As Covid case numbers across NSW continue to fall, the good news for Lismore is that no new cases were reported in our district yesterday. Across NSW however, 293 were reported.Read more news: Mobile vaccine delivery van on its way to Goonellabah Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) acting chief executive Lynne Weir said now, the total number of cases in the District since June 16 remains at 122. “As restrictions continue to ease in NSW and we transition to living with COVID-19, it is vital that people continue to practise COVID-safe behaviours,” she said.“This includes coming forward for testing, wearing a mask where required, maintaining physical distancing, particularly in indoor settings, washing hands regularly or using hand sanitiser, and always checking in using the Service NSW app.  “Even if you are fully vaccinated you should get tested and isolate immediately if you have even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms - a slightly runny nose, a scratchy or sore throat or generally feeling under the weather.”We encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are able to. Find bookings at the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder, or you can also call Health Direct on 1800 571 155 for assistance to book.There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP. 

This Sunday, October 31, small ghouls and witches will roam the streets of Lismore searching for treats. Instead of randomly knocking on doors, the young trick or treaters will be following a Lismore Halloween Hotspot map - and the map still needs more trick or treating venues.According to Lismore local, Donna Louise Walker, the Lismore Halloween Hotspot map means people are not put in the awkward position of having to turn away children empty handed.For the past three years (through the difficulties of living under Covid restrictions) Donna created a centralized ‘Halloween Hotspot’ register (on Facebook) for households who want to take an active part of giving out treats for kids.“It’s about creating a safe way for kids and families to dress up and get out into the community on this special day,” Donna said.“It’s one of the only nights in the year that the community walks around the streets safely.“It’s also about the community recognising the time taken by kids to look cute and have fun too.”Why Halloween?While some people might wonder why Australians want to celebrate the American tradition of trick or treating, Donna said it’s not just about that.“October 31 is a pagan tradition of All Hallows Eve – and we can also celebrate the Mexican day of the dead,” she said. “It’s about recognizing and celebrating the cycle of death and life.”Trick or treating in Covid style  Donna said following the Halloween Hotspot map means families can get in the car and drive to areas where there are lots of participating households.“People can hang outside in their yards and get to know their neighbours while the trick or treaters come by,” she said.So far this year, Donna said East Lismore is looking like the “best pickings” for trick or treaters.TipsExpect people to turn up after school from 4pm to just after dark.If you are participating, put balloons or a poster on your letterbox to show you have candy to share. Individually wrapped candy is recommended – but only put small amounts in the bowl for the children to grabAlso put some hand sanitiser out for them to use.Groups are recommended to stay 1.5 metres away from each other and not all enter at once.To registerVisit the Facebook site Lismore Halloween Hotspots and register your name and address and the map will be updated with your place as a venue.There will be giveaways of props and costumes through the Facebook site, leading up to Halloween.\

As visiting restrictions at our local hospitals ease, there is also one new reported case of Covid-19 in Lismore Local Government Area. The new case adds to the five new cases in Lismore LGA which were reported yesterday by the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).NNSWLHD acting chief executive Lynne Weir said the new case is linked to a known case and is under investigation. This brings the total number of cases in the district since June16 to 122. Ms Weir said anyone with even the slightest symptoms should get tested as soon as they feel unwell at a COVID-19 testing clinic  - or contact your GP. Changes to hospital visitor restrictions  Visiting restrictions at hospitals across Northern NSW Local Health District are again being eased in a staged approach. A patient may now have two fully-vaccinated visitors once a day for one hour, between the hours of 1pm and 6pm.  Visitors must be at least 12 years of age, and must comply with entry screening requirements and wear a mask while on site.  People must not visit if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, are a close contact of a confirmed case (or are within their isolation period), live in a household with a person who is currently isolating, if they are waiting for a COVID-19 test result or have visited any case locations. Exemptions will continue to be managed at the site level on a case by case basis for compassionate or extenuating circumstances, for example in the case of palliative care.  There are no changes to existing support arrangements for women accessing birthing services.  For more information, please visit the website. State-wide statisticsNSW recorded 304 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night – and three deaths were reported. One person was in their 30s, one person was in their 70s, and one person was in their 80s. Two were not vaccinated, and one person had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine shortly before testing positive. 

