Three new Covid cases have been reported in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA) today – along with another three in surrounding LGAs.According to the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), five of the six cases are household contacts of existing cases, and one is linked to a known case.  One case is located in Coraki, one is in Kyogle in the Richmond Valley LGA and one is in the Grafton area of Clarence Valley LGA.NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said one additional case has been confirmed in a Richmond Valley resident, and this case was acquired overseas and will not be listed in the tally for NNSWLHD.“This case has been isolating since returning from overseas, having followed the current international travel protocols,” he said.“We urge people to get vaccinated against Covid and to seek testing if symptoms develop.”There have now been 161 total cases in NNSWLHD since 16 June. Why are there no Lismore Covid cases listed the NSW Health website?When new cases are reported in Lismore LGA, The Lismore App regularly receives queries from concerned residents about why no venues of concern are released – or why cases are not listed on the case locations list by suburb or town website.The answer is that if a case is linked to a known case as a casual contact, as has been the situation in Lismore, the person has been tested awaiting a negative result - and is self isolating.If they are a close contact and have already been isolating, then they pose no threat to community transmission of Covid.NSW Health only reveal venues if they are not certain of the contact tracing.Mobile vaccination clinic locations The mobile vaccination van is in Casino today until 2.30pm at The Oak Centre, Oak Avenue, Casino - then will move to Ballina next Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 November, from 9.30am to 2.30pm at Porter Park, Daydream Ave, West Ballina These clinics are providing Pfizer vaccinations for anyone aged 12 and over. No appointment is needed. Please bring your Medicare Card if you have one.  Other NSW Health clinics in Lismore, Tweed Heads, Byron Bay and Grafton are also providing walk-in and booked appointments. Find your closest clinic at the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.State statisticsNSW recorded 261 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. There was one death of a woman who was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions.There are currently 228 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 40 people in intensive care, 16 of whom require ventilation. NSW recorded 261 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. There was one death of a woman in her who was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions.  There are currently 228 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 40 people in intensive care, 16 of whom require ventilation. 

Ex-Vietnam war veteran Ken Jolley has been mowing the grass at the North Lismore war memorial site on Alexandra Parade in preparation for the first of two Remembrance Day ceremonies today, November 11.He invites people to join him at the North Lismore location and take a minute’s silence on the 11th day of the 11th month - to commemorate the ending of the first world war.Ken said while the Lismore RSL sub-branch will also hold a ceremony at 11am at the Memorial Baths centograph on Molesworth Street - the North Lismore memorial ceremony will begin at 9.30am.“So, people can go to both and it doesn’t interfere with the main service in Lismore,” Ken said.So why does Lismore have two war memorial sites?“It’s about respect - and honoring that this site on the old railway line at North Lismore is where soldiers would get on the train before they went off to Brisbane, then were shipped off to fight on the battlefields of Europe,” Ken said.“It was originally put here in 1926 and the local council raised £210 to build it, but never had enough funds to plant an avenue of trees leading up to it.”The late Col Smith dressed in WW1 uniform at the opening of the North Lismore memorial.Ken said the memorial was relocated twice, including to the Lismore railway station, until the station was finally closed.That’s when Ken and a group of others lobbied to get the memorial returned to its original location in North Lismore, five years ago.“One person said to me ‘it’s a little price of heaven in North Lismore',” Ken said. “I keep the grass mowed here and others want to help out doing things like painting the seat.“It helps us remember that the soldiers who fought came some from all over the district to leave for war.”The North Lismore Remembrance Day service begins at 9.30am.Thomas George, Ken Jolley and David Elliott at ANZAC day this year.The 11am Remembrance Day ceremony detailsLismore RSL sub-branch president Darryl Hawke said November 11 marks Remembrance Day and he invites the community to join at the RSL Memorial on Molesworth Street (in front of the Memorial Baths) to join in a one minute silence at 11am.“We’d like people to assemble by 10.30am and at exactly 11am, we will have the silence," he said.“We commemorate this day because, on 11/11/1918, a formal truce was signed ceasing hostilities during the first world war. That’s when discussion for a peace treaty started wasn’t signed until 1923 and millions of people were lost in the first world war.“It’s often called the war to end all wars, but it failed to do that.“So many sacrificed their lives and didn’t come home - or did come home and they and their families still suffered from it.“It used to be called Armistice Day, but now we call it Remembrance Day and it’s a time of reflection where pay homage to those who suffered, remember the carnage that was WW1 and hope we don’t do it again."Read more about Ken Jolley and the war memorial: SUNDAY PROFILE: Ken Jolley, tunnel rat to war memorialNorth Lismore War Memorial showcased in National ANZAC Centre

