A new rainbow pavilion and a queer black mob mural are on the way to the Tropical Fruits clubhouse in South Lismore. The new installations are set to make Lismore’s diverse LGBTIQ+ social club into an ever bigger, vibrant community hub than it already is.Tropical Fruits president Marie Reilly said the new infrastructure was thanks to two grants recently won by the club – one of which was a $9,000 Federal Government Stronger Communities Programme grant to build a new picnic shelter and additional art space at the clubhouse.“We have a parcel of land next to the clubhouse that we will build the permanent, roofed structure on, and we have bought a nearby house too, so we can expand and make the dream happen,” Marie said.“We have a big dream to make our clubhouse a community hub with more outdoor, all weather events held here. “Recently The Lesbian Caucus ran a women’s event ‘Women on the Green’ here and it was great.“Our long term goal is to have a pizza oven and a fire circle too.”Marie said the club also won a Healthy North Coast grant to create a ‘celebrating queer black mob’ mural at the clubhouse.“We are collaborating with the Queer Black Fruits Indigenous advisory group and local Indigenous artists for that,” she said.“We may create it as a free standing mural on the western side of the paddock and plant shade trees there.”With the help of community volunteers like the Bush Fruits Landcare group to plant trees, Marie is excited to make the two projects come to life.“We love the clubhouse,” she said. “We have the Transformers monthly trans social group and the Fresh Fruits youth group who meet here and use the space too. We love bringing people together.”EventsMarie said Tropical Fruits’ annual New Years Eve event brings in an estimated $5 to 10 million dollars to the local economy each year.“We are proud to be part of Lismore and the event’s cancellation last year was a blow to the club and the whole town,” she said.“It is not a little thing is a small regional economy like ours.“Tropical Fruits is a social club that is run by and for the LBGTIQ+ community and all our friends and allies and we have a great relationship with Lismore town,” she said.Fair Day in SeptemberMarie said plans were going ahead to hold the annual Fair Day at the Lismore Showgrounds on September 12, from 11am to 5pm.“It is an outdoors event and we are very confident it will go ahead as planned, under restrictions,” she said.“We will have the usual dog show, kids’ activities, cabaret show, hat parade show, bake off and photography show.“This year we also have a t-shirt design competition for young people. The winner gets their design printed onto a t-shirt.“It’s an inclusive day for the whole family – kids and dogs too. Come and chill on the grass and listen to tunes and it’s only costs a $5 entry fee.”

It may come as no surprise – but this morning, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that Queensland is closing its border to NSW.The closure begins at 1am tomorrow morning (Friday, July 23) as Queensland declares the whole of NSW a hotspot.For the next four weeks, only NSW/QLD border zone residents can enter the state for "essential reasons".In good news for Lismore – our area is included in this allowed border zone.This is despite the news that two construction workers at the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment site were identified as close contacts of a COVID-19 exposure site in Coffs Harbour. Read more: Lismore Base Hospital construction workers in isolation.Essential reasons for cross border travel include healthcare, work, education, essential shopping and caring for vulnerable people.Queensland residents will be able to travel into the NSW border zone for similar reasons, but not further than the border zone.Queensland residents can return from non-border zone locations in NSW, but will need to complete 14 days in hotel quarantine.Other local government areas and regions in the NSW/Qld border zone are Ballina, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Byron, Clarence Valley, Glen Innes Severn, Gwydir, Inverell, Kyogle, Lismore, Moree Plains, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield, Tweed, Unincorporated Far West and Walgett.The border closure comes after NSW records 124 new locally acquired cases. It is the highest daily number in the current outbreak, which began mid-June.The QLD/NSW border could reopen sooner than the four weeks, depending on the outcome of their current outbreak.Travel requirementsFace mask restrictions will continue to apply in South East Queensland. This includes anyone who has been to the impacted areas in South East Queensland in the last 14 days.If you need to travel to Queensland, you must complete a Queensland Travel Declaration to enter Queensland from anywhere in Australia or New Zealand, including returning Queensland residents.You must complete the Queensland Travel Declaration in the 3 days before you travel to Queensland. It takes a few minutes to complete and your declaration will be sent to your email.You will be asked where you have been in the past 14 days. You must list all states and territories you have visited, even if your visit was brief or you travelled through an area.If conditions change or you need to update your travel details, you’ll need to complete a new declaration with updated details before you enter Queensland.Read more about where you can travel to: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/travelling-to-queenslandNSW Covid updateOf the 124 NSW locally acquired cases, 67 are linked to a known case or cluster – 45 are household contacts and 22 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 57 cases is under investigation.Thirty-seven cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 22 cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Forty-eight cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 17 cases remains under investigation.No new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Four cases reported previously, but since found to be false positives, have been excluded, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 7,164.There have been 1,648 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in the Bondi cluster was reported.There are currently 118 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 28 people in intensive care, 14 of whom require ventilation.There were 85,185 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm last night, a new record compared with the previous day’s total of 83,477.NSW Health administered 23,549 COVID-19 vaccines in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, including 7,923 at the vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park.The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 3,226,932, with 1,258,864 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 1,968,068 administered by the GP network and other providers to 11:59pm on Tuesday 20 July 2021.