A new research report which says logging forests does not harm koalas has been met with disbelief from environment protection group, the North East Forest Alliance.The research from the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) claims that the timber industry’s forest protection practices are working well. It also claims that koalas are “safe and sound living and traversing the hardwood forests where highly regulated harvesting occurs”.The three year research has been welcomed by Timber NSW.NRC commissioner Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte released the research saying, “koala density was higher than anticipated in the surveyed forests and was not reduced by selective harvesting.”Timber NSW chief executive Maree McCaskill said “this very significant finding totally vindicates the skilful ability of the forest managers to care for the land under their responsibility and protect koalas”.“Not only do koalas successfully coexist with selective forest harvesting, but the research found no difference in koala density between National Parks and the state forest harvest areas on the North Coast,” she said.“That finding will upset the eco-warriors but will not surprise the forest industry.”LudricrousNorth East Forest Alliance campaigner Sean O’Shannessy said the findings were “ludicrous”.“It’s absurd to say that chainsawing down trees and removing koala homes is not bad for them,” he said. “It’s the latest in a long line of Forestry’s claims that they don’t have to care for native forests.“What we need is an end to logging native forests and moving the timber industry into a sustainable plantation basis as soon as possible.Extinction“The NSW parliamentary enquiry last year found koala populations in NSW are on a trajectory to extinction by 2052.“Before that, we already knew koala populations have slumped by 50% in the last 20 years.“There’s no doubt this research report has faulty methodology. For them to say there’s no impact flies in the face of evidence we have.Quantum koala conundrum“I call it the quantum koala conundrum.“The koalas are found when loggers want to say logging has no impact, but they don’t find them when they go out to do pre logging surveys.“How can we believe what they say is credible?“Our public native forests need to be protected for koala habits. They are also valuable carbon sinks and water catchments.“The economic value of forests for eco tourism is more value than all the others combined.”Research methodologyThe report claims the research included tracking GPS-collared koalas.  “Even at old intensively harvested sites (which pre-dated modern selective harvesting practices) koalas were present,” the report said.“Koalas were found to be using the full range of the available habitats five to 10 years post-harvest, including regenerating forest.“As the NRC pointed out regulation mandates the retention of priority koala browse trees as well as other habitat protection within working forests.“There is of course disruption in the short term after harvest and that is why feed species trees are retained on the harvest sites to support koalas along with substantial areas of conservation reserves inside these working forest areas.CriticismNEFA spokesperson Dailan Pugh said using koala recordings that indicate the presence of a koala somewhere in the vicinity is not appropriate for detecting the impact of logging on koalas.“It’s a fundamentally flawed study,” he said.“This is contrary to the EPA’s 2016 study that found “areas of higher activity positively correlated with greater abundance and diversity of local koala feed trees, trees and forest structure of a more mature size class, and areas of least disturbance”.“The NRC’s pretence that the Forestry Corporation can log the large trees that koala’s are preferentially feeding on and have no impact on koalas maintains a dangerous fallacy that is one of the reasons why koala populations on the north coast had declined by 50% in the 20 years before the 2019/20 fires.“The NRC confirms that the 2019/20 fires had a significant impact of Koalas, yet it proposes nothing to mitigate impacts.“Surely there should at least be a moratorium on logging in or near burnt high quality koala habitat until Koala populations have been assessed as recovered from the fires.“The NRC are playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with koalas as many of the minimal trees retained may not be suitable for feeding.”

As a new walk in Covid vaccination testing clinic offering Pfizer opens in Goonellabah, five new Covid cases have been reported in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).Read more news: Lismore's vaccination rates rising, but still second lowest in the regionNNSWLHD acting chief executive Lynne Weir said two cases are in the Kyogle Local Government Area (LGA), and are both linked to previously reported cases. They have been in isolation throughout their infectious period. One case is in the Clarence Valley LGA, and is a household contact of a previously reported case who has been in isolation while infectious.  Two cases are in the Tweed LGA, both linked to a previously reported case, and are under investigation to determine any possible public venues of concern.  There have now been 111 total cases reported in NNSWLHD since the Delta outbreak began in Sydney on 16 June. Of the total cases, two are being cared for in hospital and one is in Intensive Care.  Ms Weir urges people to check the NSW Government website regularly as the list of venues of concern and relevant health advice is updated as new cases emerge and investigations continue. “Even if you are fully vaccinated you should get tested and isolate immediately if you have even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms - a slightly runny nose, a scratchy or sorethroat or generally feeling under the weather,” she said.Read more news: Virtual care supports locals with Covid to stay at home State statisticsNSW recorded 345 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.There were five deaths reported, with one person not vaccinated, two had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and two had received two doses.New walk-in vaccination clinics Extra walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics are operating across the area in the next few days for anyone who is yet to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.A new clinic will open at Lismore Workers Sports Club, Goonellabah on Monday, October 25 and Tuesday October 26 for any members of the public aged 12 and over.It is located at 202 Oliver Avenue and is open 10am – 4pm. Other clinics are open in Ballina on Friday 22 October at The Kentwell Centre, 20 Bangalow Road, Ballina. Open 10am – 4pm. Casino on Saturday 23 October at Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, 153 Canterbury Street, Casino. Open 9am – 3pm. No appointment is needed. Please bring your Medicare Card if you have one.  These clinics are accessible and inclusive for people with a disability, and reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate access to the clinic if required. To book a vaccination at other clinics throughout Northern NSW, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder or you can also call Health Direct on 1800 571 155 for assistance to book.

