Spring has well and truly arrived in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, after experiencing some lovely warm days into the mid-twenties during the week.The first weekend of spring may see a little rain tomorrow morning, up to 3mm, but then the rest of Saturday and Sunday (Father's Day) should be partly cloudy. As you would expect, this time of year, the mornings are still cool.Looking into next week, the BoM are forecasting 27 degrees on Tuesday.We are only four weeks away from Daylight Saving Time starting for 2025/26, so let the countdown begin.The Marist Brothers Rams are looking for hometown support when they take on Bilambil at Crozier Field tomorrow from 3pm in the Preliminary Final. The winner moves on to next weekend's Grand Final. A strong home crowd can make all the difference.Saturday morning at 7:30, the Lismore Farmers Markets get underway at the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore.As well as locally grown fruit & vegetables, the Farmers Markets has other stall holders like the Raw Bee Company, Goat Soap and Father's Day gift ideas. Cheese 'n' Crackers will be playing their music until 11am.FATHER'S DAYThis Sunday, Father's Day, there is an Open Garden Fundraiser for Our Kids at 81 Cowling Road, McLeans Ridges, between 9:30am and 3pm.Enjoy a wander through the garden and explore the veggie patch, orchard and rainforest, then relax with morning tea.Stalls include:• earrings• metal sculptures• honey• soap• pottery• plants$5 entry, and kids are free. Entry and morning tea fundraising for Our Kids.If Dad likes jazz, Kwasi Bruni is playing at the Lismore Bowling Club (Molesworth Street) as part of the Lismore Jazz Club monthly performance.Kwasi Bruni is a high-energy Afro-Cuban groove ensemble based in Northern NSW.It is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Cash at the door.COMING UPAlstonville Wollongbar Fun Run - Sunday, September 14, from 7:30amNimbin Show - Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 212025 Lismore Workers Club Lismore Cup - Friday, September 26, from 12 noonLIVE MUSICThe Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore has Dan Grace performing tonight from 7.There are two major nights coming up at the Lismore Workers Club in September and October:Oh What A Night! - A musical tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: September 20 at 8pmThe Flying Forties - Penny Pavlakis, Greg Gould and friends celebrate the music of Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole and more with their 9-piece big band: October 4 at 8pm.CHEAPEST FUEL PRICESFuel prices were stable again across the region this week. Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 174.9 at the EG on Diadem Street near The Square in Lismore, 172.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 174.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the Astron and Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 194.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 180.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street, and the two Liberty's on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend, and Happy Father's Day to the many in Lismore and the Northern Rivers!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Children living with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the Northern Rivers and their families are benefiting from a partnership between paediatricians and general practitioners that aims to streamline access to care and treatment. More than 250 children are already being cared for under the model, which was launched in September 2024 and allows patients to transition to care with their local GP after first seeing a paediatrician to confirm the diagnosis. The GP is then responsible for ongoing prescribing and monitoring of ADHD medication.The program will provide care closer to home and save time and costs for patients, their carers and families.It is estimated this model will also free-up up to 500 paediatrician appointments in NNSWLHD hospitals over the next two years, potentially saving patients months of waiting.  The program will also ensure GPs are supported through education and timely access to clinical feedback and review.The shared model of care is a joint initiative of Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), Healthy North Coast (HNC) Primary Health Network and local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, connecting paediatricians with GPs across the region.In May 2025, the NSW Government also announced reforms to make it easier for people to access treatment for ADHD by allowing GPs to provide ongoing ADHD prescriptions for children and adults who are on stable doses of medication. The first stage of these reforms came into effect 1 September.From early 2026, a smaller number of GPs will be supported to undertake training in assessment and diagnosis of ADHD so they can provide ongoing care for their regular patients.More information about the ADHD reforms is available on the NSW Health website here: https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/adhd-in-general-practice.Minister for Health Ryan Park, said, “This is a game changer for families who may be awaiting diagnosis of ADHD, or whose children have already been diagnosed. Providing quicker access to treatment will make a real difference in their lives.“This co-management model of care is an excellent example of how clinical specialists in our hospitals can work together with primary health practitioners, to the advantage of patients.Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, said, “This is part of the biggest reforms to ADHD care in a generation. For too long, people have struggled to get the diagnosis, treatment and support they need - we are changing that.”“Our message is simple: if you are living with ADHD, you deserve care that is timely, affordable and accessible. These reforms are about making sure that happens.”“This is about bringing ADHD care into the 21st century - breaking down barriers, ending the stigma and giving families confidence that their children will get the support they need to thrive.”Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin, said, “It’s great to see the North Coast leading the way in pioneering such an important program.“Our kids are getting the specialist care they need closer to home, which is fantastic for them and their families.Dr James Hodges, Head of Department, Grafton Base Hospital Paediatrics, said, “Families and children who are needing support around concentration, learning and behaviour find the wait to access support very difficult.“By co-managing care of these children with local GPs, patients will receive timely, quality care in a familiar setting, making it easier for everyone while delivering significant travel and cost savings.“Our paediatricians will remain engaged to offer specialist input when needed. The patient’s paediatrician will work with their GP to ensure they are well supported for any challenges that arise related to their ADHD.” Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler, said, “Our Health needs assessment data shows significant challenges in access specialist services for children across the North Coast, and this program makes it possible for hundreds of children living with ADHD to access to local care through their general practice.“It has been warmly embraced by families, GPs and specialists alike.“Our acute and primary care clinicians have been able to provide high-quality local care for children living with ADHD thanks to the support made possible through the collaboration and partnership between the Local Health District and Primary Health Network.”

