It’s been two years now the world has been living with Covid-19 – and it’s amazing how our community of social beings gets used to ongoing changes.As we await Friday’s “masks off” option, you may have also found it a bit strange (and a relief) to ditch the QR code check ins at shops this week.The rhetoric of the “new normal” and “unprecedented” times seems to be absent from public conversation as we again, we shift our behaviours into “old” patterns.You may also be watching the new cases tally as the days roll by, wondering if the winding back of restrictions will send us into a new Covid “wave”.New casesToday, we can report that there are 207 new Covid cases in our Northern NSW Local Health District – up from the 177 reported yesterday. In Lismore LGA, we have 28 new cases reported and there are 41 Covid positive patients in local hospitals, with 3 of these in ICU.Of the new cases, 45 were from positive PCR tests and 162 from positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).Confirmed numbers by LGA (PCR and RAT included):Ballina 29Byron 19Clarence Valley 30Kyogle 7Lismore 28Richmond Valley 20Tenterfield 1 (Woodenbong & Urbenville post code that comes under Lismore PHU)Tweed 73NSW StatisticsAcross NSW, 4,916 positive test results (cases) were reported yesterday – including 3,657 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 1,259 positive PCR tests. The 1,259 positive PCR results were returned from 15,763 PCR tests.There has now been a total of 356,176 positive RATs recorded since reporting began on 13 January 2022.Sadly, NSW Health is reporting the deaths of seven men with COVID-19.One man was in his 60s, two men were in their 70s, three men were in their 80s and one man was in his 90s. Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions.Five men had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and two men were not vaccinated. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,841.There are currently 1,288 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 74 people in intensive care, 33 of whom require ventilation.VaccinationsAcross NSW, more than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94.3 per cent have received two doses to Saturday 19 February 2022.Of children aged 12 to 15, 83.6 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 79 per cent have received two dosesOf children aged 5 to 11, 46.7 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.Of people aged 16 plus, 51.6 per cent have now received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This represents 55.6 per cent of the eligible population that received their second dose more than three months ago.Get testedNorthern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is required to register their result with Service NSW. Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.Everyone who is eligible for a booster is encouraged to book without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 16 and over who had their second dose at least three months ago. We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.We also strongly recommend that people aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised have a third primary dose of vaccine from two months after their second dose.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.Case data by postcode is also available on the NSW Government website.For the most up to date COVID-19 information visit nsw.gov.au.

If you haven't managed to catch a performance of Matthew Day's yet, this is an incredible opportunity, right here at The Lismore Gallery and Quad to do so as community, and better yet it is for free!Construction and collapse's Premier with dancer and artist Matthew Day at The Quad will take place tomorrow, Friday 18th and Saturday 19th February.In a statement from The Quad, we are told "it is thrilled to present a two-part dance installation by internationally acclaimed choreographer, dancer and conceptual artist Matthew Day". In each piece Matthew Day will perform for 3 hours, inviting audiences to experience his performances in a non-linear format, much like an art installation. There is no set beginning and end, audiences can engage with the work at any point and can freely enter and exit the space. “I’m excited about presenting these works in The Quad - a public, outdoor space where there is an element of the unknown, a space for the accidental encounter between artist and audience,” Matthew Day said.“I haven’t presented a work in Australia since 2016 and I’m really looking forward to seeing how Lismore responds."This was inspired from when Covid began, I was living in a city, Berlin which is busy, and yet in two weeks, when you went out on the street it was completely different, it was deserted. It's about things we are used to falling apart and is about trying to hold familiar things together."I see it as more than dance, I see it as Sculptural Movement , and a great way to approach it without a beginning and an end, that's one of the reasons I love long-form medium"Marissa Snow from The Gallery says "Interactive audience art forms which in times of Covid allow the audience to be interacted with in their own terms is important".Matthew's performance includes a number of architectural elements creating the space and setting the tone. It is a captivating performance which allows the viewer to engage as long as they like, some stay to watch and interact the whole 3 hours, others come for an hour, leave for lunch and then return, it's entirely up to the viewer.The first work which occurred last week was entitled Assemblage Series and was set to a soundtrack of bird calls, while Matthew explored the point at which everyday movement becomes dance and played with building materials and objects to investigate themes of construction, collapse and reconstruction.The second work is the world premiere of False Idols, to be presented at The Quad tomorrow, Friday 18th from 3pm to 6pm and Saturday 19th February 11am to 2pm.Matthew describes False Idols as the ‘underside’ of Assemblage. Whereas Assemblage is calm, contemplative and industrious, False Idols presents a dystopian, escapist and sometimes apocalyptic response to the pandemic performed to a driving, beat heavy soundtrack provided live by DJ Guy Grey. Matthew Day has presented works at Australia’s and the world’s leading festivals including Melbourne International Arts Festival, Mona Foma, Festival Faits d’hiver, Paris, Festival Antigel, Geneva and Perforacije Festival, Zagreb to name just a few. Pre-pandemic Matthew was living in Amsterdam and is now living in the Northern Rivers, NSW.His choreography and performance continually challenge and re-invent a dance practice that has taken him from teenage ballroom champion to contemporary stages across the world.Bring a picnic blanket, grab a coffee or a bite to eat at Slate Café and experience Matthew Day’s extraordinary performance installations in The Quad, 11 Rural St, Lismore, More info can be found at www.lismorequad.org.au