Nimbin local and cannabis law reformer Andrew Kavasilas has been growing hemp under permits since 1999. As a hemp industry pioneer, he has his finger in lots of hemp pies - from growing industrial hemp for seed, to working with Southern Cross University cannabis research scientists.But now, Andrew wants to see the Australian hemp industry expand into producing new hemp products.He has just lodged an application to get the Australian Food Code changed to allow the use and sale of low-delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) hemp leaf, seed sprouts and roots for human consumption.“Hemp leaf food is a new step,” he said. "It took 17 years to get hemp seed approved for consumption, so let’s not waste another decade on getting the leaf and sprouts approved too.”Hemp foodsAndrew said the low-THC hemp leaf can be used in the same manner as dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale or even used as an adjunct to hops in beer. The fresh leaves can be used as a micro-green ingredient in salads and smoothies and can be juiced and cooked. Just like other similar produce, cannabis leaf contains folate, iron, calcium, vitamin K and vitamin C, magnesium and phosphorus.It's a good source of dietary fibre, enhanced flavonoids and unique terpenes which produce favourable tastes.Low-THC hemp seed sprouts can be used in the same way as other bean and seed sprouts that are commonly sold in Australia and New Zealand. Low-THC hemp roots can be prepared and used in a similar manner to ginger. The dried root can be used as an ingredient in tea blends, herbal infusion products and coffee substitute products in a similar way to roasted dandelion root.ProductionAndrew said most of his hemp seed crops are grown under contract in Tasmania, not in NSW.“It’s because the Tasmanian government was more progressive than NSW in law changes to support the industry,” he said.“They also have the right varieties, conditions and machinery to handle the extraction of the fragile omega oils in hemp seeds.“It’s ludicrous that Australia is so far behind overseas countries, where we can buy and sell all parts CBD over the counter - but in Australia, you have to go to the doctor for a prescription.” Changing codesAndrew said he is encouraging State Governments to support his application to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FZANZ) to have the code changed.He also wants to see Australian farmers given the opportunity to catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to the various uses of hemp. Olivia Newton JohnAfter a long career in growing hemp products, Andrew has made some big connections with famous people. “Olivia Newton John has been my business partner for years,” he said. “She has been using high THC and CBD cannabis for pain.“She’s in California and her husband grows it for her. “She’s had three bouts of cancer, and it’s a combination of chemo, surgery, nutrition and diet, combined with doses of cannabis that have kept her alive.”Job creationOn the path to commercialization, Andrew joined forces with Hemp Fields, a leading industrial hemp producer, who operates one of the largest low-THC cannabis (hemp) research anddevelopment facilities in Australia.He hopes that the economic impact of utilizing the whole plant will lead to job creation in rural areas, exponentially increasing the value of the hemp food industry in Australia.“This won’t be like hemp seed production,” he said. “Australian producers can be market ready for domestic and international trade within months, we just need Australian Food Regulators to make the necessary approvals.” 