Another new Covid case has been reported in Lismore LGA, with health authorities now investigating the the source of infection.The case was one of two reported in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) in the period to 8pm yesterday.The second case is in the Grafton area of Clarence Valley Local Government Area (LGA), and is a household contact of an existing case.There have now been 155 total cases in NNSWLHD since June 16 and NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said he urges people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to seek testing if symptoms develop.“Even if you are fully vaccinated you should get tested and isolate immediately if you have even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms – such as a slightly runny nose, a scratchy or sore throat or generally feeling under the weather,” he said.Testing locationsThere are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, with mobile vaccination clinic locations in Casino today and tomorrow.The mobile clinic will move to Ballina next Monday 15 November.  Casino: Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 November, 9.30am – 2.30pm The Oak Centre, Oak Avenue, Casino.  Ballina: Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 November, 9.30am to 2.30pm Porter Park, Daydream Ave, West Ballina These clinics are providing Pfizer vaccinations for anyone aged 12 and over. No appointment is needed. Please bring your Medicare Card if you have one.  Other NSW Health clinics in Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Lismore and Grafton are also providing walk-in and booked appointments. Find your closest clinic at the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.NSW statisticsNSW recorded 216 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. There were three deaths.A man in his 30s from south-western Sydney died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions. A man in his 40s from south-western Sydney died at Liverpool Hospital. He was not vaccinated and had no significant underlying health conditions.A man in his 80s from south-western Sydney died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions

Becoming superheroes to bust the school mozzie problem has won students at Bexhill Public School the runners up prize in this year’s Green Innovation Awards.The local school kids have spent months designing solutions to a local problem – for an annual competition that inspires innovation in our next generation of creative problem solvers.Dr Bridie Cullinane, founder of the Green Innovation Awards said the ‘Mozzie Busters’ project was a close second choice made by competition judges. Another great entry was the Goolmangar Public School’s waste management app (which will be made publicly available).Read more about schools participating in the lead up to the finals: Local students are Lego Masters of building a future LismoreKoala Minecraft“But, the winning entry was Koala Minecraft - from the Empire Vale Public School,” Bridie said.“The game Minecraft is very widely used by young people and that’s why it’s a great solution for kids.“It’s a wonderful example of how children can make learning fun and change the future in an engaging way – and that’s why the judges loved it.“The children created an archipelago of islands in Minecraft and built different ways for us to look after koalas.“On one island, players need to cross a paddock and avoid being trod on by cows – each year, a number of koalas are actually killed by cows.“There’s a bushfire on one island and you need to put out fires. Another has a vet clinic where kids learn about koala diseases and they get checked to see if they are healthy.”The school has created a link to the koala islands and anyone playing Minecraft can now explore and play the game.Empire Vale School students.Mozzie BustersFinding natural ways to deal with mosquitos was the problem that the senior students at Bexhill Public School addressed in their second place Mozzie Busters project.Bridie said students took a wholistic view of the mozzie situation and looked at ecosystems of plants, animals and insect larvae when designing solutions for the school.“They created a fish pond and introduced fish into it that ate the mozzie larvae – and also looked at different plants they could use in school,” she said.“They also created an entertaining video where they dressed up as superheroes to bust the mozzie problem. “Lismore City Council has even asked them if they can use the video to share with other schools as part of a mozzie management program,” she said.“It’s a great result – especially after months of the kids waiting for the awards finals which were delayed due to Covid restrictions.”In total, 21 local schools took part in the competition – with the finals being recorded after being streamed live.You can watch the students talk about their projects in the finals video via the Green Innovation awards Facebook site Bridie said the winning schools get to keep a perpetual trophy made from recycled metal and wood - and the winner received $300.“The goal is to inspire YP to be passionate about innovation and recognise that their ideas are important. These awards recognize them and show them it is possible that they help create a positive future and make a difference, creating the works they want to see.”The dates and details for next year’s awards are now available online, so if you missed out this year, apply to join next year’s competition. For more information about the awards, visit www.greeninnovationawards.com.au  