The Curious Kookaburra has flown into the Star Court Arcade, making a new crafty space for community creators.According to shop owner Rebecca Ryan, her new Curious Kookaburra Creatory might generate a lot of fun and laughter - but it’s a serious business.Rebecca recently opened the Creatory after a huge response from locals who loved her creative and artistic workshops. She said the new arcade space can be used by people in the community who want to run their own small gatherings and workshops.The Curious Kookaburra Creatory is Rebecca’s second business in Lismore. Last October, she opened The Curious Kookaburra on Keen Street - selling all things hand-made by local craftspeople.Read more: The Curious Kookaburra shop flies into the CBDAbove: Rebecca Ryan in the Curious Kookaburra Keen Street shop. Below: The new Curious Kookaburra Creatory space.“Last year, I knew business would be slow because of Covid and travel restrictions,” Rebecca said, “So to keep things busy, I started running crafting workshops in the small Keen Street shop. “They were so popular, I was coming in on my days off to rearrange the shop and set up for them. “I saw there was enough demand for workshops, so I needed a space that could be used for creating all the time. "When I found the new arcade shop space with its natural light and floor tiles, I knew it as perfect for doing creative things”“Now, I have social groups who meet there and people hire it for private creative functions - and their own workshops. “Someone recently had a crafternoon high tea birthday party and this week a class started there teaching Japanese lessons.”Rebecca said the new space is just another way she can support the local community to be creative.“Being creative is my passion,” she said. “I’ve been sewing since I was a kid and I’ve done loom weaving, basket weaving, photography, leather work, ceramics and mixed media collaging.“When I opened the Curious Kookaburra shop, it was all about supporting creative makers to get their stuff out in the community - and share their talent with other people.“It was a natural progression to start running workshops - and the new space encourages everyone to be creative.”Rebecca said this weekend, she will be running her own workshop in the Creatory, showing people how to make a fabric satchel bag.“Recently, someone held a leather gemstone pendant making workshop and the next leather work workshop is already booked out,” she said.If you would like to rent out the Curious Kookaburra Creatory space at 15 Star Court Arcade, you can rent it by the hour or on a regular basis. For more information, visit the Curious Kookaburra Creatory Facebook page or phone Rebecca Ryan on 0408 478 253.

Culture buffs are in for a real treat this coming Saturday when Lismore Star Court Theatre celebrates 100 years of being the first and foremost live performance and film theatre in the Northern Rivers.Originally the ‘Diggers Theatre’ it was located next to Lismore’s Commercial Hotel in Woodlark Street.At the time an open-air theatre with a canvas roof it drew a prospectus and raised $22,000 for TJ Dorgan who then built what is known today as the Star Court Theatre and Arcade with its twenties brick façade, opening with much fanfare on 18th July, 1921.At the arrival of sound the theatre had a facelift, with new seats, carpet and drapes and the new RCA Photophone.Families could also enjoy a matinee and many films were accompanied by the latest leading Vaudeville artists.TJ Dorgan passed in 1944 leaving the management of the Star Court to Fred Kehoe between 1934-1963. During this time North Coast Theatres and HJ Harder managed the theatre. In 1980 Birch Caroll and Coyle acquired and refurbished it to accommodate a seating capacity of 450. It was renamed Cinema Lismore.Over the course of the following sixteen years many films were screened at the beloved cinema with its iconic green seats that put your bum to sleep.When 1996 rolled around prominent businessman, visionary and mentor Dr Floriano Volpato OAM bought the Theatre. To this day his son, Nicola Volpato in tandem with Court Stars Entertainment are committed to revitalizing The Star Court Theatre’s glory days by ensuring a space rich with avant-garde cultural flavours and live performances. In keeping with this theme, Sharon Rigby and Sarah-Jane Loxton have prepared a Gala to celebrate the Star Courts wondrous history and heritage with a special screening of the silent film ‘The Razor Gang’.“We went to the historical society and they had a snippet of it,” Ms Loxton said.“It was filmed in 1928 and was filmed at the same time as the memorial baths were opened. “There’s footage of the theatre, the baths, and other parts around the area.”Ms Loxton said that the film was made by American stuntman and husband to famous silent-era actress Eva Novak, William Reed. “There is a tie to Hollywood in Lismore.“It’s a really cool little piece of history – traditional silent film had live music playing with it.  “When the Star Court was first built there was an orchestra pit along with live ballet and music too.”The event will be hosted and MC’d by local musician and performer Ilona Harker and the silent film will have music accompaniment by Vincent and Buttons.There will also be performances by Black Train and Jex Lopez.The night kicks off at 7.00 pm. For more information please visit their event page here. Or via their Facebook event page.

Around 2.00 pm yesterday afternoon, a man in his 80s rolled his car on the Bruxner Hwy near Casino.Paramedics on the scene said the man suffered chest and head injuries and the man was transported to Lismore Base Hospital.The man was discharged from Lismore Base Hospital yesterday evening in a stable condition.