Four new cases of Covid-19 were reported in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) yesterday.NNSWLHD Acting Chief Executive Lynne Weir said three cases are in the Clarence Valley Local Government Area (LGA) and one is in Tweed.Ms Weir said the Tweed case acquired their infection elsewhere in NSW, and initial investigations indicate this case has not been infectious in the community.  Of the three Clarence valley cases, one is in the Lower Clarence area, has been in isolation and is a household contact of a previously reported case.Two cases are in the Grafton area, one is linked to a previously reported case and the other is under investigation. Case statisticsThere have now been 106 total cases reported in NNSWLHD since the Delta outbreak began in Sydney on 16 June. Two cases are being cared for in hospital, one in Intensive Care.  Venues of concern Two new venues of concern have been also reported at Yamba Coles, Yamba Fair on Saturday 16 October, from 9.05 – 9.50am and Yamba Priceline Pharmacy, Yamba Fair on Saturday 16 October, from 9.00 – 9.15am. (Find out more https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/case-locations/exposure-sites).While all close contacts are contacted directly as part of normal contact tracing processes, anyone else who has been these venues below at the date and time listed is considered a casual contact and must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.Casual contacts should also get a test on day six after exposure, but do not have to isolate while waiting for this result, if they are well.Please check the NSW Government website regularly as the list of venues of concern and relevant health advice is updated as new cases emerge and investigations continue. "All new cases are investigated, and contact tracing is continuing to identify close contacts who are most at risk of exposure," Ms Weir said."These individuals are contacted as a priority, and asked to get tested and self-isolate immediately to reduce any risk of transmission in the community.  "NSW Health also works directly with potential exposure venues to provide advice and assess the level of risk to staff or members of the public," "NSW Health does not disclose details about venues unless there is a public health reason to do so. Anyone with even the slightest symptoms should get tested as soon as they feel unwell. There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP. Additional walk-in vaccination clinics open this weekend Extra walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics are open in Casino and Grafton this weekend for anyone who is yet to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. These clinics are open to any members of the public aged 12 and over, and are providing the Pfizer vaccine.  The Casino clinic is located at  Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, 153 Canterbury Street, Casino. Walk-in clinic open Saturday 23 October from 10am – 4pm  

 Mourners wearing black veils and pushing ‘ghost’ prams with no children, took to the streets of Lismore today in a symbolic protest to mourn the future.When the protestors arrived at the office of MP Kevin Hogan and found his door locked, they chained themselves to their prams – unable to deliver their letters demanding government action on climate change. At the protest outside Mr Hogan’s office, the 'Red Rebels' gave a silent and emotional mourning for the future performance, until all were eventually asked to move on by the police.Lismore local Miriam Torzillo was at the protest and said bringing the ghost prams to the streets was about acknowledging the duty of care the government in protecting the future for young people. It’s something Miriam said our leaders, including Federal representative Kevin Hogan, are not currently doing.“Our mission is to get the government to change its policies on climate change and make sure we continue to have a livable climate,” Miriam said.“Today is the day when ruling will be announced on Environment Minister Sussan Ley’s appeal against the Federal Court’s finding that she has a duty of care to protect young people from climate harm. “That’s why the prams with ‘Duty of Care’ messages today are so symbolic – they reflect that our leaders do have a duty of care for the future of our unborn children and grandchildren – and they need to take it seriously.“It’s about time our government earned some respect by acting on climate change like the emergency it is. “We need massive subsidies to move out of fossil fuels and into renewables. We also need urgent protection of old-growth and State forests.” With the United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) about to get underway at the end of this month, Miriam said she hoped Australia’s COP26 delegation would take on more ambitious targets “to meet the challenge before us”.“We need more immediate action on climate change to stem emissions and protect Australia’s biodiversity.”To find out more about Extinction Rebellion, visit https://www.facebook.com/extinctionrebellionnorthernrivers

