuff. "I haven't been doing the timber at the moment because I've still got plenty here," AJ told the Lismore App. "Solid Grain has been doing the timber at this point in time."Finally, we are getting some results of actually getting stuff physically recycled through a system that can be sent back out to the public to be reused. They're physically pulling it down, piece by piece. They're salving as much as they possibly can, within reason, some stuff you just can't, it's just not viable to do."But, the Leez Group and some of the other guys who are involved now are actually doing some fantastic stuff with the recycling."As AJ had mentioned, some of the recycled timber he has in his yard on Macaulay Street, North Lismore, has been there for quite a while. He explained that Solid Grain have machinery that can turn the structural four-by-twos into decking material."There's generally copious amounts of four by twos or 100 by 50s. What he's been doing is splitting it down the centre, and then what they call wire brushing them and harassing the edges, so it looks like a weathered decking board. It looks like it's been there for 20 years, whereas the timber itself could be up to 120 to 130 years old. So, they're repurposing that back into what I'd call a modern-day trendy product." The benefit of having the machinery to transform large structural timber into decking timber is better turnover, as there is more need for the product.As we were finishing the interview, AJ Mganay got the last plug in for his local recycling business."If people want, they can come here for timbers, windows and doors, and there'll be more coming. We picked up a little bit more today. It'll be an ongoing thing, and over time, we will start to get timber as well. When I make a little bit of room in the yard."

"Epic" is how Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg described the 2025 Masters Games held over three days from last Friday and ending with finals on Sunday.Lismore City Council estimated that this year's event injected $5.4 million into the local economy when nearly 1,200 people took part in eight sports, including netball, softball, baseball, Oztag and lawn bowls. This was the largest number of participant in Lismore Masters Games history.The reason for the $5.4 million boost to the local economy?"Over 50% of those participants didn't come from the Lismore LGA, and a quarter of them came from across the border, said Mayor Krieg, "So it was an absolutely epic weekend of sport across Lismore, and really good to see. All of our accommodation was full. Cafes and restaurants and pubs were booked out, and sadly, accident and emergency got a fair workout as well, with a few of the Masters getting a few injuries, but that's to be expected."Not only that, it's the families and the kids that they bring along with them. So that 600 participants from outside the Lismore LGA, you could easily double, if not triple. So you're talking about upwards of two, two and a half thousand people that converge on the Lismore CBD."It was such a good time to be in Lismore. We're standing here at Crozier Oval, which has never looked better. All of the fields were just amazing, and there wasn't a drop of rain to be seen. It's the first time in a long time that we've had a dry Masters Games weekend."As Mayor Krieg said, the Masters Games are not really about the results but about the camaraderie among all the participants."There's an Oztag team by the name of the Muppets, who have been mates in school that come together every two years to put an Oztag team together specifically for the Lismore Masters. It's the only time they see each other in that two-year period. Good luck to everyone who won, but for me, to see the social aspect of it, to see not only the Lismore community come together, but people came from the Central Coast and Newcastle, I was speaking to people from South East Queensland, they all come together, and sport is the vehicle to bring these individuals together, which is really pleasing for me."The mayor mentioned that the quality of the facilities, now that Lismore's sporting homes have been successfully renovated, and the new Skateboarding precinct is built, was noticed by the participants this year, and there will be further opportunities as the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games get closer."We're working very closely with the uni. We supported their application to get the synthetic athletics facility at the university. That's something that council was heavily involved in. We see Lismore as the perfect training venue for overseas teams to come and use."When you think we've got the Memorial Baths, an Olympic standard 50 metre swimming pool. We've got Albert Park, which is baseball and softball, which are Olympic sports. We've now got an Olympic-quality skate facility in town, plus Oakes and Crozier and synthetic hockey. We've got synthetic soccer over at the university as well. We are really well set up to host these teams."As a joint organisation with the seven LGAs, we're looking at different sports that we can all host together. Clearly, we don't have rowing or surfing in Lismore, but Ballina and Byron may be able to host those sorts of things. Kyogle have suggested mountain biking and different events there for them. So it's certainly well and truly on our radar."And we're preparing prospectuses as we speak, to be able to distribute to any sporting team that wants to use Lismore as a base. We met with an NRL team last week about holding their pre-season camp here. We're in discussions with A-League teams. The Newcastle Jets were here in August with the Brisbane Roar, making that potentially an annual event. We are working very diligently behind the scenes to generate the level of income, the level of interest in Lismore that we think it deserves.""Obviously, it was a great shot in the arm with the amount of visitors and players and everything turning out over the last couple of days. And it leads into a big summer of sporting activities. Clearly, one of the biggest economic drivers for Lismore, believe it or not, is the state's Under-12 cricket tournament in January. But before that, we've got the national Marist Brothers tournament for cricket that is coming to Lismore as well. That's a national tournament with the Catholic schools in December."We are already starting to prepare all of our cricket facilities for two pretty big events, let alone what happens on a weekend with our weekend warrior sports people as well. So, I'm looking forward to an exciting summer of sport."