The strains of Kate Bush’s song ‘Wuthering Heights’ will float down North Lismore’s Wotherspoon Street this Saturday when a gang of Kate Bush look-a-likes gather to dance to the iconic song.There will be plenty of red dresses and floaty arm waving as Kate’s fans re-enact her unique dance style – made famous in the Wuthering Heights music video.This Saturday, July 17 marks an International day of celebrating Kate Bush’s birthday and in Lismore, the local gathering is called The Most Wuthering Heights Day Lismore.Organiser and Kate Bush fan, Donna Spotty Girl Walker, invites anyone interested in participating or watching, to come along.All you need to do is wear red, watch the song’s video and try to emulate her dance movements.If you can look like Kate Bush, even better - wear a floaty red dress, put on a black wig and wear a red flower in your hair.The fun all started about five years ago when a group of locals (The Kates of Lismore) who loved the song ‘Wuthering Heights’ started up the local event.“We all love the song, dressing up like Kate Bush and the energy of getting out and dancing in the park for fun,” Donna said.“Anyone who wants to get involved just needs to look at the dance in the song’s video before they come.“There’s even an instructional video on YouTube that people can watch to see the simple moves we will do.”People are encouraged to arrive by 10.30am and then go through a few practice runs of the song before it is captured on film by Tony Batchelor, with intentions to be uploaded to YouTube – along with hundreds of others across the world.“We will all be outside and socially distanced - and people can choose to wear masks,” Donna said.“Even if you don’t want to participate come, bring the kids and puppies, and just watch – and bring your own chair if you want to sit down.”The event will be held at the little park at the end of Wotherspoon Street in North Lismore, from 10.30 to 11.30am.Donna said there’s not much parking on the street, so it’s best to park on Bridge Street and walk down to the park.“It’s looking to be good weather on Saturday,” she said “If it rains we will call it off.“After we are done, we usually all go to the Northern Rivers Hotel together.”For more information, visit the event Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/The-Most-Wuthering-Heights-Day-Lismore-110903530684919/

The Lismore Showgrounds has long been a place of refuge for people who need a camp site.So, when some unhappy campers were asked to move on after their two week stay was up, the Lismore App wanted to find out what the camping rules there actually are.According to North Coast National secretary Mark Sollom, the length of stay for any campers has always officially been two weeks.“Our Development Approval (DA) allows people to stay here up to two weeks at a time and no more than 50 days a year,” Mark said.“This was not always adhered to and during Covid time, the previous secretary was told people could stay longer.“But to continue with this would be in contradiction of our DA.”EmergenciesThe Lismore Showgrounds has long been used in times of emergencies to support people in need. Read more: Lismore Showground shelters bushfire survivors Lismore Showgrounds is designated as a fire safety area, not an emergency evacuation centre.It was used during the 2019 bushfire season, where many locals and travellers camped there to escape potential fire threats.The showground has toilet and shower facilities and camping in tents and caravans only is allowed.It can only be used for camping when events are not being held there.“Everyone comes here on the understanding they have to clear out for events, so it’s not a big deal,” Mark said.The Lismore ShowMark said planning is well underway for the Showgrounds’ big annual event in October – the Lismore Show.“We are forging ahead with plans to hold the show on October 21 to 23,” Mark said.“Last year’s event was cancelled because of Covid, so it’s important that we are able to hold it this year – it’s one of the main ways we make money to keep the showground running.” 

Lismore’s unique dramatic diva, Jex Lopez, is ready to spread her musical quirkiness on tour across Australia.Jex recently won a $25,000 contemporary music touring grant from the Australia Council to take her new self titled album on a national tour.It’s an adventure that will start in Lismore on September 10, when she officially launches the album at the Star Court Theatre.The grantJex said getting the grant was a massive process, involving a lot of work putting together an application to get her show on the road.“It’s a prestigious grant,” Jex said “When applying, you have to organise the tour as if you are actually going to do it – even though you may not get the money.“I dreamed big and booked all the venues, believing I was going to get the grant. I got support letters from Mojo Juju and Kate Stroud.”The tourOn tour with Jex (on piano and vocals) will be tour manager Gabby Le Brun, Bec Newman on guitar and harmonies, Melissa Hunt on double bass and clarinet and Jex’s partner Tia Mavanie on projections and visuals.With two pianos in tow, the three and a half week long tour will travel by van from Brisbane down to Sydney - at 12 gigs at different locations.Locations include Federal, Murwillumbah Brisbane, Tenterfield, Armidale, Sydney, Newcastle and the Blue Mountains.“We will perform at fancy old theatres along the way, and will join up with Newcastle’s New Annual Festival at the Civic Playhouse,” Jex said.Jex said having Elly on tour was important - as she could liaise with venues - and iron out the logistical details“There are so many hidden things people don’t realise happen in touring – such as organising accommodation and being on the door at venues," she said.“After 15 years of performing and doing most of it myself at gigs, it’s great to have the support.”The albumJex said she’s excited about the launch of her second album – which she self-funded to record.“I launched an online fundraiser online to help pay for the album – and I’m putting on a dinner,” she said. “It costs about $10,000 all up to record it.”Jex’s new album involved the musical talents of different local artists, including Tilly Jones, Mr Rhodes, Bec Newman, Melissa Hunt, Vonnstar, Helen Pollock and Matthew Lindon.Her genre-defying album is a musical mix of latin, blues, dramatic singing and skillful piano and her vocals have been described as “haunting” with a touch of operatic blues and a dose of Latin Diva.”Jex said her songs tell tales of truth on recovering from trauma, racism, hybrid identities, deaths in custody and self love.“I like to create safe spaces to talk about marginalized issues and taboo topics,” she said.“I’ve a long history of being involved with social justice issues over the years as a performer, activist, teacher and musician.“My songs draw on my own life experiences and speak about recovering from sexual trauma, racism, self love, mental health and migration.“I want to flip society on its head and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including sexuality, ethnicity and disability.“I am about truth, justice, bravery and beauty in all its weird and diverse forms.”The launch in LismoreThe album will be launched on September 10 at the Star Court Theatre, with local support act Mykaela Jay.Jex said launching the album in Lismore was important to her, as a big part of her fan base was here.“I have a lot of support from the queer and socially progressive activist communities in Lismore and Sydney,” Jex said.The event will be opened by local Widjabal leader Cindy Roberts – who will perform a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.Iranian spoken word artist Sahar will support Jex at the Regent in Murwillumbah.To attend or find out more about the Lismore album launch on September 10, visit https://www.starcourttheatre.com.au/events/13731You can also follow her music on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jexlopezmusic/