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has voted to accept the NSW Government’s offer of a 3 per cent interim wage increase and enhancements to working conditions.The agreement provides an interim 3 per cent pay increase for public sector nurses and midwives, paid retrospectively from 1 July 2025, plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation.Nurses and Midwives will also see an increase to their Night Shift Penalty rate from 15 to 20 per cent, effective from 1 July 2025, with this issue no longer part of future arbitration proceedings.Working conditions will change, so Nurses and midwives will have a better work-life balance, including:Two consecutive days offNo night shifts before annual leave unless requestedNo changes on published roster without consultationThe offer gives public sector nurses and midwives a pay rise now, while still allowing a pathway for the remaining matters to be determined by the independent Industrial Relations Commission.The NSW Government re-empowered the independent industrial umpire to make a decision free of a wages cap.This improvement to night shift loadings and interim pay rise follows an 8 per cent increase to pay (inclusive of a 1 per cent increase to superannuation) for nurses over the first two years of the Minns Labor Government.While accepting the interim pay and conditions offer, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association said this interim offer would put money in members’ pockets nowGeneral Secretary, Shaye Candish, said, “Members have democratically voted to accept this interim offer, knowing that there is a long way to go before the pay dispute is settled. Nurses and midwives are struggling to pay their bills in this cost-of-living crisis so any financial relief is welcomed. Improvements to rosters will also provide staff with greater work-life balance,” said Ms Candish.“However, this is not the end of our pay and conditions fight. Our case for a 35% pay increase over three years will begin in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission later this month.“As part of this case, which is one of the biggest industrial cases this state has seen, we will present evidence around the gendered undervaluation of nurses and midwives’ work and the work value changes our professions have seen over the past 16 years.”The case is set down for a six-week hearing from September 30 to November 7.Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “This interim deal on pay, nightshift penalties and improvements to conditions is an important step towards the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.“We have delivered wage agreements for 81 per cent of public sector workers - investing in the teachers, paramedics, health workers and police who provide essential services. This would not be possible under the Coalition’s wage cap.”Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “When we came to office, NSW was facing a health workforce crisis - our nurses, our paramedics, our hospital workers were leaving. We are turning things around.“This vote is a major step to addressing the chronic shortage of nurses in our hospitals but there is more to do.“We have an independent process underway to determine what we need to do to ensure NSW nurses have the pay and conditions needed, including to address the gender pay gap that exists.“This was opposed by the Liberals - only Labor can keep getting on with the job of improving our hospitals and recruiting more health workers.”Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said, “This agreement is long overdue recognition for nurses and midwives who have been campaigning for a long time. We are proud to support those who care for our communities day and night.“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state's essential services and reforming the industrial relations system.“That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace.“Our agreement to a historic increase in night shift penalties and improved working conditions for nurses and midwives reflects our commitment to valuing frontline workers."

Bishop Greg Homeming is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Fahey as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St Vincent’s Lismore, effective from this Monday, 8 September 2025. The appointment follows confirmation of the pending retirement of current CEO, Alan Cooper.Peter has a wealth of leadership and healthcare experience, having previously held positions at Ramsay Health Care as CEO of Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and Director of Clinical Services at North West Private Hospital. His career also spans senior leadership and clinical positions in Canada and Saudi Arabia, giving him an international perspective of healthcare systems.St Vincent’s Lismore Board Chair, Damian Chapelle, warmly welcomed Peter and thanked Alan Cooper for his leadership and service.“Peter is an impressive and highly skilled clinical leader with extensive experience in Australia and around the world,” Mr Chapelle said. “The Board would like to sincerely thank Alan for the transformative impact he has made at the hospital during his time, and the strong foundation it provides Peter to lead St Vincent’s into the future.”The Board and staff look forward to working closely with Peter to ensure St Vincent’s Lismore remains at the forefront of private healthcare in the Northern Rivers, NSW.

Two teens have been charged under Operation Soteria with alleged property and traffic offences following an incident at Wollongbar on Monday.Between 12.20am and 5.20am on Monday, 1 September 2025, a home on Hellyar Drive, Wollongbar, was allegedly broken into; keys and a vehicle were stolen.Police recovered the vehicle, which had sustained minor front-end damage, on Plateau Drive, Wollongbar, later that morning. It has been seized and will be analysed.Following inquiries, Operation Soteria Police executed a search warrant at a Wollongbar home on Tuesday (2 September 2025).At the home, police served Digital Evidence Access Orders on two boys – aged 15 and 16 – and seized footage allegedly relevant to the investigation.During the search, the older boy allegedly interfered with the warrant, and cannabis was seized when he was searched.The boys were arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station, where the older boy was charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, possess prohibited drug, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.He was refused bail to appear before a children's court on Wednesday (3 September 2025), where he was granted strict conditional bail to appear before the same court today (Friday, 5 September 2025).The younger boy has been charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal, and take and drive conveyance without consent of owner.He was refused bail to appear before a children's court on Wednesday (3 September 2025), where he was granted strict conditional bail to appear before the same court today (Friday, 26 September 2025).