East Lismore resident Susannah French was relieved when she heard that a new Telstra mobile phone tower development in East Lismore was not going to go ahead.Read more about the issue: Fire at new Telstra tower development site sparks locals’ concerns Susannah hails the recent decision by Lismore Councillors to not allow the controversial development as a “win for people power”.“It’s a win for koalas and a win for native species,” she said.Susannah lives close to the 4G/5G transmission tower’s proposed site location in Crawford Road.ThreatsSusannah had been campaigning for months to stop the development. She had even received threatening messages from others for expressing her concerns about the tower’s negative effects on human health - from 5G electromagnetic transmissions.“People get angry about not having towers and technology,” she said.Corridor“The proposed tower site is actually part of Lismore City Council’s environment corridor which allows biodiversity access for animal species to travel east from Rotary Park to Goonellabah ridge."At the last Council meeting when Councillors voted on the development application, there was no mention of the potential health issues from the tower – only the impact the tower would have on koalas and the zoned nature corridor.“Councillor Lloyd quoted from a submission from Ros Irwin who knows about koalas and the land's environmental zoning,” Susannah said.“Councillor Guise also said the NBN network we now have is fast, reliable and secure - and that we didn’t need the tower.Inconsistencies“There was discussion about the gross inconsistencies in the environmental impact statement lodged by the Telstra consultant.“The consultant said there were no koalas there, but the site is where Friends of the Koala release koalas that have been in care.“There has been lots of koala activity since the lockdown and there’s lots of koala joeys there now.Aboriginal site“The site is also an Aboriginal funerary site and there were concerns over the site’s significance for local indigenous communities.“So now we still have a preserved wildlife corridor, instead of a tower, roads, fences and an electromagnetic facility.”Susannah said she sees the current federal, state and local government narratives being strongly about human health, safety and precautionary measures.“Safety is far more important than having faster downloads,” she said.

This afternoon, the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) reported two new cases of Covid in the local health district.NNSW acting chief executive Lynne Weir said one case is in the Ballina Local Government Area (LGA) and one is in the Clarence Valley LGA."Both are under investigation and contact tracing is underway to determine any venues of concern, and further information will be provided as soon as possible," she said.There have now been 102 total cases reported in NNSWLHD since the Delta outbreak began in Sydney on 16 June. Two cases are being cared for in hospital, one in Intensive Care.  Ms Weir said anyone with even the slightest symptoms should get tested as soon as they feel unwell.There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP. If you have not yet received your COVID-19 vaccination, please make a booking or attend one of the walk-in clinics operating at various locations throughout the region.Find available bookings at the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder or you can also call Health Direct on 1800 57 11 55 for assistance to book.

If you haven't been double vaccinated by December 3, you won't be allowed to enter Queensland on December 17.Read more news: Two new local Covid cases, none in Lismore This morning, the Lismore App reported on the Queensland Government's COVID-19 Vaccine Plan To Unite Families. Read more: Queensland border reopens for the fully vaccinatedWhile we reported that double vaccinated people will be allowed to enter Queensland on December 17 (when the Queensland population reached 80% vaccination) , a Lismore App reader alerted us to a potential spanner in the works that could put your Christmas plans in jeapoardy.It seems that poor planning or bad luck in the timing of your second Covid vaccination jab will delay when you are allowed to cross the border.The Lismore App rang Queensland Health to confirm the details because it was hard to find this information on the official Queensland Health website.A spokesperson for Queensland Health confirmed that a two week waiting period after your second jab is necessary before you are allowed to cross the border.So, in order to cross to Queensland on December 17, you will need to plan your second jab by December 3 at the latest.If you want to be in Queensland for Christmas Eve (December 24), you will need to make sure you have your second jab by December 10.So, the message is, plan ahead and drop into your Covid vaccination clinic to book your second jab in time for Christmas.

Covid case numbers are reducing across the State – with only 283 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 reported in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.State statisticsWhen it comes to vaccinations, across NSW 92.3% of people aged 16 and over had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 81.6% are fully vaccinated.In the 12-15 year old age group, 75.5% have had their first dose, and 38.2% are fully vaccinated.Local casesOne the local Covid front, one new case of COVID-19 has been reported for Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) to 8pm Monday.NNSWLHD acting chief executive Lynne Weir said the case is in the Lower Clarence area of the Clarence Valley LGA, and the source of infection is under investigation.  “Initial investigations indicate this case was infectious in the community, and our public health team has already been in contact with a number of close contacts,’ she said.  “Contact tracing is underway to determine any venues of concern, and further information will be provided as soon as possible.”Local statisticsThere have now been 100 total cases reported in NNSWLHD since the Delta outbreak began in Sydney on 16 June. Mr Weir encouraged anyone with even the slightest symptoms should get tested as soon as they feel unwell. There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP. If you have not yet received your COVID-19 vaccination, please make a booking or attend one of the walk-in clinics operating at various locations throughout the region.Find available bookings at the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder or you can also call Health Direct on 1800 57 11 55 for assistance to book.