The future use of land that will be left when more than 650 flood buyback houses have been removed throughout the Lismore CBD, North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore has been a discussion at many dinner tables and pubs across the Lismore LGA in the past couple of years. Well, the planning process is now underway. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin was joined by Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg on Magellan Street earlier today, opposite Crozier Field, to announce the partnership between the NSW Government and Lismore City Council.To give you some perspective on the size of the available land to be repurposed, it represents 50 hectares of land.While the land can no longer be used for housing, a risk-based approach will be used to determine future uses that are compatible with flooding. Planning will consider how the space connects with surrounding areas, supports community needs and complements the CBD and local economy. Making sure that any future use will not increase flooding risks for neighbouring properties is also critical.  To make planning simpler, Council has split the flood-affected areas into four precincts: Lismore Centre, North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore. This is because each precinct will more than likely have its own unique land uses.Lismore Centre will be the first precinct plan to be developed from early 2026, followed by North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore.Mayor Krieg said that each precinct having its own focus, such as entertainment, is already being considered."That's already part of the discussion, that you have your entertainment precinct, you have your sporting precinct, you have your commercial precinct. I think that makes sense, but we all know that all levels of government don't necessarily do things that make sense at times," the mayor said jokingly, "Did I say that out loud? But that's clearly the intent of having the precincts, and with precincts comes that funding that Janelle spoke about as well. When you actually have the plan, it's a lot easier to get the funding to make those plans a reality.Mayor Krieg was referring to Ms Saffin's comments, confirming that the funding has been secured for the planning process; however, funding for individual projects within a precinct will need to be sought for them to go ahead.Ms Saffin also painted a picture of connectivity, not only in the CBD but for the other precincts as well."What I envisage is these precincts will have a connectedness we never had before. We're on the outskirts of the CBD, and gradually it's hooking up to the Square, or the Square is hooking up to the CBD."I once said I'd love to see a covered walkway there, so people can walk up and down, even Tuk Tuks, that mightn't be a goer, but there's a whole range of things we can do to have that interconnectivity. And I know Steve drives a lot of the whole sporting area, and that can happen."If you have a look at South, we've already got sport over there, we've got a school, we've got a vibrant business community, we've got the rail trail, and we've got the best post office in Australia. So, there are lots we can do over there, but I see it as connecting us. It'll be four precincts, a staged approach, but I see that it will bring us together. It'll bring the whole of Lismore together."(Buyback houses on Cathcart Street looking towards Crozier Field)As you would expect, the community will be invited to have their say through a mix of in-person and online engagement opportunities throughout 2026. Details about the timing and format of the consultation will be announced later this year.Expressions of interest for planners, engineers and other experts to work on this project will be open within the next month. As for broader timing, all four precinct planning stages will be completed by early 2027. That is because the Resilient Homes program ends at the end of June that year.Funding for construction, landscaping or bush regeneration is more complex as it will require grant applications from an appropriate funding source within the state government.Jamie van Iersel, Acting Head of Planning and Environment for Lismore City Council said, "That is something that we'll be looking to do simultaneously as we go along. If a grant comes up, if we're far enough progressed with one or more of the precinct plans, we'll start looking for funding as soon as we can. "What we'll be doing along the way is making sure the relevant state agencies are involved, not just the RA, but the Department of Education, Transport, etc. Then everyone can be agreeing and endorsing what we'll be looking for in terms of funding."The future land use is another sign that Lismore is moving forward, rather than looking in the rear-view mirror only at how February 28 2022, devastated our community.“It’s about setting Lismore up for the future as a great place to work, invest and raise a family," Mayor Krieg said."We're already a grand city. It's my hometown. I love it," Minister Saffin said, "But we're just going to become such a beautiful city, and we'll showcase, to not only New South Wales and Australia, but the world that we can do this, we can recover from what happened in 2022 and have the best possible place to live, work and play."For more information and to keep up to date, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/resilient-homes-program/home-buybacks/future-buyback-land-use

A key element of Lismore's flood recovery in the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program was the upgrade of the pumping stations, especially the Browns Creek Pump Station, which will be able to increase its capacity to remove stormwater by four to five times.Lismore City Council has announced today that this new phase of its flood recovery, the upgrades to essential flood-pumping infrastructure, is set to begin early in the new year.Key projects include the construction of a new pump station in South Lismore and the expansion of the existing Browns Creek pump station – boosting capacity to speed up stormwater removal and help keep roads and evacuation routes open longer. Construction partners for the upgrade of the Magellan Street pump station, located next to the Lismore Transit Centre, and the new Snow Street pump station are now being sought. A tender for work at Browns Creek will open in the coming months.Significant work has been completed to reach this point, from funding to surveys and design to ensure pump stations remain operational throughout construction. Council says it is sincerely grateful to the community for its support and patience during this important phase.These projects are proudly funded by the Australian Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program 2022-23, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.For more info on Lismore’s flood pump upgrades, visit https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Flood-Restoration-Portfolio/Flood-resilience.