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a woman wanted on an outstanding warrant in Nimbin.Belinda Royal, aged 44, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for domestic violence-related offences.Officers attached to Richmond Police District have released an image of the woman as inquiries continue to locate her.She is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a solid build and brown eyes. Her hair colour often changes.She is known to frequent the Nimbin, Lismore, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, and south-west Queensland areas.She may also have travelled to Victoria, Northern Territory, or the Australian Capital Territory.Anyone with information in relation to her whereabouts is urged to contact Richmond Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

One of Lismore's signature events, the Eat The Street festival, is coming back to the CBD for the next three years, beginning in November 2025.The city’s signature food, arts, and culture festival will be held on Keen Street and The Quad on Saturday, November 15, 2025.It has been four years since crowds of 10,000+ gathered on Carrington and Magellan Street to enjoy a vibrant celebration of food in the CBD. The last Eat The Street was during the early days of COVID-19, so a cautious, smaller crowd braved the warnings to attend an event before restrictions were put in place. Of course, the 2022 big flood put paid to any future plans until now. From midday to 7pm, Keen Street between Magellan and Woodlark streets and the Lismore Quad will be closed to traffic and open to people. The city will come alive with food stalls, pop-up performances, live entertainers and family-friendly activities. Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the change from the old Carrington/Magellan Street setup to Keen Street and The Quad was the central location, Work Health and Safety regulations and traffic management."And we've got this amazing facility just over my left shoulder (The Quad) that needs to be utilised more."The Quad will have music playing all day, providing a place for people to sit, eat food and soak in the atmosphere of the day. Part of the Quad will be licensed, allowing anyone over 18 to enjoy a drink; however, most of the area will be all-ages, making it suitable for kids, adults, and grandparents.Norco is the naming rights partner for Eat the Street for the next three years, putting in around $100,000, in addition to the NSW Government's Vibrant Streets Package of $292,280, also over three years.(NORCO CEO Michael Hampson on Keen Street with Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg at today's announcement)The nearly $400,000 in funding enables Lismore City Council to transform the CBD into a vibrant celebration of food, music, art and local culture, as well as support local retailers in the CBD.“It brings visitors into our CBD, supports our local businesses and shines a spotlight on the extraordinary food, art and culture of our region,” Mayor Krieg said.“This is a celebration of who we are. Our producers, our creatives, our entertainers, and our community all come together to create something truly special.”"I think the overwhelming feeling, not only from businesses in Keen Street, but our residents as well, is they just want to see some activity. They don't want to go to the Gold Coast to experience these sorts of activities."State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said she is delighted that the Minns Government grant has made it possible for the return of this very popular event.“With the added NORCO sponsorship, this is a big vote of confidence in the future of Lismore,” she said.“I’ll always keep pushing for projects that bring life to our community and help the local economy thrive.”Eat the Street was first established in 2015 by the Lismore Business Promotion Panel in partnership with Lismore City Council. The first event attracted around 8,000 people and sold more than 500 tasting plates per stall.The event grew rapidly, and by 2019, it was attracting more than 26,000 visitors and generating an estimated $2.6 million for the local economy. It has also been recognised with multiple awards, including Gold at the Regional Tourism Awards in 2018 and 2019, Silver at the NSW Tourism Awards in 2018, and a Highly Commended Award at the NSW Local Government Awards in 2019.(Eat The Street 2020)Council’s Chief Corporate and Community Officer, Graham Snow, said the Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW, allows councils to temporarily close streets to traffic and open them up for people-focused activations.“The program is designed to inject vibrancy into town centres, encourage local economic activity and trial long-term place management strategies,” he said.“Our streets are more than transport corridors. They are public spaces that support business, community connection and wellbeing. The Open Streets Program is helping us reimagine Lismore’s CBD as a vibrant, people-focused space.”For the latest updates and event details, go to: visitlismore.com.au/eatthestreet.For now, put the date in your diary.Event detailsEat the Street LismoreSaturday 15 November 202512 noon – 7 pmKeen Street (Magellan to Woodlark) and the Lismore Quad