As an avid op shopper, the idea of local op shops being full to the brim makes this Lismore App reporter very excited. Lismore is a Mecca when it comes to regional op shopping in the region - as we have so many.So when a Lismore App reader contacted us to say that some local op shops were not taking donations anymore, we wanted to investigate what was going on.The SalvosOne of the biggest local charity shops – the Salvos on Carrington Street – is full of furniture, as well as clothing and bric a brac.Salvos staff member Peter told the Lismore App that they are still taking public donations at the moment – but it could change if and when they get overloaded.“We had to stop for a while when we had too much, but we take what we can,” he said. “Periodically we stop taking things in order to stretch it to just out a little at a time – but we will put up a sign if that happens.”The problem for them is receiving too many dirty items and garbage in the donations.“This means we have to pay to dump them, and we are a charity and need to keep costs down.“We also haven’t had enough staff to sort through the items – and the rubbish we were getting made us close our donation bins.”So now, if you want to donate to the Salvos, you need to bring it into the Carrington Street shop during business hours of Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.VinniesIt’s a similar situation at Vinnies on Magellan Street.Shop manager Noeline said they are still taking donations there, and likes people to come into the shop first and ask if they can bring in items to donate. “They can bring them up the back lane to the back door between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday,” she said.But please don’t bring them electrical items or furniture.LifelineAt Lifeline on Magellan Street, Lynne said she is still welcoming donations.“But some days we are inundated and our charity bins and warehouse are full,” she said. “Then we stop taking items and have a sign up if we can’t take any more.“But please don’t leave items outside the shop – if it rains, they get ruined and we have to pay tipping fees.”What items does Lifeline take?At the Lifeline warehouse at 23 Three Chain Road, in the Industrial Estate, warehouse manager Ethan said he recommends people call the warehouse on 6621 8516 before dropping items off there - to see if they have room.“We don’t take anything with safety ratings - like cots, cribs, high chairs, things that run on gas, BBQs, mattresses and lounges with stains or tears, old fashioned metal spring bed frames. Or anything electrical over six years old.”ADRAAt the ADRA op shop on Uralba Street, shop manager Eileen said they are not taking any donations at the moment.“It’s not that we don’t want them,” she said. “It’s a shame we can’t take any more but we have limited staff and space.“People have been so generous that we have an extra room full of stuff and not a lot going out.“But that will change soon. We will put a sign up when we are ready again.”

Angry and frustrated, hundreds of nurses from Grafton to Tweed gathered in Lismore’s Spinks Park today, all calling for fair work conditions and pay rates.See a video of the protest: https://fb.watch/baV9VTtcuW/Waving banners and signs, it wasn’t just the nursing staff, but cleaners and ward staff from local hospitals who staged a morning strike from work to send a powerful message to the NSW Government that hospital staff need to be paid more and treated better.Emotions were high as nursing staff chanted “fair staffing, fair pay” and “undervalued, underpaid” as they listened to speakers from each of the district hospitals talk about understaffed wards, “horrendous” work environments, hot work days dressed in Covid PPE – and increased exposure to violence from hospital visitors and patients.Then they marched down Molesworth Street as passing drivers beeped their car horns in support of the “Covid heroes” who have carried our health system through the pandemic.See the march on video: https://fb.watch/baVbNBi4wd/Lismore BaseLismore Base Hospital nurse for 32 years Gil Wilson spoke at the rally. He is also the branch secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association.“The health system is crumbling,” he said. “Because we care, we are striking for better patient care –and for better staff to patient ratios.”“Since the pandemic, staffing ratios have gone out the window“The government doesn’t want to give us another 2.5% pay rise. All the other states have better pay and conditions.“We put out ads for more nurses, but get no one – nurses would rather go and work over the border for a higher wage.More danger “We are also become exposed to more danger and violence and it can be uncomfortable.“We sacrifice so much time with our families, but because we care, we give up our time for our patients.“We need be given a reasonable workload and staff to patient rations - and a fair pay rate.”At the protest, operating theatre nurses dressed in full PPE gear said how hot the “horrendous” working conditions were for them every day.Lack of actionReferring to the NSW government’s lack of action to make working conditions better, they carried a saying “at least the blood on our hands washes off”.Susie, a nurse from Ballina Hospital said after 23 years in nursing “I’ve never seen working conditions like they have been in the last three years”.