The current Covid restrictions and mask wearing rules for regional NSW have been extended again by another two weeks until the end of July.Read more news: Disappointed organisers cancel Byron Writer's Festival In a press conference today, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the lockdown in the Sydney region which was due to end this Friday has been extended for at least two weeks to July 30. The Premier said the lockdown was necessary, after NSW recorded 97 new Covid-19 cases.She also said that while it "hurt" to have to extend the lockdown, state could not afford any setbacks."We want to get out of this lockdown as soon as we can and that is why we have the settings in place that we have,” she said.“The current settings in terms of what people can't do won't change for at least two weeks.“Of course, if health advice changes and we need to do anything further, we will.”Read more local news: Shopkeepers targeted in mask-wearing signage controversyCasesOf the recorded Covid cases, 70 of them were in Sydney's south west and 24 of the new cases were out in the community while infectious.While most of the new infections were linked to known clusters, the source of 36 remained under investigation.NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said there were currently 71 COVID-19 patients in hospital.Twenty of them were in intensive care, four of whom were ventilated.StudentsThe extension of the lockdown means it will overlap with the start of HSC trials for Year 12 students, with home learning continuing for Sydney school students for another two weeks. The Premier said special arrangements would be put in place for those students.With tighter restrictions also now in place in parts of Sydney, the Premier said financial support measures were now in place to allow non-essential workers to stay at home.

Almost 2.2 million NSW workers will benefit from a boost to their nest egg as the super rate increases to 10%, with young workers and low to middle-income earners the big winners.From this month an extra $246 a year will flow into the super accounts of the average NSW worker.This super boost may be small, but it will make a big difference at retirement – with a 30-year-old on the median wage expected to have an extra $19,000 at retirement, a couple will have an extra $38,000.In total NSW workers will get an extra $541 million paid in super in the next 12 months.More than one in four NSW workers who get the super increase will be in their 20s (see tables below).The extra contributions will help these young workers recoup the savings they lost after they were encouraged to raid their super to support themselves through the Coronavirus downturn.Industry Super Australia analysis of tax file data shows that more NSW women than men will receive the July 1 super boost – 1.13 million women compared with 1.07 million men.Nearly half of the NSW workers getting the SG increase are on wages less than $55,000 – many of these almost 1 million workers are in line for a five-figure boost to their retirement savings – which will improve their quality of life at retirement dramatically.The super rate is legislated to rise from 9.5% to 12% by 2025 by annual 0.5% increases. At the Budget this year the government re-committed to its election pledge to stick to the legislated schedule.This commitment to 12% super will deliver an extra $85,000 to the typical workers’ retirement savings.The increase to 12% will also:• Add $170,000 to the retirement nest egg of the average 30-year-old couple• Save $33 billion in Age Pension costs over coming decades• Inoculate retirees from future adverse changes to the Age Pension• Add $12 billion to Australia’s GDP, create 10,000 jobs and increase real wages, according to research from independent consultants ACIL Allen.The Superannuation Guarantee is a critical response to the ageing population and improves retirement incomes of working people in a fiscally sustainable manner.Although still maturing, annual superannuation retirement benefit payments are already double age pension expenditures.Industry Super Australia Chief Executive Bernie Dean said these small increases will add up to make a huge positive difference for millions of NSW workers when they retire.“These increases will give women more financial independence and that means a better shot at a dignified life in retirement, not one marked by poverty.“Young people will be the big winners from these increases and help those that raided their super last year, during the downturn, make up some of the lost ground.”“This is the first of a number of increases the government has promised and locked in law for the coming few years," Mr Dean said.

More than 136,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have now been administered on the North Coast. More than 125 general practices are providing vaccinations, along with Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics and NSW Health hubs. By the end of this week, there will be 20 general practices providing the Pfizer vaccine. This will increase to 35 by the end of July as more practices are onboarded. Towns with GP clinics onboarding Pfizer in July: Lismore area: Alstonville, Goonellabah, Lennox Head, Casino, Evans Head Tweed area: Bilambil Heights, Cabarita Beach, Banora Point, Kingscliff, Tweed Heads South Byron area: Ocean Shores Grafton area: Grafton, South Grafton, Maclean, Urunga Coffs Harbour area: Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Bellingen Port Macquarie area: Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Crescent Head, Macksville, Lakewood, South West Rocks, Wauchope. NSW Health has also established vaccination centres at Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie hospitals, as well as pop-up clinics with Pfizer at Lismore Square Shopping Centre, Tweed Mall, and the Link Arcade in Grafton. Don’t forget the best way to find out when and where to book a vaccination is by using the online Vaccine Eligibility Checker and clinic finder or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. COVID-19 restrictions  UPDATECOVID-19 restrictions in regional NSW and Greater Sydney have been extended until 16 July 2021.  The restrictions for regional NSW include limits on the number of visitors people can have at home, and mandatory mask-wearing on public transport, in non-residential indoor areas (including workplaces), at airports and on commercial flights.  There are also travel restrictions for entering NSW and entering Queensland. Learn more about the current COVID-19 rules and restrictions on the NSW Health website and Queensland Health’s website. Due to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, everyone in Greater Sydney must stay home unless they have a reasonable excuse. Stay at home rules and restrictions apply to people who live in, usually work in, or usually attend a university or other tertiary education facility in Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour). Anyone who has been in the Greater Sydney region, on or after Monday 21 June, must follow the stay-at-home rules for 14 days after leaving Greater Sydney, unless exempt. It is important for anyone who has visited Greater Sydney since 21 June to regularly review the case locations and follow the relevant health advice. Border zone residents As the border zone requirements are changing frequently, we urge you to check the government websites before travelling in either direction across the NSW–Queensland border. 