While housing options for the living are few and far between in the Lismore area, it seems housing for the dead is a growing business.The Lismore Memorial Gardens, Crematorium and Cemeteries Office in Goonellabah has reopened to members of the public looking to discuss options for burial.Run by Lismore City Council, the office, on Skyline Road, provides a respectful space to discuss burials at the Lismore Memorial Gardens - as well as and rural cemeteries options, cremations, memorial services and memorisation and plaques. Commercial Services Business Manager, Kevin Trustum, said that over the past few years it was identified that a dedicated space was required for customers, their families and loved ones to discuss burial and service options, organise a cremation, reserve burial plots and arrange memorialisation. The new office showcases the range of memorial and plaque options and offers a new range of memorial and commemorative products. Mr Trustum said families can now purchase cremated remains urns, keepsake urns and cremation jewellery at the office, with a range of the products on display.These urns do allow the family to retain a portion of the cremated remains, while still having a formal memorial gardens interment site. Council is currently constructing a special plaque-only memorial area, called the Brushbox Memorial Garden, to allow a memorial site where ashes may have been retained or scattered elsewhere.It is also bringing online a new outdoor post-service wake area to allow families and friends to celebrate the lives of their loved ones in the beautiful setting of the Memorial Gardens. Lismore City Council's cemeteries and crematorium honour residents who've made Lismore and its Villages the diverse and vibrant community it is today.Council manages six cemeteries and a crematorium catering for burials, cremations and memorials for cremated remains.Lismore Memorial Gardens is the largest cemetery offering a range of burial and memorialisation options and is the location of the Lismore Crematorium.Council provides a number of other cemeteries in urban, rural and village settings that give residents the option to be buried and memorialised closer to their homes.The new office is open for Monday to Thursday 9am to 3pm. Bookings are recommended and can be made by calling the office on 6625 0500. Bookings can be made by phone on Fridays.

Receiving abuse from customers wasn’t something that Stepz Fitness manager Alyce Benson was prepared for when she reopened the Lismore CBD gym this week.After a series of lockdowns kept the gym closed for weeks, reopening was a bittersweet experience.With the State Government’s new double vaccination rules for patrons now in place, it’s put extra pressure on business owners who now have to deal with irate customers who are not vaccinated, or have only had one jab.“I’ve had abuse over the phone and been called names,” Alyce said. “They are blaming me for discriminating against them coming to the gym, when it’s not my decision – it’s the government's.  “A lot of gym members are really unhappy - but we also have some great and understanding customers.“I’m just trying to do the right thing by the rules.“The first few days were the worst. It’s dividing everyone when we should all be one community.”Even though she feels uncomfortable asking, Elise said Stepz staff members have to ask each gym to show proof of vaccination.“The ones who are unvaccinated or only have one jab have had their memberships put on hold, until they have their second jab,” she said. Losing money“Holding memberships means we are losing money – we have lost about 50% of our membership because of this.“We are also losing new customers who want to sign up to get fit and healthy, but they can’t because they haven’t yet had two jabs. “It would be amazing if the government would allow people in regional areas with one jab to use services.“We haven’t had the same vaccine supply here and we have a lower vaccination rate than city people who are well ahead of us.“The government needs to be more lenient.”IronyThe irony that a staff member with one jab can go to work but can’t enter the gym as a patron is not lost on Elise. She sees the withholding of entry to fitness facilities as a blow to people’s mental health.“So many people are crying out to come in and use the gym to release their anxiety and stress and go home refreshed. “Some personal trainers have adapted and are training one on one outside.” Alyce Benson and others at Stepz Fitness.Fitness Manouvers At Dawson Street’s Fitness Manouvers, personal trainer Kate Cairnduff said she has not copped any abuse from customers, but that she has lost about one-third of her clients because of the vaccination rules.“I’ve lost 16 clients every week who are not yet double jabbed and can’t come to the studio,” Kate said.“I’ve given them free access to my client online program so they can keep moving and I can keep engaging with them.“I don’t want there to be a ‘them and us’ division within my own communityKate said she witnesses the client's vaccination certificates the first time, then doesn’t need to see them again.“Then we don’t talk about it any more and just get on with it,” she said. “I want it to be as uncomplicated as possible.”Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre (GSAC)At the Council-run Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre (GSAC), restrictions are also in place for people depending on their Covid-19 vaccination status.A Lismore City Council spokesperson said, “Council acknowledges that some people may not have had the opportunity to get their first and/or second vaccination, while others have chosen not to get vaccinated”.“Those wanting to access GSAC must show proof of double COVID-19 vaccination or hold a medical contraindication certificate.”GSAC operating hours will be from 10.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Switch FitnessFor Switch Fitness, to gain 24-hour access to the gym facility, members are asked to visit the front reception desk first during operating hours to show proof of double COVID-19 vaccination or a medical contraindication certificate. Access will then be granted.No group fitness classes will operate however this will be reviewed weekly.SwimmingRecreation swimmers will be allowed to use the pool during the normal operating hours of the centre.Learn to Swim classes will not open until Monday, 1 November and will resume with limited lessons in the afternoons only. Anyone wanting to confirm Learn to Swim classes from 1 November onwards are advised to contact GSAC on 02 6625 5370.CafeThe GSAC café will re-open and creche will be closed until further notice.“The next stage of the NSW Government Roadmap is due to commence on Monday, 6 December and normal operations are expected to continue unless any changes from the NSW Government occur,” the spokesperson said.“We will continue to keep our community up to date with any changes and please continue to practice COVID-19 safety protocols, including the mandatory wearing of a mask, signing in and out with a QR Code, using hand sanitiser and practising social distancing.”