If you are planning your weekend, you‘ll need to plan around the coming rain.According to Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Gabriel Woodhouse, the cloudy skies herald the beginning of a wet week ahead.With showers predicted for today and temperatures in the low to mid-20s, Gabriel said we can expect the rain to get heavier as the weekend progresses.“Saturday will be the drier of the days, but by Sunday and Monday we will see heavier rainfall and storms with gusty winds across the region,” she said.“Our modelling shows this wet period will bring further rainfall that will continue into the second half of next week too.”With temperatures predicted in the mid to high 20s across the weekend, Gabriel said we can expect a bit of humidity.“But as the rain sets in, it might drop the temperatures, especially during the second half of next week.”So, don’t forget your umbrella if you are heading out, and take care on the roads.Read more: Wet weekend forecast brings 'slow down' warning as regional travel opens

Another four new cases of Covid-19 have been reported for Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), with two in Lismore LGA.Of the four cases, one case is in the Alstonville area of Ballina LGA, and one case is in the Casino area of Richmond Valley LGA. NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said all are linked to previously reported cases and are under investigation.  There have now been 134 total cases in NNSWLHD since 16 June. "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," Mr Jones said. "There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW.""Northern NSW Local Health District continues to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are able to, and to be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested immediately if symptoms develop."Mobile vaccination clinic schedule The mobile vaccination van, a collaboration with Social Futures, is in Goonellabah today, and will visit Kyogle, Woodenbong and Casino next week.  Goonellabah: Goonellabah Football (Soccer) Club, Reserve Street, Goonellabah (near tennis courts). Today, Friday 5 November, open 9.30am to 2.30pm. Kyogle: Visitor Information Centre, cnr Anzac Pde and Summerland Way Monday 8 November, open 9.30am to 2.30pm.  Woodenbong: Woodenbong Park, Unumgar Street, behind Public Hall Tuesday 9 November, 9.30am to 2.30pm. Casino: The Oak Centre, Oak Avenue, Casino. Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 November, 9.30am – 2.30pm These clinics are providing Pfizer vaccinations for anyone aged 12 and over. No appointment is needed. Please bring your Medicare Card if you have one.  Other NSW Health clinics in Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Lismore and Grafton are also providing walk-in and booked appointments. Find your closest clinic at the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Grants for marketing, product, business and regional event development are now open to help local businesses recover after months of Covid restrictions.The NSW Government will invest more than $8 million in a suite of grant programs to accelerate the recovery of the NSW visitor economy as the state reopens to visitors.  Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism Stuart Ayres said the funding would be a significant boost to the visitor economy as travel restrictions lifted.“This funding will create jobs, enhance the visitor experience, support the return of lifestyle and business events in regional NSW and promote our regions as ‘must-visit’ destinations, generating hundreds of millions in visitor expenditure,” Mr Ayres said.“These grants are all about assisting NSW tourism operators and event organisers to develop and deliver the best possible visitor experiences and ensure we are the number one state to visit as we reopen to the world post COVID-19.“Whether it’s to upgrade the standard of accommodation, develop an entirely new visitor experience, stage conferences and regional events, or deliver a compelling destination marketing campaign, these grants will ensure NSW remains top-of-mind for all types of visitors.“Supporting our tourism operators is a top priority. They are the backbone of the visitor economy – their passion and resilience and incredible diversity of offerings are key to the state’s success.”The $8.35 million will be delivered through the following programs:$4.1 million Tourism Product Development Fund – to support regional accommodation renewal and new visitor experiences$1.5 million Regional Event Fund – to support new and flagship regional events$2 million Co-operative Marketing Program – leveraging Destination NSW’s new Feel New marketing campaign$750,000 Regional Business Event Development Fund – to create, attract and support new business events for regional NSW The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, will deliver the grants and support recipients to best manage their project delivery.For more information on these funding programs and all other support available to businesses, go to http://www.destinationnsw.com.au/funding