Following on from the Lismore App's story in August about the demolition of the rest of TAFE Lismore's buildings, including the old heritage-listed Drill Hall, the President of the Richmond River Historical Society, Dr Robert Smith, has expressed his dismay."This comes with no consultation by TAFE NSW with the Lismore community, and after assurances in January 2024 from the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, that TAFE NSW would be retaining its presence in Lismore.  “It is good to see that some buildings have been retained as part of the TAFE site, but more should be done to retain historically significant buildings.  I call upon TAFE NSW to sit down with community groups to discuss options for retaining the historically significant former Drill Hall.”Dr Smith noted that the former Drill Hall, known as Building B, was completed in January 1906 for the purpose of training active citizen soldiers.  The official opening took place in July 1906. In the years before World War One, land adjacent to the building was added for the purpose of military training.  That area is now used for car parking."As well as being used for training, the building was a centre for enlistments during World War One, during which time about 3,500 recruits from across the Northern Rivers and beyond were processed there before being sent overseas. This was a remarkably high recruitment —fifty per cent more than equivalent rural centres such as Bathurst or Armidale at the time, and is a key pointer to a distinctive Northern Rivers identity. The former Drill Hall is a remaining tangible focus for this major event in the region."The Hall was also a part of local defence during World War II. Militia units that have used the building over its long history include the Scottish Rifles, 15th Light Horse Regiment and the Byron Scottish Regiment.  The latter was the predecessor of the 41st Battalion Royal New South Wales Regiment, whose headquarters are at Byron Barracks in East Lismore."It should be remembered that the Drill Hall and the Scout and Girl Guides buildings in Magellan Street were all used for military purposes during World War II. Men enlisting in the Army were first examined in the Scout building before going for training and overseas service.Dr Smith noted that the heritage study conducted for TAFE NSW notes the history of the building towards its historic significance.  It also comments on the current state of the building, which is flood-damaged but not destroyed. Contrary to some comments, the asbestos found on the site is in other, more modern buildings, not the older Drill Hall."One comment in the report is that many drill halls of similar design were constructed during the early 20th century, including one in Casino. That was saved for community use and now houses the Northern Rivers Military Museum."

The Marist Brothers Rams First Grade side is playing in their first Preliminary Final in eight years this Saturday afternoon, when they take on Bilambil at Crozier Field, and they are looking for some hometown support to get them into the 2025 Grand Final.At training this week, First Grade Coach Darryl Butcher said there are some memories of that loss in 2017, and a few players looking for redemption."A few of the boys that were there eight years ago are a bit older and a bit wiser. They were very young back then. Most of those guys have moved on, obviously, a lot changes in eight years. But, yeah, it's exciting. We did the work early. We kind of hit a bit of a flat spot at the back end of the year, but we're in a good spot right now."The Rams had the bye last week after finishing second on the ladder, and didn't play the week before the finals due to the relentless rain that caused fields to be deemed unfit for play. Is that good or bad for the players?"We're not worried about the fitness at all. We've got a good fitness base. We've had good guys around us all year to build that. We think this will freshen us up a bit," Darryl explained."We're going to be close to full strength, probably for the first time in two months. We've had some injuries and just fatigue. We played something like 12 games in 10 weeks, so we played midweek games, and that was tough on the boys."(Rams First Grade Coach Darryl Butcher addressing his players before training at SCU this week)Bilambil have been the Rams' bogey side this year, beaten them twice, once at home and once at the northern neighbours' (inland from Chinderah) home ground."Last time they did a bit of a job on us. It was our first loss after we had a run of, I think, nine in a row, and then they beat us. They beat us before the run of nine and beat us to break the winning streak.""We've got plans in place for this weekend. We know what they like to do a bit. And we do have a bit of a revenge plan because they knocked us out last year, early in the finals. So, it's good to get them again. The boys are excited. I'm excited."It's easy to get motivated when you're playing here in town in a Prelim for the first time in more than eight years. We're hoping to have a big supporter base there, and I think the boys are really motivated to get out there and put on a show."Darryl is asking the Rams junior codes to turn out on Saturday afternoon once they play their finals in the morning."We'd love to see all our juniors and the juniors' families at Crozier. Our junior connection would be great to have on board and then flow on into the old boys and the rest of town to really get behind us. We understand it's hard sometimes when it's out of town, but we've got a game in town, so come and support us."It has been a long time between Grand Finals for the Marist Brothers Rams First Grade team, some 21 years. A generation. So, grab the family, grab a friend and head to Crozier Field before the 3:10pm kick-off and cheer loudly to get the local lads a crack at a Premiership.

The state’s animal rehoming organisations will receive much-needed support to continue their valuable work helping vulnerable cats and dogs, thanks to a $6 million funding injection from the NSW Government.  The Companion Animal Welfare and Rehoming Grant program will provide grants of between $10,000 and $100,000 to eligible rehoming organisations and registered charities based in NSW. Since 2020/21, on average, these organisations have received more than 10,000 animals per year. The grant program will see $1.5 million a year available per year for four years to help organisations cover the costs associated with caring and rehoming companion animals across the state.This support for animal rehoming organisations comes as the state government is undertaking the first review of the Companion Animals Act in over 20 years.  The review is examining all aspects of the care and management of pet dogs and cats, including ways to minimise the number of animals entering the rehoming system in the first place. The government held three stakeholder workshops with close to 200 attendees and is examining over 3,600 public submissions that will inform the review. Information on how to submit an application for the Companion Animal Welfare and Rehoming Grant program is on the Office of Local Government website: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/responsible-pet-ownership/companion-animal-welfare-grants/.  Applications for the first round for a share of $1.5 million in funding close at 5pm on Wednesday, 1 October 2025. Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said, “Rescuing, fostering and rehoming cats and dogs is only possible because of the volunteers who give up their time and often their own money to protect abandoned animals from a cruel fate.“These organisations do incredible and often thankless work in our community, helping thousands of animals find loving homes each year.“We recognise they are under increased pressure and need a helping hand.“These grants will play an important role supporting community organisations dedicated to improving the standards of animal welfare through looking after our most vulnerable animals. “I encourage all eligible organisations to take advantage of this program and apply for funding.“The more organisations we can support, the better the outcomes will be for animals that want nothing more than a loving home.”