Three new Covid cases have been reported in our local Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) - including one in Lismore Local Government Area (LGA).NNSWLHD acting chief executive Lynne Weir said the case in the Lismore LGA is under investigation. A second case is in the Casino area of Richmond Valley LGA, and linked to an existing cluster.  The third is in the Grafton area of Clarence Valley Local Government Area (LGA) and is a household contact of a previously reported case. "Contact tracing is underway to determine any new venues of concern related to cases infectious in the community, and Public Health has been in contact with a number of people identified as close contacts," Ms Weir said."There have now been 92 total cases reported in NNSWLHD since the Delta outbreak began in Sydney on 16 June. "Anyone with even the slightest symptoms should get tested as soon as they feel unwell.""There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP. "We encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are able to."You can find available bookings at the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder (previously eligibility checker), or you can also call Health Direct on 1800 571 155 for assistance to book.New venues of concernNew Covid venues of concern were reported overnight across the health district.Most were in Grafton, none were in Lismore, but one was closer to home at Aldi in Ballina on Friday, 8 October from 6:30pm to 7:00pm.State wide statisticsNSW recorded 406 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. There were also six Covid-related deaths. Three people were not vaccinated, two people had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and one person had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.Vaccination statistics Across the State, there are currently 711 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 143 people in intensive care, 75 of whom require ventilation.In NSW, the State average vaccination rate is 91.1% first dose and 76.5% double dose.

Due to the State Government’s COVID-19 roadmap, all Richmond Tweed Regional Library (RTRL) branches and the Mobile Library will be closed to the public, this includes both the Lismore and Goonellabah libraries.However, a free Click and Collect and other online services are now available and can be accessed via www.rtl.nsw.gov.auActing Regional Library Manager Lucy Kinsley said this decision to offer Click and Collect from today was to ensure equitable access across the entire community.“Due to the NSW Government’s COVID-19 roadmap, it was a difficult decision to make but one that provided the most equitable service to all community members,” she said.“We will be monitoring the NSW Health guidelines and review any decisions as necessary to ensure the best outcome for everyone.”The free Click and Collect can be used to access a range of different services that are designed to ensure an easy and smooth process.You can order your items by visiting the RTRL website or via a smartphone app that can be downloaded from the website, or you can contact your local branch and have a staff member arrange your order.RTRL staff can assist anyone needing help selecting the right theme, topic or genre of reading material.The Online Library is always open, providing access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and more.All other library services, such as access to PCs, library programs, printing services, will not be available, and the Family & Research Centre will be closed.To access Click and Collect and the online library service, or find your local branch phone number, please visit www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au.