“Prior to the pandemic, we were crying out for better staffing ratios,”she said.“We need one nurse to three patients, but in Ballina hospital until 16 months ago, we had one nurse on night shift looking after 9 patients and those in the waiting room. It was a miracle we survived those nightshifts.”“Shame”As the assembled crowd of nurses called out “shame”, Susie said the problem was State wide.“Every NSW hospital has the same horror stories to tell.“With the pandemic striking and borders closing, the pressures increased in our emergency departments.“People were desperate to get a PPE test to get across the border to be with their families and short cutting the system.Surge in demand“The surge and demand in ED increased three fold. “If the government had been listening, they would have heard that we had been struggling in nursing for years. We have been asking for mandated ratios in NSW - like in Queensland and Victoria.“Do we have to let our community members be in danger for you to listen to us? It’s often only when someone dies that things change.“Enough is enough”“Enough is enough. Staffing ratios will make a difference. Being paid fairly will bring people back to nursing as a career pathway."At the moment, people are walking away in droves.“Nurses here are at breaking point, asking why did I study nursing and walking away from their careers. "I know why – because we care for the public, and each other.""Exhausted"Murwillumbah Hospital nurse Angie Guiness addressed the rally. She said she also had a disaster health management role.“We are exhausted from carrying this State through a pandemic,” she said. “And we felt like that before we even heard of Covid.“It won’t ever get back to normal – and normal didn’t work. NSW was teetering toward disaster well before Covid.“Now nurses and midwives are already tired, disillusioned, devalued and never listened to – even when we tell government what we need to be safe.“But we stepped up when the country was in crisis, worked longer hours through meal breaks, sweated in PPE and showed up even when we were worried for our own family and our health.“Now we are expected to go back to normal?“After disasters, we need to look at what contributed to the disaster and address gaps in system.“We need safe staff to patient ratios, to encourage people to stay in our profession, more grad nurses and mentors with time to support them, industrial equity in line with other areas."Hollow words"“We don’t need hollow words and thanks.“We have an election looming and need to talk about our experiences and share them. You can use your vote to help build a stronger public health system – to value us and community.“At Tweed we are dying”“At Tweed we are dying. We have lost 18 nursing staff out of our ED since January."Now we have eight on staff today and we are the busiest ED outside of Sydney.“We are 1km from the border with Queensland - and over there, nurses earn over $300 per pay more than their counterparts in NSW. It’s wage theft.“There is also a new hospital opening in Tweed soon and no more nursing staff.“We need a new generation of nurses or we will have no one coming on behind us.”Read the earlier story: Nurses rally organised for today may be foiled by NSW Government and IRC

Each day, the Lismore App reports on the latest reported Covid cases in our Local Health District. We also publish each story on social media and receive public comments which are a reflection of some community attitudes toward Covid. As the total number of local new cases continues to decrease (and today is no exception), it’s not surprising to read some comments about the Lismore App's Covid news.As the government says we are past the Omicron peak, some community members on Facebook are saying “ho hum… no one scans in anymore .. happy to keep on with the mask though.”It makes us wonder – how many people are still using QR code check ins, and how many people don’t think it’s worth doing? Please let us know your thoughts here at the Lismore App by emailing content@lismoreapp.com.auLocal statisticsToday, Lismore case numbers are higher than yesterday – with 85 in Lismore Local Government Area, as reported by Northern NSW Local Health District.In total there were 384 new cases of Covid-19 in local LGAs. This includes 49 positive PCR tests and 335 positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).Confirmed tests by LGA (PCR and RAT included) are as follows: Tweed 101, Lismore 85, Clarence Valley 82, Ballina 42, Byron 37, Richmond Valley 34, Kyogle 3.There are 39 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 3 of these in ICU.Sadly, today Northern NSW is reporting the death of one person aged in their 80s from COVID-19. They were from the Tweed area.NSW StatisticsThere were 8,201 new positive cases across NSW - including 6,741 positive RATs and 1,460 positive PCR tests. The 1,460 positive PCR results were returned from 16,651 PCR tests.There has now been a total of 329,141 positive RATs recorded since reporting began on 13 January 2022.There are currently 1,583 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 96 people in intensive care, 47 of whom require ventilation.Sadly, NSW Health is reporting the deaths of 16 people with COVID-19; 12 men and four women.Three people were in their 70s, seven people were in their 80s, and six people were in their 90s.Three people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, seven people had received two doses, one person had received one dose, and five people were not vaccinated. VaccinationsAcross NSW, more than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94.2 per cent have received two doses to Sunday 13 February 2022.Get testedNorthern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is required to register their result with Service NSW. Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.Everyone who is eligible for a booster is encouraged to book without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Case data by postcode is also available on the NSW Government website.For the most up to date COVID-19 information visit nsw.gov.au.