Lismore is fast becoming a hub for antique and collectible wares with another premises set to open its doors tomorrow in Woodlark Street.Three antique businesses are now homed in the old Peugeot building; David and Anna Manby of Lismore Collectables, Anton and Nora Covre of Eclectica, and Nollie and Luke Nahrung of Punt & Crick. Each business has years of experience and deal in a wide range of retro, vintage, antiques, collectibles … everything from clothing, books, vinyl records, Australian pottery, glassware, retro furniture, carvings among many other items.Mr and Mrs Manby have owned Lismore Collectables for approximately ten years, and have been in business in Lismore for fifteen years after also owning another antiques store.Needing to move from their previous location Mr Manby said that when the old Peugeot building came on the market they decided to purchase it.“We’re very happy to be in this building,” he said.“We’re the second owners in about eighty years.“It was the first building on Woodlark Street, originally a blacksmith shop and it dates back to the 1850s.”Mr Manby added that they can assist people with acquiring a valuation yet commented that traditional valuations today are more or less a do-it-yourself online job.“The antique dealers of old where they would value an item no longer happen today.“It boils down to what an item sells for is what it’s worth.“We can certainly assist people; we certainly don’t mind people coming in asking us what something is worth then we can point them in the right direction and give them that assistance.”The three proprietors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge and are open to buying locally, whether a single item or an entire household lot.“Come in and talk to us, we’re always looking for new stock,” Mr Manby said. Common items within the Northern Rivers include vintage milk cans, tools, old farm equipment, vintage signs, old wooden crates with Lismore cordials or Norco printed on them.“They’re always quite sought after and a lot of tourists like to buy them if they’re coming through the area. Collectors may want something to remember the Northern Rivers by so a bottle from Casino, Ballina or Lismore are always good items to sell.“We also see a lot of Australian 50s pottery, 60s glassware, lots of different things, it’s a real variety.“We’ll be opening tomorrow from 10.00am. “Normal operational hours will be Monday to Friday 10.00am-2.30pm and 10.00am-2.00pm on Saturdays.” The three dealers have all been collecting for around thirty years and selling from around fifteen years in the local area.According to Mr Manby old antiques especially old brown furniture has ‘gone off the boil’ in the last five to ten years whereas the mid-century modern stuff like mid 50s through to mid-70s items are really popular.“It’s hard to sell vintage brown cupboards but it’s easy to sell beautiful bright red laminated tables from the 50s and 60s. “Kitch items are also trending. Some of the pictures we used to throw away to the op-shop are now actually quite trendy.“Also, kitchen canisters. Years ago the enamel canisters were really big and popular, nowadays some of the bright coloured plastic canisters from the 60s are far more popular.”Across the road, Adam Bailey is relaunching his store Northern Rivers Collectables to coincide with Punt & Crick.“I’m relaunching the store after it’s been closed for about a month and a half, and now it’s wholly and solely myself and I’ve got some local artists that have put their artwork in as well.”Mr Bailey said that Lismore has a burgeoning antique and collectibles precinct with each shop offering something unique and different.“We’ve got The Fairmarket Lismore Antique Centre in Keen Street, which is a fantastic shop, and also Carrington Bazaar which is really good.”  “We want to make Woodlark Street the place where everyone can come down and revel in all these antiques,” Mr Bailey said.New CBD florist brings colour back to the block