While five new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) over the past 24 hours, none were in Lismore LGA.NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said the new Covid cases are in the Grafton area of the Clarence Valley Local Government Area (LGA).“The cases are household contacts, and the source of infection is under investigation,” Mr Jones said.The mobile vaccination van, however will be in Lismore LGA - in Goonellabah today and tomorrow. The van is a collaboration with Social Futures, and will move to Kyogle and Woodenbong next week.  “We continue to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are able to, and to be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested immediately if symptoms develop.”There have now been 130 total cases in NNSWLHD since 16 June. “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,” Mr Jones said.There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP. Mobile vaccination clinic locations  Goonellabah: Goonellabah Football (Soccer) Club, Reserve Street, Goonellabah (near tennis courts) Thursday 4 and Friday 5 November, open 9.30am to 2.30pm. Kyogle: Visitor Information Centre, cnr Anzac Pde and Summerland Way Monday November, open 9.30am to 2.30pm.  Woodenbong: Woodenbong Park, Unumgar Street, behind Public Hall Tuesday 9 November, 9.30am to 2.30pm. These clinics are providing Pfizer vaccinations for anyone aged 12 and over. No appointment is needed. Please bring your Medicare Card if you have one.  Other NSW Health clinics in Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Lismore and Grafton are also providing walk-in and booked appointments. 

After numerous sightings of burnt-out cars and increased social media conversation reporting car theft and items stolen from cars, local police have provided some up to date information to the Lismore App. Read more on the Lismore App about recently sighted burnt out cars During the month of October, 12 motor vehicles were reported stolen in the Lismore area. Two vehicles were abandoned and seven vehicle fires were reported.Read more news: Police release images of burnt-out car after earlier carjackingRichmond Police District's Superintendent Scott Tanner and his crew from Richmond Police District have been dealing with these incidents.Despite the numbers looking high, Supt Tanner told the Lismore App they are actually decreasing - and most stolen vehicles are taken from people’s homes.“The majority of vehicles stolen from Lismore occur from residential addresses with the vehicles being unlocked at the time and keys in the vehicle. This makes it very easy for thieves to take the cars,” Supt Tanner said.“The crime of stolen motor vehicles is largely opportunistic, that is the thief walks along trying car doors until he finds one that is unlocked,” he added.“To make it harder for thieves a few simple steps is all that is required - lock your vehicle, never leave keys, even a spare set, in your vehicle. Don’t have valuable items such as phones, computerware etc visible within your car. This entices thieves to break in as they can readily on-sell such items,” Supt Tanner explained.The Superintendent said Goonellabah is the area most prone to stolen vehicles and that police don’t believe there is a link between these recent vehicle-related crimes.No arrests have yet been made.