There are plenty of older Lismore and Northern Rivers residents still playing weekend sport. You only had to look around Lismore over the last three days to observe over 1,100 athletes running around in the Masters Games.If you haven't got a defibrillator at your sporting organisation, now is the time to apply for a grant from the NSW Government. They have announced an investment of $500,000 to enable sporting organisations to install life-saving defibrillators at their facilities, while a new project will map facilities that have this critical equipment.Heartbeat of Football Foundation has also received a $150,000 grant from the state government to conduct the first-ever research into which NSW sports facilities have Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) installed.The findings will provide vital insight into which facilities do not have the equipment and guide any future government investment in the devices.Heartbeat of Football will also use the funding to expand its #HeartHealthMatters Program to deliver AED familiarisation and CPR training to sporting organisations across regional NSW.The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides up to $3,000 to eligible sport and active recreation organisations for the purchase of AEDs at sports facilities.Since the program commenced, more than 2,300 defibrillators have been funded for use at sports and recreation facilities across NSW.Applications for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program close 1 December or when funding is exhausted.For further information, including eligibility criteria, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program.Doyalson Wyee Football Club player and NSW’s oldest on-field cardiac arrest survivor, Allen Lyell, 70. He was treated with a defibrillator installed at the ground following that health incident, and said, “I had no symptoms and the doctor said I was fit.“I was fortunate that there was a defibrillator at the ground and people knew what to do, so I became one of the lucky ones.”Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “It's vital that sporting organisations are equipped to respond to life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest on the sporting field.“Last year, the Minns Labor Government supported more than 190 sporting organisations to purchase this potentially life-saving equipment.“Heartbeat of Football’s mapping project will play a vital role in enabling the Minns Labor Government to plan future targeted investment at sport facilities that need it most.”Heartbeat of Football Foundation Founder Andy Paschalidies said, “We congratulate and thank Minister Kamper and the Minns Labor Government for their continued support of this program.“It has already proven to be a lifesaver and our foundation will continue to push for all sporting grounds in NSW, and indeed across Australia, to be equipped with lifesaving and publicly accessible AEDs.”

The much-anticipated Richmond River Catchment flood mitigation modelling scenarios were presented to local Council's and community groups last week by lead CSIRO scientist, Jai Vaze and his team.After numerous community meetings and considering what makes sense from a scientific point of view, two bundles will be modelled, with the difference being the number of detention basins at choke points in the upper and lower areas of the Richmond River Catchment. Bundle 1 will model 5 detention basins, while Bundle 2 will model 9 detention basins.The four constants are the Tuckean Swamp upgrade (barrage operates optimally), the Tuckombil upgrade (replace Fabri-dam with a swing gate), Bruxner Highway upgrades (culverts) from Casino and the opening of Boundary Creek to the ocean north of Evans Head. The Boundary Creek calculations in terms of the effective width have not been calculated yet.Three different rainfall scenarios will be tested within those bundles: 2008, 2017 and 2022.2008 was requested by the Kyogle and Richmond Councils as it was their worst flood since 1954. In Lismore, the river height was just under a major flood level, so a moderate flood of 9.4 metres. As we know, 2017 was 11.59 metres, while 2022 was 14.4 metres in February and 11.4 metres in March.The two bundles of measures selected by the majority of the community and councils are:Bundle 1. Fawcetts Detention, Barlings Detention, Rock Valley Detention, Upper Nimbin Detention, Corndale Detention, Tuckean Swamp Upgrade, Opening of Boundary Creek, Bruxner Highway Upgrades, Tuckombil Upgrade.Bundle 2. Fawcetts Detention, Barlings Detention, Rock Valley Detention, Upper Nimbin Detention, Corndale Detention, Tuckean Swamp Upgrade, Opening of Boundary Creek, Bruxner Highway Upgrades, Tuckombil Upgrade, Collins Valley Detention, Bentley Detention, Dunoon Detention, Booyong Detention.To clarify, a detention basin or detention pond temporarily holds back water at various parts of the catchment so it can be released at different times during a flood event. The aim is to keep the water from overtopping the levee in Lismore, thus also having an impact on towns further down the Wilsons and Richmond River, like Coraki and Woodburn. That is the same scenario for the Upper Richmond River north of Kyogle.Jai Vaze sat down with the Lismore App on Friday to explain the options in more detail, including their size."In the first, less aggressive bundle in Lismore where the Wilsons breaks into two main streams, we just hold one of the two. So, we are holding at Coopers Creek at Corndale. If you look at Terania, which comes and joins Leycester before Lismore, Terania, again, splits into multiple streams, one of which is Terania Creek, which is going towards Nimbin, so we hold on the upper Nimbin area."Leycester Creek actually has two arms. One is the Leicester Creek itself, and one is Back Creek, which is also quite big area, so we hold one at Rock Valley Detention on Leycester Creek. So, we are holding one arm of the three, which has two or three arms."In the second bundle, we add