A Lismore business owner was threatened with a law suit this week, over shop signage which directed customers to wear masks.According to the business owner, the customer claimed he would instigate a class action law suit against Lismore businesses who discriminated against people who didn't wear masks.With the current Covid restrictions extended for another week, the incident raises questions about what best practice should be for local business owners who are confronted by customers - as they trade under the NSW Covid restrictions rules.To clarify the situation, The Lismore App spoke to the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and local business owners, and got some helpful tips about how to navigate some of the ‘grey’ areas in the rules over mask wearing and signage.The incidentOne Lismore business owner (who wishes not to be named) said Wednesday last week, a man came into the shop and was told to put on a mask by a staff member.“So, he took out a mask and put it on,” the business owner said.“He made a comment about our sign that said ‘no mask no entry - unless you have an exemption or are under 12 years old’.“He said ‘I can sue you for that’.“Then this week on Tuesday, we got a phone call from a solicitor in Sydney who said he would serve us papers to sue us for discrimination.“It really stressed me out. He said he was bringing a class action against businesses in Lismore over their signs saying ‘no mask no service’.“We haven’t been served papers yet and we have already spoken to our own solicitor.“We believe we have done nothing wrong.”Read more Covid business news: Ghetto Babe owner goes to court for refusing to wear maskChamber of Commerce Lismore Chamber of Commerce president Ellen Kronen said the situation is “unsettling” for many business owners.“Our understanding is that other business may have been treated in the same way,” Ellen said.“We understand that people may have their own personal views on vaccinations, or stay at home Covid restrictions.“But we are all living under a Public Health Order – and as business owners, we are required to comply with the rules.“It’s unfair for people to take it out on the staff and owners of shops and to target them in this way.No mask, no entry signsEllen said she had been looking into the mask signage regulations on what best practice should be, and found it to be unclear.“When it comes to the ‘no mask no entry’ signs, the NSW Health website has different views on how that can be approached,” Ellen said.“The downloadable posters on the site say masks are mandatory, but it’s not clear, because there are exceptions for some people.”So, Ellen has requested more advice from the NSW Business Chamber and is still waiting to hear back from them.“We are going with what’s on the website - that we are under an active Public Health Order and masks are required in store, unless you have an exemption or are under 12.”Mask wearing rulesCurrent mask wearing rules in NSW state that you need to wear a mask unless you have a valid exemption. This may be because of a disability, or other reason such as a medical condition.A person with an exemption does not need to show proof of the exemption to the business owner, but will need to provide it if questioned by police.Ellen has some helpful advice for business owners trying this navigate the restrictions and rules.Strategies for confrontationEllen said business owners need to have a number of strategies in place for when dealing with people who don’t, or won’t wear a mask when in the business premises.“If someone comes into my shop, I won’t challenge them on their exemption,” Ellen said.“I suggest that you don’t do anything to inflame anyone. It’s a challenging situation.“If they are not wearing a mask when they enter, I will ask them to put it on if they have one - then give them an opportunity to say to me that they have an exemption.“If a confronted person says 'I’m being discriminated against', make sure you have the local police phone number handy.“In extreme circumstances, or if you have young or old staff members, you may need to call it.“This situation can be very confronting, so think it through and have a plan in your mind about how to approach the situation.Options“If a person is not wearing a mask, you can say to them ‘we are currently under Public Health Orders, so you can perhaps stand outside the shop and I can serve you there or show you items'.“People in businesses need to be aware they can do that.“This is important because it is the shop keeper who will get fined if an inspector sees people in the shop with no mask on for a reason.“They can also offer the customer a ‘click and collect’ option where the goods can be ordered and them picked up or dropped off to them.”The future“We are lucky here at the moment, because we have no Covid cases, but we need to do the right thing and not be complacent.“From next week, all businesses will need to have a QR code for all customers to check in with.“Already I’ve had a couple of businesses struggling to get the QR code set up and we’ve been helping them.“If anyone is having trouble, just reach out to the Chamber and we will help them.“We also advise people to set up or revise their Covid safety plan and review any signage they deem necessary in their business.”

An increase in noisy fly overs from flight training school planes has prompted Lismore resident Judith Forsyth to take action.Judith has formed a Resident Action Group and created an online petition which calls for State, Federal and local Council representatives to make some regulatory and practical changes - including the re-designation of the Lismore airport runway direction.“Changing the runway direction from south to north will take the flights out west, and not over the residential areas of Lismore,” Judith said.Judith said she’s not alone in wanting to see a decrease in flight noise over her home in Girards Hill and she hopes the changes will mitigate the increasing number of flights and their associated noise pollution.Impacts“The noise from the training flights also impacts on residents in East and South Lismore,” she said.“The training flights are supposed to fly within Lismore City Council’s guideline areas, called the ‘flying neighbourly zone’. “But that area is too near to residential areas – and there are private planes that don’t know about the fly neighbourly zones.“We also want to curtail the number of flight training schools permitted to work out of Lismore Airport.”Why are flight numbers increasing?Judith said the increase in small planes flying over Lismore became very noticeable last year – and it’s not the local flight school Northern Rivers Aerodrome Club (NRAC) that are the problem.“A number of Gold Coast training schools are now utilising smaller regional airstrips for training flights,” Judith said.“It’s partly because of Covid grounded planes that are parked up there.“NRAC are conscious of what shouldn’t be doing, even though they fly noisy twin engine planes.“Last year, Council put a stop to an old army plane that was doing low dangerous flying, but after that, I realised there were more planes in training doing circuit loops.”Read more: Noise complaints put planes over Lismore in the spotlightAviation hubLast year Lismore City Council signed an agreement with Airways Aviation to have a flying training hub at the Lismore airport.Judith said that because of Covid keeping international students away, there hasn’t been much action from them – but she expects that to change in the future.“There are clear guidelines about what should be adhered to with small planes flying near residential areas,” Judith said.“Council has put out a document, but there’s no one on the ground responsible for that.“Council needs to monitor it and be more active.”Noise issueJudith said she had already contacted a number of training schools and regulatory authorities about the flight path and noise issue.“I’ve contacted NRAC, Air Gold Coast and Airways Aviation with photos of planes when they are in breach of the guidelines,” she said.“We are not against flight training, but we do want to see Council commit to no more agreements with training schools.”“We are also not targeting other flying operations – like the rescue helicopter, flying doctor and firefighting planes.“Regional airline Rex is good too – they only fly in and out once a day.”Regional problemJudith said issues of increasing small plane noise is something that is impacting other regional areas across Australia.“Flight training schools and noise issues have been causing problems in other cities like Kempsey,” Judith said.“The Kempsey - save our airport group have entered into a coalition with Swan Hill, Mildura, and other towns in Victoria and South Australia, which are all experiencing similar problems.“I’ve had people contact me saying that the increasing noise issue impacts on their mental health and lifestyle.“The sky does not just belong to us – we need to see national changes with regulations and monitoring.“We also need to see some community consultation to take place.”If you would like more information about Judith and the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/lismore-city-council-reduce-aircraft-noise-over-lismore-and-surrounding-areas?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=custom_url&recruited_by_id=df90c3c0-00e7-11e5-98d1-43a694a83d95The petition"There has been a significant increase in noise disturbance over the Greater Lismore Region due to the many flight training schools operating in our locality. The noise is generated by a variety of small fixed wing craft that often fly repeated circuits over residential areas.Currently there are at least 8 training schools along with 2 areo clubs and numerous private owners using Lismore and Casino runways. Many residents are expressing increased stress related to the noise which is now very frequent and disturbing.As there are no regulations available to help mitigate this noise disturbance we need to take action at our local level to reduce this intrusion.We make clear here that we are not referring to community service flights such as REX Regional, flight rescue, firefighting, or medical flight services.We are not only concerned about the current level of noise pollution but also what the future may hold for local residents if there is expansion of these flights, for example the addition of TAFE flight courses.To date actions taken by Council have not been sufficiently effective in mitigating this noise issue. If you are affected by this issue your signature to this petition will help to reduce the problem."