With a local council election fast approaching in flood-prone Lismore, the issue of how we prepare for and manage floods has been taken up by a number of election candidates, including Patrick Healy, Steve Krieg and Elly Bird.This week, Lismore City Council’s Flood Mitigation Plan received criticism from independent Mayoral candidates Patrick Healey and Steve Krieg – who both say that thecurrent plan which includes ‘nature based solutions’ is not enough to protect Lismore against future floods.Their criticism was refuted by current Lismore Councilor Elly Bird, who said their comments were based on incorrect assumptions.Engineering solutionsMr Healy criticised Council’s plan saying “we need a flood mitigation plan that is based on more than planting trees which is what our Council wants to do”.“All options should be on the table, including modern engineering solutions, otherwise, our community will once again be devastated by flooding,” he said.“To take engineering solutions off the table will inhibit our chances of gaining State Government grants and delay any flood protection for another 10 to 15 years.“South and North Lismore will be left particularly vulnerable, as will our industrial zones. We need to protect these areas to ensure that we can attract businesses that will create jobs in our community.“We believe that all Council decisions should be supported by logical, practical and non-ideological decision making."More criticismMayoral candidate Steve Krieg joined in with criticism of the Lismore Floodplain Committee and the Flood Mitigation Plan, saying “our town deserves a real plan, not an ideological driven agenda”.“Lismore is the most flood affected community in Australia, with over 130 floods in 150 years of official records,” Mr Krieg said.“Flooding is a very emotional topic for me, my business and my family’s livelihood were thrown into complete disarray because of the 2017 flood.”“It is close to five years since the flood, and nothing of value has been achieved by the Floodplain Committee.“After all this time, they are now saying the answer is to plant more trees up the river – it is simply ridiculous.”“We need a comprehensive, independent plan for flood mitigation across the whole catchment.”“Misinformed”Current Lismore City Councillor Elly Bird said Mr Healy and Mr Krieg were misinformed about the current status of the flood mitigation plan, saying that engineered mitigation solutions are not “off the table”.“The Lismore Floodplain Management Plan is not finalised and is still open for community comment and consultation,” Ms Bird said.Read more news: Our Sustainable Futures launch local election campaign Raise the levy wallMs Bird said while nature based solutions, including planting trees are part of the solution – she sees raising the levy wall as “the only option that will have significant impact in a major flood”.“However, doing so will greatly disadvantage North and South Lismore and may also have significant impacts downstream,” she said.“What nature based solutions can do is slow the water by holding it in the upper catchments for longer and giving more time for evacuations.“What they can also do is bring catchment wide environmental benefits in a changing climate. “These benefits include preventing significant loss of soil during our regular, moderate floods which will provide ongoing resilience and benefits for our agricultural industries.All flood events“The plan is not just about major flood events – we get moderate floods and too.“Each time we get minor or moderate floods we get silt coming through the waterways and need to manage this and include environmental sustainable nature options on the plan.”Flood modellingMs Bird said Council’s Floodplain plan is based on a modelling study that demonstrates the possible impacts of engineering solutions using accurate data.“Council is now moving into the preparation of the plan using the information that has been gathered during the study,” she said.Community consultation“Community consultation will occur in the next few months, which will highlight community preparedness and flood literacy, but it will also include the mitigation options that have been modelled.“The final plan will then be further developed and brought to the new Council for adoption sometime in 2023.“Council has prioritised improving community awareness and preparedness in the development of the plan which is absolutely fundamental.“Engineering alone is not the answer to flooding in Lismore.”“We are a flood city and as a community above all else we should know what that means and what to do when it floods. “Council has also decided to thoroughly investigate the potential of nature based solutions which have had significant uptake throughout Europe.“There is no suggestion that nature based solutions will ‘protect’ Lismore from a catastrophic flood. Nothing can do that, we live on a floodplain.”

In the countdown to the December 4 Lismore City Council elections, the Our Sustainable Future party, led by current Councillor Elly Bird, has officially launched its campaign today.Councillor Bird is running for Mayor of Lismore City Council with a team of long term locals, business owners and environmental advocates on her ticket.“As Mayor I would lead our community to face our challenges head on, focusing on working together with councillors, staff and our community, to find practical, positive and sustainable solutions," Ms Bird said.“Our priority focus for the next term of Council and beyond is climate resilience and disaster preparedness; affordable housing; financial sustainability for the organisation; and prioritising roads, infrastructure maintenance and efficient waste management into the future."We are totally committed to sustainable economic development and supporting our business community to grow and to establish new initiatives that will enhance and improve our unique community identity.” “Our positions on key policy areas of interest to our community are:we oppose the Dunoon Dam and support resilient system wide water efficiencies and solutions like purified recycled water;we will prioritise CBD revitalisation and business recovery from Covid;we support development on North Lismore Plateau which has been a long term strategic goal for Council for many years, and which has been through a detailed and thorough consultation process with Traditional Custodians;and we support the Rail Trail because of the economic benefits it will bring to Lismore.”“I've been on Council for five years, I was elected in 2016 after five years working on the successful campaign to make the Northern Rivers Gasfield Free. "Since then I've proven that I am an active and responsive Councillor - I led our flood recovery with Lismore Helping Hands, supported our community through the bushfires, and I have consistently advocated for local businesses. I am experienced, diligent and committed. I show up, I work hard, and I listen. “I have the right balance of experience and passion required to lead a new Council with many new faces following the upcoming election."I have the skills, the dedication and the commitment to be the next Mayor of Lismore and I am looking forward to working in partnership with our community to build a future we can all be proud of.” “Gwen Trimble is a long term resident of Nimbin and is on our ticket as number two. We are working hard to have Gwen elected to Council alongside me as a sorely needed Nimbin representative. As our largest village and our most significant tourist destination Nimbin needs dedicated representation on Council.”  “Gwen is active in the community, she is a member of Lismore Council’s Nimbin Advisory Group; actively campaigned against coal seam gas mining; and drove the campaign for Nimbin’s rural water consumers to retain their town water supply.” Other candidates on the Our Sustainable Future ticket are Carlos Vieira-Silva and Deborah Ray, who are both business owners in the Lismore CBD, Jyllie Jackson the driving force behind the Lismore Lantern Parade, and Simon Clough previous Deputy Mayor and long-term community campaigner.