The proud family of former Lismore City Council bridge builder Lenny Perren gathered in South Lismore today for the official unveiling of a bridge in his name.The bridge had been opened for some time; however, it had remained unnamed until today.Lenny built bridges in the Lismore LGA for over 20 years, working on concrete and his favourite wooden bridges. There are not many bridges in Lismore that Lenny would not have worked on. His last major bridge was Myatt Bridge on Repentance Creek Road on the Byron Shire boundary.Lenny passed away in 2014 from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He and Julie were married for 25 years, and had three children, Lachlan, Nathan and Megan, who were all part of the unveiling. Nathan flew in from Hobart last night.(The ribbon is cut on the naming of the Lenny Perren Bridge on Wilson Street, South Lismore by the Perren family; Nathan, Lachlan, Julie and Megan as Mayor Steve Krieg watches on)Julie told the media today that Lenny started as a carpenter and ended as Bridge Forman. He was not just a Lismore City Council employee; he was a real community man. "He was a connector in the community. Loved, loved helping people during floods. He worked really closely with the SES, with the shutting of the walls and things to keep Lismore safe. I can remember one Christmas he actually left on Christmas Day because there were water floodgates to be shut. So, my mum packed him off with prawns and some pudding, and he actually slept in the bridge depot that night just to make sure that the floodgates were kept shut, and everyone was safe. That was just who he was."He was a great husband, a great dad, and a salt of the earth kind of bloke."Mayor of Lismore Steve Krieg said that Lenny is just one of those great unsung heroes of our community. "It's so good to actually recognise someone of his stature. We all think of the Craig Fosters and the Adam Gilchrist's that have come from Lismore, but the name Lenny Perren sits very comfortably among those names as well for the work that he did for so long and at such high quality for our council area."Julie said it was a special day for the Perren family that was filled with mixed emotions."I think we're all really proud that there's going to be this beautiful bridge called the Lenny Perren Bridge, and if he was here today, he would be proud and both humble. Because he was a bridge builder, I think that's what makes it so special. "To have the generations of parents drive over the bridge and know that that was their pop and what he did. We all know what he'd did, but it's nice to see the community acknowledge it."

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant in the state’s north.Amena Celua, aged 48, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for traffic offences.Officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District have released an image of Amena as inquiries continue to locate him.Amena is described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance with a medium build, black hair and brown eyes.He is known to frequent the Lismore and Dubbo.Inquiries have established that he may have travelled to South Australia and may have links to Truro, Blanchetown, Berri and Renmark.Anyone with information in relation to Amena’s whereabouts is urged to contact Manning/Great Lakes Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

NSW Ambulance staff from across Northern NSW have been recognised for their unwavering service and dedication at an awards ceremony in Ballina yesterday.Among those recognised were members of the aeromedical team who winched an elderly mother and son to safety after their house was pulled from its foundations and down a slope during severe flooding in northern NSW in March 2022. The delicate rescue operation at Main Arm, near Mullumbimby, took several hours and was successful thanks to the professionalism and teamwork shown by the pilots and crew.Critical Care Paramedic William Brand received the National Medal and acknowledgement for his pivotal leadership role during Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March. He was also one of more than 25 paramedics and control centre staff also recognised for their service as part of the NSW Ambulance response to the Northern NSW floods in early 2022.In addition, a number of community members were recognised for their bravery during emergencies, including seven-year-old Elijah Phillips, who called Triple Zero (000) after his mother experienced a seizure in February. He used a picture he’d drawn of his house and kept in his ‘emergency box’ to confirm his house number and street name.Staff and volunteers were also acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Commissioner's Conspicuous Service Medals, Certificates of Appreciation and Commissioner’s Honour Awards. They included Northern Rivers paramedic Terence Savage, one of the service’s earliest critical care paramedics, who received a swag of medals in honour of his 44-year career.The Northern NSW Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the third of four events scheduled for 2025 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. Ceremonies have been held in Dubbo and Newcastle, and a ceremony will be held in Sydney in December.Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “I want to acknowledge the incredible work of the team at NSW Ambulance - from paramedics, to call takers and control centre staff, through to volunteers. Every single contribution plays a vital role in ensuring our communities get help when they need it most. “Those being honoured today have shown incredible bravery and dedication, and I want to thank them for their outstanding service to the community.“Communities in Northern NSW have experienced extreme weather events in recent years, and I admire their resilience, and I am thankful for those staff who have been there to assist and care for people during challenging times.”Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “I have seen first-hand how our first responders do the most extraordinary things to save lives when disasters strike. “It is great to see our first responders, brave community members and volunteers recognised for their service and commitment to keeping us safe.“I know I express the wishes of the entire community when I say that we thank each and every one of them from the bottom of our hearts.”Labor Spokesperson for Ballina Emily Suvaal said, "I want to congratulate all NSW Ambulance award recipients recognised for demonstrating kindness, passion and bravery during service in often challenging and difficult circumstances.“NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers play a vital role in our health system – I'd like to express my gratitude to all those staff that support the region and thank them for their ongoing contributions to the community.”NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said, "It is an absolute privilege to stand here today and recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients who provide critical care in life-threatening and often precarious conditions.“That includes the dedicated aeromedical crew receiving the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service for the remarkable rescue of two people trapped in their home after a mudslide, as well as well-deserved recognition for staff who attended the Eugowra floods in November 2022.“We also pay thanks to our long-serving paramedics for their diligent service with Long Service Good Conduct medals and the NSW Service Medallion. As well we recognise members of the public who have selflessly stepped in to assist others in their times of need.”