Plans by Rous County Council (RCC) to ‘abandon Lismore’ and move the local water authority to Ballina have united local politicians in concern.State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Federal MP Kevin Hogan joined forces today, calling for Rous Councillors to reconsider moving its staff to a new location at the coast.Read more news: NSW Covid restrictions and lockdown extended even longerMs Saffin said moving the business from its current location on Molesworth Street in Lismore is “abandoning Lismore” and she called for Rous County Councillors to reconsider their decision.“They are our flood mitigation authority and Lismore is the most flood-affected city across the area,” Ms Saffin said.“So how could they even think about moving away – and moving the jobs away from Lismore city.“I cannot comprehend how any councillor could make that decision. I call on them to explain to the public why they would even think about doing it.”Worst kept secretFederal MP Kevin Hogan said that while the decision to move was made in a confidential meeting, it was the “worst kept secret in town”.Mr Hogan said the reasons he had been given for the move were because RCC wanted to buy a building to house all of its employees, and that a suitable site had been found in Ballina.Both Ms Saffin and Mr Hogan called on the Rous Councillors to “look harder” for a suitable new building, based in Lismore, not Ballina.ServicesRCC services the Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley Local Government Areas and is responsible for bulk water supply, weed biosecurity and flood mitigation across the area.With 350 employees across the network, about 60 of them work at the Lismore based Rous building.“These employees are important to our town,” Mr Hogan said. “They shop here and bring business to the town.“They were set up here because this is the centre of core business.“Saying it’s for better asset management is not a good enough reason.”"I can’t see how moving to Ballina will make it cheaper for us to buy our water – the two don’t flow,” Ms Saffin said.Lismore CouncillorsTwo Lismore City Councillors, Darlene Cook and Lismore Mayor Vanessa Ekins, sit on the Rous Board and contribute to the decision making at RCC.“I want to know what justification they have in voting jobs out of this town,” Mr Hogan said.“It’s a question that the Lismore Mayor has to answer. She voted at an RCC meeting to see Rous move to another town, from her town."Lismore Mayor EkinsLismore Mayor Vanessa Ekins said Rous is a large organisation that services six councils.“So, the Rous Board unanimously decided that Rous investigate premises for all staff,” she said.“Rous staff live in Lismore, their children school in Lismore, they shop in Lismore and will continue to do this.“Lismore is the regional centre and every day 35,000 cars come into Lismore to access our services.“Just to be clear – there are no job losses as part of the planned move.”

Since late 2020 Lismore City Council has been trialling a program to recycle mattresses and keep them out of landfill. The program aims to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill, reduce methane gases being produced from decomposing mattresses and recycle end-of-life waste products by turning them into a resource.Council annually receives more than 4000 mattresses annually at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre.Lismore City Council's waste operations coordinator Kevin Trustum said previously residents would bring out their mattresses with their waste and they'd go straight into landfill."Because of the springs in them, they won't compact, even with our heavy compactors," he said.Historically mattresses were sent to landfill, however, under the new program mattresses are sent to a dedicated resource recovery facility where the mattresses are processed into separate commodities for which there are end markets.During the initial trail period we have collected and transported 1940 mattresses or 70 tonnes of mattresses, helping to save 1552 cubic metres of landfill.100% of the mattress materials are reused and recycled with the stripped metals reused as railway wheels, foam repurposed into carpet underlay, material utilised in decorative wall panels and the remaining products, including floc, wood and plastic, processed as biofuel."I see that we can save around 3000 cubic metres of space from recycling old mattresses," Mr Trustum said."It's high tensile steel in the springs so there is a market for that."The foam can be made into boxing bag filler and in some cases other waste from the mattresses can be used to generate electricity."The cost to deposit mattresses at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre from 1 July 2021 is $25 per mattress which reflects the cost of having them recycled.Ghetto Babe owner goes to court for refusing to wear mask