three more detentions to these existing three, so that we have more holding points. And then the trick is about how to hold and when to start holding in individual detentions, because that has to be triggered based on levels, at Lismore, as the aim is to keep the water below the levee level."We might not be successful for say '22, but that's the aim. Looking at the water that went through Lismore in the '22 flood in one day, 500 to 700 gigalitres of water on the 28th of February went through. The largest storage in Australia is the Hume dam, which is 1000 gigalitres. So, you can't hold that in a tiny catchment up here."The whole idea is how to keep it below the levee. That's the whole trick. They have to be optimised such that different one starts holding at different times, thus taking off the peaks.THE SIZE OF THE DETENTION BASINS"Ideally speaking, they will be optimised, and based on that, the height and width will get optimised. But then, we have to do a compromise where we can't just go 10 kilometres wide and 500 metres tall. As you increase the width and you increase the height, you can hold more and more, sure, but then you will submerge more area as well. Most of these have been selected as they are at choke points. The choke point is the narrowest point where you will need the smaller barrier, and they are mostly in a deeper gorge, so that it will not submerge too much, or any of the residential areas. That is the aim.Jai mentioned that a detention basin could serve a dual purpose, so it becomes part dam."This type of basin can be dual purpose, like the one in Queensland, which is, I think, I might be wrong, but 50% for water supply and 50% for flood mitigation. So normally it will only hold 50% of the capacity. When the flood comes, the gates close, and they will hold another 50%."After the flood, you release that so that the buffer is ready for holding the next flood. There are people who are asking questions, saying that's not doable, and I said, Yes, Queensland is already doing it. Go and see. And around the world, Japan is doing it, and others are doing it. So it's all doable. When you know the science, it's all doable."THE GOVERNMENT'S ROLEJai warned that when the modelling is complete, the result may not show that flood mitigation can be achieved. He also said that when he has made his recommendations to NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) and the Federal Government, his job is done. It will be up to the government of the day to make the ultimate decision."What we have been explaining is that we have been given a task, which is, can we mitigate large to extreme floods? That is the terms of reference, because the project was funded after the '22 flood, which was a disaster. So, it's not about all the other things. The focus is on whether floods can be mitigated. So, at least we'll have an answer. If nothing can be done, or something can be done."Number two, the outcome of this has been very clearly right from day one. The CSIRO will put out a recommendation based on the science and the results that come out from the science. After that, it is the government of the day that will be making the call. But if, in that recommendation, we find that we can't do anything, nothing has to be done anyway, but at least it's still helpful, because it's telling us to stop wasting time trying, because when we tried, using the best science, nothing can be done."I don't expect that will be the outcome, but we don't know the results. Whatever the outcome, the government will look at the cost-benefit ratio, plus the business cases, plus environmental approvals. Some of the options might not get through because they're too damaging to the environment. But then the government of the day has to make the call on how it balances environment, finances, community and the livelihood."If we do manage to find some solution which the government implements, it will improve, surely, the security for areas and help them with all the other things, like insurance and those things."As has been mentioned during previous visits, Jai reinforced that nothing could hold back the impacts of a February 28 2022, 14.4m flood. The soil was completely saturated, so there was no further storage capacity. This modelling is really about taking a 2017 flood of 11.59m so it doesn't overtop the CBD levee wall, as well as lowering the impact downstream."If we can reduce the impact and then make it safer for more common products like the '17 flood, then that gives more confidence to the community and the businesses. That is the aim."Number two, these are infrastructure solutions, which we are putting together measures at the moment, but NEMA, through the NRRRP, has funded close to $11.8 million of nature-based solution projects in the first round. They have been running for the last two and a half years, and we are hoping that they will put out some concrete results, then we can scale to see how much they will help. If they show very clearly that it will help with floods and large floods, surely they will go hand in hand with the infrastructure solutions. There's no competition between infrastructure and nature-based. The focus is slightly different; both are needed, but they go in parallel rather than competing."As was the case with the finished Richmond River Catchment model, the results will be peer reviewed by some of the world's top scientists."Of course, the results of the two projects, when they come out, will be scrutinised, checked, and reviewed by the top scientists. When you start looking at Lismore, you realise it is not a simple thing, because we don't have too much catchment area upstream of Lismore, 200 or 300 square kilometres is what we are looking at. So, if it shows that by putting trees in this much area, we can improve by X amount, then scale it up that, to get that 500 gig holding, or 300 Giga litre holding, what area is needed? Is it even possible to do? And is it possible to displace everyone? But all of that has to be