Councillors accused of significant misconduct will have proceedings commenced against them in the Land and Environment Court under planned changes by the NSW Government as part of the overhaul of the broken councillor conduct framework.The proposed reforms will cut through red tape, enable quicker action and stronger penalties against misbehaving councillors, which have been sorely missing under current processes. Currently, councillor misconduct matters are heard by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). This involves a slow statutory and bureaucratic process, which historically can take years to resolve matters that need to be dealt with quickly to preserve public trust in local government.The proposed move to the Land and Environment Court would provide a more streamlined process to deal with rogue councillors whose behaviour presents a risk to other councillors, council staff and the community.The Land and Environment Court is a Superior Court, has substantial expertise in local government matters and already deals with most of the Local Government Act litigation.  The Government’s proposed changes include that:A Minister or a government body, or any other person with leave of the Court can commence proceedings alleging misconduct. If, after hearing the matter, the Court may determine misconduct has been established. Should misconduct be established, and it is in the public interest to do so, the Court may disqualify the councillor for a period of up to 5 years, suspend the councillor, fine the councillor and order restitution. The Court will have the power to immediately suspend a councillor pending final hearing of the proceedings, if the Court considers it to be in the public interest.The Court will have the power to order costs, including indemnity costs, should proceedings be commenced vexatiously.The change of jurisdiction complements a suite of changes, including:A new Model Code of Meeting Practice to increase transparency and accountability within council meetings and strengthen the powers of mayors to take action against bad behaviour.An updated Code of Conduct that is designed to be an easier and simpler code, with a separate Code of Conduct for council staff.A new regulation, which will be an expansion of the interests that councillors need to declare, similar to the new regulations that will govern NSW Members of Parliament.Free speech guidance for councils to support fair and open debate.Significant ongoing investment in the Office of Local Government to increase its capacity and ability to fulfil its role a regulator of the sector.Legislation to enable the change of jurisdiction to the Land and Environment Court will be introduced to Parliament in this parliamentary session.  Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said, “The process for holding councillors to account for serious misconduct is too weak and is hamstrung by procedural complexity.“Currently, a councillor can only be suspended after a bureaucrat in the Office of Local Government has written a report. The system is long, slow, and ineffective.“I believe that elected councillors who have committed serious misconduct should only be suspended from office by a judge of a superior court who has heard from both sides.“Preventing and delaying action to address misconduct in councils has eroded public trust in local government.“The Court will deal with serious matters, ending the misuse of the code of conduct framework as a means to settle political squabbles.“I have consulted with the Attorney General and Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court, and further consultation will be undertaken with key stakeholders on the legislation to amend the Local Government Act.“Misbehaviour that threatens the safety of councillors, council staff and the community has no place in local government and will not be tolerated.”