One new case of Covid-19 has been reported in our local health district, with the person being located in the Casino area.This news comes as Covid fragments have been detected in sewage in Byron Bay and Mullumbimby - and NSW records 268 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) acting chief executive Lynne Weir said the new, local case is linked to a cluster of cases in the Mid North Coast associated with a funeral held in Lions Park, Nambucca Heads on 23 October.  “Anyone who attended the funeral is asked to isolate immediately, get tested and remain isolated until they receive a negative result or are contacted directly by NSW Health,” Ms Weir said. “The North Coast Public Health Unit is working to assess whether people who attended the funeral will be classified as close or casual contacts.”The total number of cases in NNSWLHD since 16 June is now 123. Sewage detections in Byron Bay and Mullumbimby Residents and visitors in the Byron Bay and Mullumbimby areas are asked to be vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested if any symptoms develop, following the detection of fragments of the virus in sewage samples taken from both sewage treatment plants on 26 October.  This is the second consecutive detection for the Byron Bay treatment plant. The last recorded case in the Byron Shire LGA was on 7 October. “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,” Ms Weir said.The Byron Central Hospital testing clinic on Ewingsdale Road is open seven days a week, from 9am – 5pm. There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP. Walk-In Vaccination ClinicThe Lismore vaccination clinic is now providing walk-in and booked appointments and is located at Shop 13, Lismore Square Shopping Centre, Cnr Brewster and Uralba Streets, Lismore. Open seven days 7.30am – 4pm This clinics is accessible and inclusive for people with a disability, and reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate access if required. Northern NSW Local Health District is reminding our community to be mindful of the current public health orders which require a person to be fully vaccinated to attend certain premises and public outdoor gatherings.  You can find the current requirements for both individuals and businesses on the NSW Government website at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/rules These public health orders are in place to reduce any transmission of COVID-19 in our community, thereby reducing the chance that we will see future large outbreaks, and reducing the likelihood that people in our community, particularly those who are vulnerable, may become severely ill or require hospital admission

Behind the new Lismore Floor Coverings shop on Woodlark Street is a home grown love story of two close-knit Lismore born and bred sisters and their husbands.The new retail shop opened two weeks ago (in the old locksmith shop) and is the family business of Megan and Jeremy Marsden - and Melissa and Travis Johnston.“We are such a close family,” Megan said. “We all get on so well and we know we are here for each other and will make this business work,” Megan said.The two couples went to school in Lismore – where Melissa and Travis met as students at Lismore High School.Travis said he has been working in flooring for 21 years (since he was 17) and he brings his expertise to the new business.Now, between the four of them, they bring a combined expertise in laying flooring, with sales and admin to the brand new business.With the catchphrase “we have your carpets covered”, Travis said they provide service from flooring sales to laying of the carpet. “We offer a free measure and quote and can even pull up the carpet if the customer wants," he said.Jeremy comes from a sales background and said people can come in or “give us a call and we can help them with what they want”.“You can come in and touch and feel the flooring options - and see what you can afford,” he said.“We can also order online anything you have in mind and get it in."Megan said choosing carpet or flooring is a very personal choice for everyone.“Every carpet has a different feel and texture and people often choose for comfort,” she said.Travis said when he started in the flooring business, wool carpet was popular - but now it’s more nylon based.“Grey tones are also very popular now, but they are always changing with the fashions," he said.The shop stocks the latest in vinyl flooring planks, which Melissa said are easy to maintain and very similar to timber flooring.Contact and visitYou can visit the shop and browse the showroom at 113 Woodlark Street, Lismore.You can also call 56291189, email admin@lismorefloorcoverings.com.au and visit the website http://www.lismorefloorcoverings.com.au

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.”