done, and I'm hoping that those nature-based solutions will put out all those numbers with all those facts and proofs, and then we can implement it."THE NEXT STEPSJai and his team will start to build the two bundles into the Hydrodynamic Model. This, he said, is the "hardest part". Then the computer modelling can begin for Bundle 1 and Bundle 2.The data output will be reviewed by an internationally recognised scientist, as they did for the model itself. The comments and recommendations will be written and then released to the public on the 30th of June 2026.So far, Jai Vaze and his dedicated, fully committed team (Cherry Mateo and Chi Nguyen) have delivered on their promised dates. The $11.4 million Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative (NRRI) has been the part of the flood recovery that residents of Lismore and the Northern Rivers can trust.To use a horse racing term, we are in the home straight.

The next round of the NSW Government vibrancy reforms is amping up culture, making it easier for councils, businesses and communities to stage events, host live performances, and activate outdoor spaces.The new Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy will reduce the amount of time it takes to have an event, gig or festival approved by the local council or state agency, removing outdated and lengthy planning pathways for simple and fun events. This responds to the recent NSW Productivity Commissioner’s report, which highlighted a potential $8 billion uplift in the NSW night-time economy if unnecessary red tape was reduced to allow venues and events to expand their offering. The state government says it is giving councils, businesses, and communities greater flexibility to create and support local entertainment opportunities, allowing more events, extended trading and easier outdoor activation.More live entertainmentLive entertainment like music, comedy, theatre, book readings, and other performances can now occur both indoors and outdoors without a development application as long as it complies with simple rules such as beginning after midday.Increased patron capacity for outdoor diningVenues and registered clubs will finally have capacity to match their outdoor dining space, able to increase patron numbers by up to 30% without a development application.Easier community eventsEvents like street fairs and community festivals will be allowed as exempt development on all public land removing the need for often expensive development applications.These events will make it simpler and more affordable for communities across the state to activate local spaces, like town squares, streets and parks.Extended trading for special eventsShops, cafes and other unlicenced venues will be able to keep their doors open longer during big local events like street fairs with councils able to declare special trading hours for specific areas.This will support both local business and tourism in maximising the benefit of the extra foot traffic generated during special events.Expanded outdoor dining at farmgate venuesFarmgate operators like cellar doors, on-farm cafes and restaurants can now activate outdoor dining without lodging a development application, supporting regional and local food tourism.The government's aim is to build better communities, and that means rebuilding vibrancy and the 24-hour economy, which is still recovering from a decade of lockouts and then lockdowns.To support the rollout, the NSW Government will release practical resources, including Vibrancy Guidelines and an Events Guide, to help councils and businesses make the most of the new opportunities.These changes are part of the Cultural SEPP, which will be implemented through updates to the Codes SEPP 2008, to support creative, cultural and hospitality opportunities across NSW, and drive a thriving, inclusive 24-hour economy. For more information, visit Night-time economy | PlanningMinister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said, “Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, but red tape has stopped venues from properly using their outdoor space. That is now changing thanks to these reforms.“These changes will increase entertainment options and boost the bottom line for businesses.“We know that arduous, expensive planning approvals have been a stop sign to progress in NSW, so just like we have done for housing, we are now cutting planning red tape to boost vibrancy.“The Cultural SEPP builds on two years' worth of reforms aimed at bringing Sydney back to life.”Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “These simple planning changes will re-awaken NSW’s events, entertainment and hospitality sectors, which have been suffering under excessive regulations since the introduction of lock out laws in 2014.  “We’re simplifying the rules to empower local councils and businesses to host events, extend trading hours, and bring communities together through arts, culture and hospitality without the headache of unnecessary red tape.“The Minns Labor Government wants NSW to be the place where young people choose to live and work, which means, alongside unlocking more housing, we must also support lively communities and culture.”Australian band Lime Cordiale, Oli Leimbach said, “This is such a positive step in the right direction. I’ve been worried that young Australians are losing the habit of going out to see live music.“Making gigs easier to put on will push the Australian music scene forward, give new bands a stage, and strengthen our festival culture.“Wherever we go in the world, people rave about the quality of Aussie music, and it deserves all the support it can get.”Jack River said, “As an Artist and a former festival organiser, I welcome these reforms.“The Vibrancy Reforms will welcome live music and culture back into public spaces - where for too long it’s been a struggle and an afterthought.“Our pubs, clubs and venues should be supported and encouraged to feature Australian Artists - these reforms do just that!”