Bundjalung woman Jasmine Pilling has been recognised nationally, having recently received the Youth Inspiration Award at Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, National Conference in Darwin.The award celebrates Jasmine’s strength, resilience, and leadership qualities, which she has shown in overcoming immense challenges in her young life.To understand the significance of Jasmine's award, you need to appreciate her backstory.Jasmine was born at Lismore Base Hospital, went to primary school at Wyrallah Road Public School, then high school at Lismore High, before moving to Richmond River High School.In the 2022 big flood, Jasmine was in Year 12 and studying for her HSC. She lost her house and all her belongings. "Like everyone", she said. However, Jasmine also lost her school as well."I had to make the choice to stay in school with nothing on my back or get to work. And that's what I did, I got to work. Not having any family support or anything like that, it was kind of on my own back. So, unfortunately, I didn't get to graduate."Keep in mind that Jasmine was like all the HSC cohort of 2022; they had to deal with COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 on top of the big flood.As if that wasn't enough, Jasmine's family situation was not the ideal supportive environment most people experience."My mother suffered from addiction, and there were periods of time where she was incarcerated," Jasmine explained. "My father neglected me, So, I didn't really have any family that was my safety or my support.""I had my great-grandmothers, who were my rocks. I wouldn't be where I am today without them."(Jasmine with her great-grandmother Margaret Watt. Photo: supplied)Jasmine started her working life in bars around the Northern Rivers. The Mezza in Ballina was her first stint in hospitality.At the same time, Jasmine was involved in a domestic violence relationship, which she left in 2023."Once again, my whole life came crashing down because my whole world was built around this male, and I knew right from wrong, and knew what he was doing to me was very wrong. So I left and had to start all over again, but I did it before, so I knew I could do it again."The positive change that Jasmine needed to kickstart a better life happened when she was offered a Business Administration traineeship through the AFL (Australian Football League) at the University Centre for Rural Health."I worked on reception at the University Centre for Rural Health here in Lismore for a year, and then I was offered a move into the research sector. I worked on various different research projects, like Staunch, Well Mob and Aboriginal Health. I worked with a lot of respected professors, and really found my community, not having that growing up, through the University Centre for Rural Health.Jasmine changed jobs in May this year when she was offered a position working as a community engagement officer in BallinaAnd so I was there for about I was there till May this year, working in research after my traineeship, and I was offered, then offered a position working as a community engagement officer at the Ballina Aboriginal Health Service on 'Ready, Quit, Solid', which is an indigenous smoking program."I go into high schools and women's groups and talk about the effects of smoking and vaping and what it does to your body."Dave Edwards from Jasmine's Well Mob team in Sydney University nominated Jasmine for the National Youth Inspiration Award. It recognises someone who works in social, emotional, well-being, mental health and suicide prevention for their community."They flew me up to Darwin on Tuesday last week, and I ended up winning the award, which was crazy, but it was a huge reflection of absolutely the pain and the hurt, and how alone I felt, and how I felt like I wasn't going anywhere. I would ask myself, When am I going to catch a break?"It really made me reflect on everything I had faced as a child, and how no child should have to face that. But I've come through the other side, and I'm proof that when you're born into situations that aren't the safest and aren't stable, you can come out the other side."I feel like a lot of young people, especially around the Northern Rivers, need to hear that, need to see that, because I did some reflecting after I had won this award, and one thing that came to my head, was, I'm now the woman that little me wishes she had growing up. To look up to and say, I can do it, you know. And I think that's a really powerful message that I want to get out, you can do it, and you can break the cycle, and if you dealt shit cards, you can turn those cards around and create a life for yourself."I very much had a choice of which path I was going to take, and it's hard. A lot of people take the other path and end up in those situations that I've talked about, but I was very much driven to break the cycle, and that I didn't want for myself the life that had been handed to me. I wanted to flip the script and show my younger siblings, who went through the same thing, that there is light and that you can do it."Jasmin has two siblings, who are 18 (tomorrow) and 12 years old.(Jasmine's younger siblings, Robert (RJ) Pilling and Isabelle Charlton. Photo: supplied)It is hard to believe that Jasmine is only 21. Despite her setbacks, she has found strength in her culture and community, turning her early experiences into a powerful drive to create changes that will enable her to live the life she wants to live.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging locals to support our veteran community and their families by buying a Legacy badge or donating to the annual Legacy Week Appeal.“Legacy truly is a touchstone organisation, supporting 34,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving Australia, including 10,000 in New South Wales,” Ms Saffin said.“In 1923, Legacy committed to helping veterans’ families carry on with their lives after the loss or injury of their loved one.“More than a century later, Legacy clubs are still delivering on that promise to be there for these families and to meet their ongoing needs.”Legacy Appeals have been running since the 1940s. For more details, please visit: www.legacy.com.au/donate

This week is Foster and Kinship Care Week, and the NSW Government is honouring and rewarding the thousands of foster carers across NSW who provide safe, loving homes for children and young people in need. A landmark $1.2 billion was committed in the 2025 State Budget to reform the child protection system. The historic investment includes $143.9 million to support the critical role foster carers play in keeping children safe.From January 1, the base foster care allowance will increase by 20 per cent, representing the first real increase to the allowance in two decades. This will see additional support going straight to the volunteer carers who open their hearts and homes to the State’s most vulnerable children.The NSW Government says it is committed to reforming the out-of-home care (OOHC) system, and in the first two years has already achieved meaningful improvements, including:Ending unaccredited emergency arrangements like hotels and motels as of April this year, to ensure safer placements for children and young people in care Implementing Carer Support letters which clearly explain to carers what financial assistance they are entitled to, and what supports and services are available to the children in their careProviding paid parental leave for NSW Government employees who provide foster careRestarting the recruitment of foster carers by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), recruiting more than 200 emergency and respite carersCreating DCJ-managed Waratah Care Cottages to better support children and sibling groups who would otherwise be in emergency placementsEmploying 300 family time workers to help keep children in OOHC safely connected to their parentsThis Foster and Kinship Care Week 2025, the NSW Government is urging people to take the step and become a foster carer. The Department of Communities and Justice will be there to support carers with training, financial and professional support.Foster caring can be both rewarding and life-changing. To learn more about becoming a foster or kinship carer, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare.Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said, "Foster and kinship carers are the backbone of our child protection system. They open their hearts and homes to vulnerable kids who need stability, safety, love and support. This week, we celebrate the incredible contribution of foster carers and call on others to consider joining. “Our landmark $1.2 billion Child Protection Package puts foster and kinship carers back at the heart of the foster care system in NSW. After years of being ignored by the previous government, we are backing our carers so they can provide life-changing care for children in need.“Foster carers are everyday people who do something extraordinary – give vulnerable children the futures they deserve. I urge everyone to consider becoming a foster carer.Department of Communities and Justice Secretary Michael Tidball said, “We are working to build a system that puts children first — where every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. Our carers are essential partners in this mission.“We thank foster and kinship carers for their wonderful efforts in giving children in their care a solid foundation for a positive future.”