The father and son who travelled from Sydney to the local region and sparked a lockdown, have pleaded guilty to most of the charges they face.Read more Covid news: Covid update: 12 new cases in the local districtNeither Zoran Radovanovic, 52 and his 19-year-old son Kristian appeared in Lismore Local Court this week on Monday, when their cases were mentioned.Instead of personally appearing, Mr Radovanovic’s lawyer emailed through Mr Radovanovic's guilty pleas to four charges of failing to comply with electronic registration (QR codes).He is also charged with three counts of not complying with COVID directions, but as yet he has not entered a plea.Local police have alleged the pair violated public health orders after going to Byron Bay in late July to look at real estate - and failed to use QR codes to check into venues.In August, the LGAs of Byron, Richmond Valley, Lismore, and Ballina were all plunged into a seven day lockdown, after Mr Radovanovic tested positive to Covid. He was then treated in Lismore Base Hospital.The lockdown was then extended, effectively keeping the region in lockdown until September 10.Zoran’s son Kristian entered guilty pleas to all four charges against him: two of not complying with electronic registration, one of not complying with directions and one of not wearing a face mask in public transport or a taxi..Both remain on bail, with the father’s case to be mentioned again at Lismore on November 15 and the son’s matter to be mentioned in Waverley Local Court on November 8.

In today’s Covid update for our local health district, 12 new cases of COVID-19 were reported, but none in Lismore.Three cases are in the Ballina LGA, and the source of these infections is under investigation.Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) acting chief executive Lynne Weir said the initial investigations indicate these cases have all been infectious in the community.  Nine cases were reported in the Grafton area - five of them were household contacts of previously reported cases or linked to the existing cluster and four cases are under investigation. “Four cases are being cared for in hospital, with one of these cases in Intensive Care and all are in a stable condition,” Ms Weir said.There have now been 89 total cases reported in NNSWLHD since the Delta outbreak began in Sydney on 16 June. Ms Weir said contact tracing is underway to determine any new venues of concern related to cases infectious in the community.“Public Health has been in contact with a number of people identified as close contacts,” she said. “Where cases are reported in school communities, Pubic Health works directly with the Department of Education and Training who in turn liaise with the affected school, and communication is provided through existing Education channels to members of the school community.  “Teachers, parents and students should follow the health advice provided by the school as well as any further advice they may receive from the Public Health Unit.  State-wide statistics Across NSW, there were 444 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night and four people died.Two were not vaccinated and two people had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.Lismore LGA vaccination statisticsWith a population of 35,892 people aged 15 years and over, Lismore’s vaccination rate average is still below State average, sitting on 80.8% one dose and 47% double dose vaccinations.Healthy North Coast NSW Covid-19 vaccination rate by LGA.According to Healthy North Coast, across the wider North Coast region, 88% of those aged 16 and over have now had their first dose, ahead of the national average of 82%.Healthy North Coast chief executive Julie Sturgess said 60% of people in the North Coast region are now fully vaccinated, almost on par with the national average of 62%.“I want to personally thank the whole community for their strong support for getting vaccinated and health providers for making it possible,” Ms Sturgess said.“With the recent easing of travel restrictions, and having people visit our region again, we can feel confident that the majority of our residents will have been vaccinated."While this doesn’t mean people won’t get COVID, they are better protected from serious disease and the risk of hospitalisation.“We’re certainly moving towards being a “community with immunity”.’  

In the ongoing search for answers to Lismore’s mystery explosion and bright light on Tuesday night (October 5), more enigmatic clues keep appearing. Read more: North Lismore's 'explosion' mystery reveals aliens, fireballs and starlinksOne Lismore App reader said he heard on the ABC news this week that a number of people had sighted something in the night sky that was believed to be a Chinese rocket.Unfortunately, no link to the news story could be found online.Chinese rocket launch?However, there was mention in various online news sites of a September 28 launch of the China Long March 3B rocket – which was then seen over Sydney - and sparked a number of UFO sighting claims.On Tuesday night, at least two Lismore residents spotted a bright light moving east to west in the sky, but they did not hear the explosion, or experience the electricity outage.Could the bright light in the sky have been another Chinese rocket launch?China has been periodically launching rockets to construct a new space station.In May this year, fragments of a rocket launched as part of the space station floated in orbit for more than a week before crash-landing back to Earth.Power linesAnother Lismore resident told the Lismore App that as a ‘delinquent’ child he would make powerlines touch each other and that would trigger an explosive sound and bright light.Could the gathered group of young people in North Lismore on Tuesday night have done a similar thing?The Lismore App visited Terania Street in North Lismore to investigate - near the Bakers Corner and Liberty service stations – as well as the railway bridge.In places, the power lines could potentially have been close enough to be forced to touch.But questions arise like: How does the person making the powerlines touch avoid being electrocuted? And why didn’t Essential Energy notice it?In an ongoing search for answers, the mystery continues.The truth is out there.Let us know if you have any more ideas by emailing liina@lismoreapp.com.au