Social Futures was honoured at the 2025 Mental Health Matters Awards in Sydney on Friday, with its Resilient Kids program named the winner of the Mental Health Matters Youth Award.The award celebrates outstanding excellence and innovation in programs that prioritise prevention and early intervention for young people. Developed in response to the devastating Northern Rivers floods of 2022, the Resilient Kids program has reached 8,804 young people and 1,151 caregivers to June 2025.The Resilient Kids program was recognised for its unique and impactful approach to supporting children and young people to build resilience, confidence, and wellbeing in the face of challenges and disruptions resulting from extreme weather events.Social Futures Program Manager, Shoshannah Oks, accepted the award at the ceremony alongside Team Leader, Olga Bruvel, and Program Worker, Michelle Wrigley.(The Social Futures team accepting their award. Photo: supplied)“This award is recognition of the courage and strength of the young people we work with every day. Resilient Kids is built around their voices and experiences, giving them tools to navigate difficult times, but also the confidence to thrive,” Ms Oks said.“I want to thank our funders, dedicated team and partners, the communities and families that welcomed and supported the service, and most importantly, the children and young people of the Northern Rivers, who inspire us daily with their resilience and hope.”The Resilient Kids program is funded by Healthy North Coast, which, through genuine consultation with the community, conceived an innovative response to meet the needs of young people post-disaster, and so Resilient Kids was formed. The Australian Government, through a $10 million grant via the National Emergency Management Agency, gave foundation and form to the vision, and Consortium Partners, The Family Centre and Human Nature Adventure Therapy, helped make the vision a reality.Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said, “This award is a tribute to the young people of the Northern Rivers who bravely shared their stories, needs and hopes following the floods. Their voices shaped Resilient Kids, ensuring it was designed with them and for them.”“We are proud to see Resilient Kids recognised as a leading model of early intervention and resilience-building for young people, and we are especially proud to see children and young people’s voices at the heart of disaster recovery and resilience planning.”Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said the recognition highlights the importance of investing in young people’s mental health and wellbeing.“This award shines a light on how vital it is to support children and young people early, so they have the tools to recover and flourish despite the challenges they face,” Mr Davies said.“It also reflects the partnerships, collaboration, and community spirit that make Resilient Kids possible.”Social Futures is deeply honoured to share this award with the Northern Rivers community and to continue walking alongside young people, supporting them to thrive.

NSW Year 12 students are in study mode with the start of the HSC exams for 2025 just under three weeks away.Thursday, October 16, is the first HSC exam, Monday, November 7, is the final day for written exams, and then it is a nervous wait until Thursday, December 18, for the HSC results to be released.OneSchool Global (OSG) has shared its Top 10 tips that will help students make the most of their final weeks of study.  OSG Australian Director of Education, Paul Maher, said if students tackle their preparation with a practical and strategic mindset, they can stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.  “The HSC can be a stressful time for students and their families, but there are strategies students can use to stay focused and do their best,” Mr Maher said. “We have shared these tips across our OSG campuses – but anyone can implement these methods!” Practice Past Papers: “Completing past exams boosts memory, reveals gaps, and builds confidence under real conditions. It’s one of the most effective ways to prepare,” said Mr Maher.Take Regular Breaks: “Think of breaks as pit stops – time to refuel your brain. Make sure you eat nutritious meals or snacks and drink enough water!”Target Your Weak Areas: “Focus more time on subjects or topics you struggle with. This improves overall performance and gives the best return on effort.”Use a Study Schedule: “Planned, spaced study reduces stress and improves long-term memory.”Make Your Own Notes: “Creating notes helps you process and retain information better than buying pre-made ones. Active learning beats passive reading every time.”Choose a Consistent Study Space: “A familiar environment helps your brain switch into focus mode. Occasionally changing locations can also boost recall through contextual cues.”Use Retrieval Practice: “Instead of rereading, test yourself with flashcards, quizzes, or teaching others. This strengthens memory and understanding.”Don’t Overstudy: “Studying 24/7 leads to fatigue and lower performance. Balance, sleep, and rest are essential for effective learning.”Teach What You Learn: “Explaining concepts to someone else helps clarify your understanding.”Create a Distraction-Free Environment: “A quiet, organised space improves focus and deep learning. Your environment signals your brain that it’s time to study.” “I wish all students, whether they are from OneSchool Global or other schools across NSW, all the best in the HSC exams,” Mr Maher said. “And remember – you can always reach out to your teachers for guidance and support.”