More than 1000 volunteers will be recruited across NSW, to support their communities when it matters most, thanks to a new grants program unveiled by the state government. Four experienced state-wide not-for-profit organisations - Anglicare, Australian Red Cross, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network and St Vincent de Paul Society – will share in $1.9 million in funding through the Recovery Services Capacity Grants Program.In partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, these organisations will develop flexible volunteering pathways that can be scaled up quickly, ensuring recovery operations are better resourced and more responsive to local needs.These trained volunteers will be activated during the recovery phase and deployed across recovery centres, recovery assistance points and community outreach initiatives – providing practical support, information and comfort to people who have been impacted.With the rollout of the program, the NSW Government is directly addressing a key recommendation of the 2022 Flood Inquiry for better integration of spontaneous community responders and better mobilisation of volunteers during the recovery stage of disasters and emergencies.Projects will focus on recruiting and training formal and informal volunteers, who are often the first to step forward and support their community following a disaster. Volunteers play a vital role not only during emergencies but throughout the recovery process. However, the pool of available volunteers is shrinking at the same time as the frequency of disasters increases, making programs like this essential to maintaining local recovery capacity.By investing in recovery services and partnering with experienced not-for-profit organisations, the NSW Government and the NSW Reconstruction Authority are ensuring that communities across the state have the right support networks in place to recover stronger and faster from future disasters.More information on the Program can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/recovery-services-capacity-grants.Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “We all recognise and appreciate the incredible community spirit that is evident in times of crisis.“This program harnesses that energy, builds local capacity and ensures volunteers are supported and ready to respond when their communities need them to. “Together we are helping to create more resilient communities that are better prepared for and can recover faster after a disaster.” Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities contributing over 800 million hours a year.“Many people step up during an emergency to help their local communities rebuild. For that, we are incredibly thankful.“This new funding is a crucial injection into the sector to ensure our volunteers receive the training and support they need, as well as making sure we can recruit more volunteers when our communities need them.”NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said, “Volunteers are a huge part of disaster recovery, and we rely on them to support communities during the long journey of building back.“This initiative is based on lessons learnt from the 2022 Flood Inquiry, which highlighted the need to better coordinate and support those who step up to help their communities during natural disasters.“We look forward to working with our not-for-profit recovery partners to bolster volunteer capacity around the state.”

The next Lismore City Council meeting is next Tuesday, September 9, at 10am. One of the topics of discussion among councillors is certain to be the new rules for council meetings that will take effect from 1 January 2026.The NSW Government is seeking to improve community confidence, trust and transparency in local government through a new Model Code of Conduct Practice.The government says that changes to the code have simplified the way meetings are conducted, ensuring disorder is dealt with more effectively, that councillors make decisions in full view of the communities they represent, and dignity is returned to council chambers.Lismore City Councillors have, at times, as seen in the February 2025 ordinary meeting, not acted in a dignified manner, nor has the public gallery at certain times. In the December 2024 meeting, members of the gallery held CSG signs and voiced their disapproval when a rescission motion was lost.The new code expands the powers of the mayor to remove councillors for acts of disorder and members of the public for disrupting a meeting.Under the new Code of Meeting Practice, there are two points pertinent to the above examples:15.20 Members of the public attending a meeting of the council: a. must remain silent during the meeting unless invited by the chairperson to speak, b. must not bring flags, signs or protest symbols to the meeting, and c. must not disrupt the meeting.15.23 If a councillor or a member of the public fails to leave the place where a meeting of the council is being held immediately after they have been expelled, a police officer, or any person authorised for the purpose by the council or person presiding, may, by using such force as is reasonably necessary, remove the councillor or member of the public from that place and, if necessary, restrain the councillor or member of the public from re-entering that place for the remainder of the meeting.Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said, “The council chamber should be a place of dignity, where debate and decision making takes place in full view of the community.“Making decisions on behalf of communities is the very role of a councillor, and all councillors should never lose sight of this core responsibility. “These changes should ensure that, in a council chamber or committee meeting, mechanisms are in place to prevent the derailing of meetings and overshadowing the important work of local government.“Council and committee meetings must be effective, transparent and genuine, and strive for outcomes to benefit the community.“Under the new code, mayors should be given the power to take immediate action against disorderly councillors. This should lessen the need for councils to resort to the broken code of conduct process and instead address misbehaviour immediately in the council chamber.“I know not everyone will agree with these changes, but most people in this state would agree action is necessary to improve transparency, increase community confidence and faith in local government.“They will make councillors more visibly in control of their councils to ensure they – as democratically elected representatives of their communities – drive the vision for their local area.”All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by the end of the year (31 December 2025).Some of the key changes to the Model Code of Meeting Practice include:Preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions to discuss matters that should be considered in the public domain at committee and council meetings (unless they are confidential)Encouraging councils to hold public forums preferably before committee meetings, or if they choose council meetings, to enable community engagement in local mattersExpanding the powers of the mayor to remove councillors from meetings for acts of disorderExpanding the powers of the mayor to remove members of the public if they disrupt council meetings  Requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidentialRequiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations (as recommended by ICAC)  Promoting neutrality in the role of the general managerRequiring council and committee meetings to be live-streamed to give the community and media access to council decision-making, and to require those videos to be public for at least the rest of the council term, or 12 months in the case of a meeting in an election yearThe changes to the Meeting Code are part of a broader suite of reforms by the NSW Government to improve conduct and accountability and rebuild public trust in councils.A new Code of Conduct for councillors is being finalised, as well as associated legislative changes, which will see significant changes to how misconduct is dealt with in local government.