If you haven't yet seen a sign on a local cafe or restaurant that says 'Closed due to staff shortage' - you may be in the minority.It seems a shortage in hospitality staff across NSW means the NSW Government is now offering free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training to get more eligible workers skilled up and into the industry. When the Lismore App saw that 5,000 fee-free RSA courses were up for grabs, we investigated to see what was available for Northern Rivers locals.  Many hospitality roles require current RSA competency and RSA courses are advertised as being available through TAFE NSW - and private providers who already offer government subsidised programs.The Lismore App visited the government website to check to see who was eligible and to apply.In the course of investigating the closest locations, we discovered that the closest private training provider was in Grafton.Locally however, TAFE NSW said Wollongbar TAFE (but not Lismore) is offering the course, but is already full for February's course. If you want to get in for the March course, you'd better contact TAFE and get in quick.We rang the closest private training provider CHS Training and discovered that if you are prepared to take a drive down to Grafton the next course will be taking place on Monday, March 6 – and it’s already half full.If you are keen to take up the offer, you should be over 17 and a NSW resident. You must not have previously held an RSA competency card that has expired and is currently due for renewal.RSA training takes about 6 hours to complete (excluding breaks) – so you'll be trained in less than one day.Even if you are currently employed, you can still apply for fee-free RSA training and earn extra income – and it also gives you new ways to volunteer at team and community events.Jobs that require RSA trainingBar staffBottle shop attendantsLicenseesManagersSecurity officersEvent staffFunction staffCruise ship staffVolunteering at clubs and community venues that offer, serve or sell alcohol.Am I eligible?You must be aged 17 and above.You must be an Australian/New Zealand citizen, resident or humanitarian visa holder living or working in NSW.Refresher RSA courses will also be available free of charge until the end of June if your RSA competency card has expired within the past two years or will expire before 30 June.Note: If your competency card has expired in the past two years or will expire before 30 June, you can access free refresher training by visiting the Liquor & Gaming NSW online refresher page.

As we get used to an often-costly Covid testing regime, a light glimmers at the end of the RAT tunnel. According to information from the Australia Tax Office (ATO), RATs could become a tax deductible item for Australians – but not quite yet – so keep hold of your purchase receipts for your costly RATs.New case numbersToday, 27 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in the Lismore Local Government Area. The Lismore cases add to the new cases total of 246 in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) LGAs.As has been the pattern for while, Tweed tops the list with the highest number of new cases – today recording 75 cases.The Clarence Valley follows with 53, then Ballina with 37, Byron with 28, Lismore with 27 and Kyogle with 4.The new cases were confirmed in 46 positive PCR tests and 200 positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).There are 43 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 3 of these in ICU.Tax deductible RATs?The ATO reports that the government announced on February 7 this year that they will “ensure COVID-19 testing expenses are tax deductible for testing taken to attend a place of work”.“This will also mean fringe benefits tax will not be incurred by employers if they provide COVID-19 tests to their employees for this purpose,” the ATO website states.“This measure is not yet law. As is the normal practice, we will provide more detailed advice and guidance once the measure is enacted.“In the interim, if you have incurred expenses for COVID-19 tests, you should keep a record of those expenses.”NSW Covid statisticsAcross NSW, there were 6,184 positive test results (cases) notified in the 24 hours to 4pm yesterday – including 4,040 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 2,144 positive PCR tests.There has now been a total of 322,610 positive RATs recorded since reporting began on 13 January 2022. The 2,144 positive PCR results were returned from 24,034 PCR tests.There were 6,184 positive test results (cases) notified in the 24 hours to 4pm yesterday – including 4,040 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 2,144 positive PCR tests.DeathsSadly, NSW Health is reporting the deaths of 14 people with COVID-19; nine men and five women.One person was in their 60s, four people were in their 70s, four people were in their 80s, and five people were in their 90s.Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions.Four people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, six people had received two doses, and four people were not vaccinated.This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,729. HospitalisationsThere are currently 1,649 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 100 people in intensive care, 47 of whom require ventilation.Get testedNNSWLHD is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is required to register their result with Service NSW.Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.BoostersEveryone who is eligible for a booster is encouraged to book without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 16 and over who had their second dose at least three months ago. We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.We also strongly recommend that people aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised have a third primary dose of vaccine from two months after their second dose.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.Case data by postcode is also available on the NSW Government website.For the most up to date COVID-19 information visit nsw.gov.au.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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