For the first time in many years, Lismore turned on the weather for the 2025 Lismore Workers Club Lismore Cup day at the Lismore Turf Club yesterday.An estimated crowd of 3,500 racegoers made the most of idyllic conditions to socialise and pick the occasional winner as Flywheel came through the field to win the 2025 Lismore Cup."Oh, it's great," said Scott Jones, Lismore Turf Club Secretary Manager, just after 5 o'clock yesterday evening as Billy Gudgeon began entertaining the crowd, "It's great just to get a nice dry Lismore Cup over line, to be honest with you.""Everyone was well behaved. The licensing Sergeant gave me a call just to say they're leaving because everything's good. I haven't heard too many complaints; everyone looks happy."Apart from the weather and the racing, there were plenty of beautiful Cup Day outfits and fascinators as the Fashions on the Field took centre stage between races 1 and 3.Judges Angela McCormack, who was celebrating her 20th anniversary, and Gold Coast Fashion Blogger and Influencer Milano Imai awarded the cash prizes, travel vouchers, flowers and bottles of bubbly to the winners and runners-up.Caroline Forbes took out the Over 40s event, wearing a custom-made dress in Cairns by Milva Carruci. The pink is inspired by a 1950s Barbie doll.The Under 40s winner was Haylee Martell (left above) wearing a Jettah and Till dress and millinery, with Amy runner-up also wearing Jettah and Till millinery.The Best Dressed Male was a hotly contested event, with five entries. MC and wedding celebrant Jay Gibson (right) took home the prizes with Huey runner-up.The 2025 Lismore Cup was another sign of Lismore that Lismore is moving forward. It was also a sign that a Friday afternoon Lismore Cup can be a success without the gazetted half-day holiday, although that would have help tip the scales to a 5,000 strong crowd.

The immediate response and care of injured wildlife in the NSW Northern Rivers region will be strengthened by a new care and training facility linked to Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.The Wildlife Vet Accommodation and Training Centre at Knockrow is funded by $401,500 from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund under the joint Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and $100,000 from the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.The facility will be used to provide emergency overnight accommodation for visiting wildlife vets in times of high demand, including natural disasters and during onsite training programs.The building includes sleeping quarters and amenities, and a dedicated meeting space for training vets, nurses and local volunteers and wildlife carers. By providing accommodation, the facility will reduce the financial burden on the charity-run Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, particularly given the high cost of accommodation in the popular tourist region.Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is the Northern Rivers first all-species wildlife hospital and operates Australia’s only mobile wildlife hospital from a custom-built semi-trailer named ‘Matilda’.Matilda can be deployed to the scene of a natural disaster such as a bushfire, flood, mass stranding or disease outbreak impacting wildlife on a large scale. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “When disasters strike, our wildlife suffers badly, and it is our amazing animal carers, at all levels from vets to volunteers, who step in without hesitation and do their amazing work.“We’ve all seen the heartbreaking images of our beautiful native animals struggling during bushfires and floods. Ensuring our vets, nurses and all our wildlife carers have quality training facilities is one way we can help support their vital work.“The people who will come through this facility do an amazing thing for our community. This project, funded through the Australian and NSW Governments, is a testament to what can be achieved to support regional recovery and preparedness.”  Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said, “As your local MP, I’m proud to be delivering more than $400,00 in joint funding from the Federal and NSW Labor Governments for the Wildlife Vet Accommodation and Training Centre at Knockrow.“This new facility will provide on-site accommodation for the team at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital to support them to continue their important veterinary work rehabilitating native animals and leading the way for wildlife protection across the North Coast.“I’m also delivering on my $2 million election commitment for the expansion of operations at the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.”Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “By providing on-site accommodation, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital can host trainees and emergency response teams without the extra cost of housing them in one of the state’s busiest tourist regions. Making sure resources can go directly into training, care and responding to disasters rather than into accommodation bills."This new facility will allow specialist training to be delivered on site in the Northern Rivers, helping equip vets, nurses and local carers with the skills they need to respond.“This project will support local communities and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting native animals.” Minister for Recovery and North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said, “I am a long-time supporter of the great work the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital does each and every day for our local wildlife.“This fantastic new facility will give that extra boost and support that our wildlife need in times of disaster and train our future wildlife veterinarians to help.“It’s another important step towards creating a more resilient Northern Rivers for all who call it home.’ Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil said, “NSW faces a chronic workforce shortage in the veterinary sector, exacerbated in specialised areas such as wildlife care.“This facility incentivises visiting locum vets, nurses and students to come to our region by providing accommodation conveniently located near their place of work and or training at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.“We’re grateful to the Australian and NSW Governments for supporting this important initiative to protect biodiversity, facilitate skills development and jobs growth.”

As the weather keeps warming up for another summer, today (Saturday, September 27) marks the opening of the Surf Life Saving patrol season until 26 April 2026. Beachgoers can expect to see Surf Life Saving volunteers patrolling on weekends and public holidays, as well as professional lifeguards, helping to keep people safe during the warmer months up and down the Northern Rivers coastline.Over the last 12 months, Surf Life Saving NSW has seen membership rise by 5 per cent to a record 83,000. Patrolling membership has increased by 2.6% to more than 21,000, while Nipper numbers grew by 4.5% to almost 30,000.It is an exciting time of year, but also an important reminder to the community to think about how they can keep themselves and their families safe on the sand and in the water. Addressing the number of coastal deaths in unpatrolled and isolated locations is a key priority for the NSW Government.There were 52 coastal drownings in 2024/25, down from 61 fatalities the previous year. With a warm and dry summer ahead, this season is expected to keep patrolling volunteers busy.NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “Every summer, the red and yellow flags become a symbol of safety and community across our state. The dedication of thousands of Surf Life Saving volunteers, alongside our professional lifeguards, gives families the confidence to enjoy our world-class beaches.“Our record investment is supporting the incredible work of our surf lifesavers and volunteers and delivering cutting-edge technology that is the envy of the world."We’ve seen too many tragedies in unpatrolled or isolated locations. With a hot summer ahead, I urge everyone to swim between the flags, listen to the advice of lifesavers, and put safety first. These small steps make all the difference.”The record spending the Premier mentioned includes key actions identified through the Minister’s coastal water safety roundtable in March 2024, they include:A record $72 million investment for Surf Life Saving NSW over the four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.Funding has already provided 56 new jet skis from this record investment, with another 11 to be delivered.The installation of new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) fitted with flotation devices and enhanced technology like high-definition video live-streaming to support rapid response to emergencies and provide another set of eyes on the beach. Already, 58 out of 64 ERBs have been installed and are operating across our coastline.Further initiatives to ensure rapid response to emergencies all year-round, alongside the ERBs, include UAV (drone) technology and AI camera technology trials.$5.4 million for NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs for the upgrade, restoration or construction of surf lifesaving facilities following the announcement of recipients in the 2024/25 Surf Club Facility Program.The launch of a new online Beach Safety Hub to bring together essential information, including tips and guidance to help communities stay informed and safe around the state’s waterways. Water safety resources are available in 24 languages on the Hub at www.beachsafetyhub.org.au.To learn more about how to keep yourself and your family safe, please visit www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/visiting-nsw-waterways.Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Anoulack Chanthivong said, “I extend my thanks to every surf lifesaver and volunteer who is part of this annual effort – you are the backbone of beach safety in our great state.“The NSW Government is proud to be delivering record funding to ensure our surf lifesavers have the equipment they need to keep our beaches safer than ever before for everyone to enjoy.“Ahead of a hot summer where we expect millions to enjoy themselves on the sand and in the water, there has never been a more important time to remind people to be aware and take water safety seriously.”Surf Life Saving NSW President Peter Agnew AM said, “We are extremely fortunate to have a volunteer base of 83,000 plus lifesavers who are so excited to be back on the beach and ready for a big season ahead.“Surf Life Saving is about family, community, and connection. There’s a role for everyone and we’re always looking for new members, whether you can contribute to admin, first aid, teaching our Nippers or even cooking the club BBQ.“You’ll learn new skills like piloting a drone and driving an inflatable rescue boat, you’ll gain valuable fitness and make friends for life.”