Lismore's iconic transport company, Hernes Freight, will be passing the batton to Linfox Freight after 47 years behind the wheel. Hernes Freight has been an institution with their headquarters in South Lismore, employing around 150 locals.In an emotional farewell Bianca Herne posted on social media that it is with great sadness that today (1 July) marks the end of an era."As many of you are aware, Herne's Freight Service ceased trading today."After two generations of Herne's running the family company it is time to say good-bye."On behalf of Stuart and his family we thank everyone for their support," she said.Sources told the Lismore App that freighting was a tough business. As an inland freight operator, not on the M1 or major routes it's hard to compete.Herne's will change hands to Linfox Freight and while Herne's has kept all their staff on their current contracts some feel that down the line this will inevitably change.The Lismore App reached out to Linfox Freight yet they refused to comment on the buy-out.Nathan Herne said his Dad has worked long enough and just wants to retire."Coming in 24/7 for years Dad wanted to retire ... he sold onto another company to keep everyone a job. "It was probably the best way to get out though it happened quicker than we thought."The Weekend Wrap

Ellen Kronen was elected by the Board of Directors of Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week to take up the reigns for outgoing President Sarah Smith.The LCCI said via social media ‘What has been an emotional and transitional time for us here at LCCI, the decision was in line with our constitution and our Board of Directors have unanimously elected to choose a new President’.Ms Smith said that after much soul searching, she has made the tough decision to resign from the board of LCCI.“I have just received the news that I have a large intracranial tumour that needs urgent intervention so for the next little while I will be focusing on my health and my family.“I have a great team of medical experts looking after me so I will be back in action in no time. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Emma and the board members for the amazing support they have given me and for the great work they do for the business community.“I know I am leaving the board in good hands,” Ms Smith said.Ms Kronen takes the helm again after previously leading the LCCI in 2015. “It’s been a pretty full-on kind of week as we have had Emma step down also.“It’s fortunate I’ve had experience and a background in how things work, how to improve things, and being able to get out and connect with local people,” Ms Kronen said.“I have a bit of longevity with the organization and I want the chamber to be a really good advocate for local businesses.”Ms Kronen has her own established businesses in Lismore, most notably ‘Made in Lismore’, located in the Strand Arcade.“Last year I started this before the pandemic – because I make things.“Later in the year I knew there were lots of creative crafters in Lismore that had essentially lost their outlet to sell so the goals of this businessare to let locally made handcrafts and homewares have a place they can sell from.”Ms Kronen added that the LCCI doesn’t want businesses to close or people to steer clear of the CBD.“We’re trying to keep on top of all the changes the government are implementing and to get this information out to our members as quickly as we can. “Resources too, to help navigate through grants and eligibility requirements and the like.”Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry current board now stands as:President – Ellen KronenSecretary - Art Beavis SilvertempTreasurer - Sharnette Josephs BiztaxScott Jones Lismore Turf Club Tracy Dwyer Ryan McCann Lion & LambPetar Illic Busy Ability Ned Cain Nedlands Studio Take away food is the winner in Dine & Discover voucher changes

Today, six police officers arrived at Lismore's Ghetto Babe Street Eats to arrest business owner Busara O’Reilly for not wearing a mask.After a discussing why she wasn’t wearing a mask, as required under NSW Covid restrictions, the police handed Busara a court summons for non-Covid compliance.  Busara says she can’t wear a mask while operating her Star Court Arcade restaurant business due to an anxiety and panic disorder from a lifetime of abuse.“I qualify for an exemption under NSW Government law,” Busara said. “Under the NSW Health Order, you are not required to wear a mask if you have a physical or mental health condition or illness, or disability, that makes mask wearing unsuitable.”Busara has multiple visible framed notices on display at her business, explaining what the NSW Government exemptions are.“I’ve done everything the government say I should, but the police keep coming back and threatening me and my staff,” Busara said.Read more about Busara: SUNDAY PROFILE: Ghetto Babe's Busara O'ReillyComplaintBusara said she opened her business on Tuesday and that a member of the public had made a complaint about her not wearing a mask and endangering the public. This prompted three visits from police on Wednesday, who handed her a $200 fine for not wearing a mask.“They also threatened my staff member who has a disability and was working here with his carer,” Busara said. “He can’t read or write and is also exempt from wearing a mask. He was frightened and he went home and now he doesn’t want to come in again.“I have trauma and I simply cannot wear one. I shut the business for four days in the last lock down and took a pay cut.“This business is my livelihood. I’m a single mother of four and I work to feed my family.“While I am here. I am inside my section, not out with the public – and my other staff members are wearing masks and choose to be here with me."Exemption rulesUnder NSW Government Covid restrictions rules, if you claim exemption from wearing a mask, you may choose to get documentation from your doctor or disability care provider confirming this.The law states also states: “However, this is not a requirement under the public health order.”The rules also state that a regulatory officer will ask you to confirm the lawful reason you are not wearing a face mask.The rules state:“Officers will only issue penalty notices if you clearly refuse to wear a mask without a lawful reason. If you have a condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you may wish to ask your registered health practitioner or disability care provider to issue a letter confirming this. “However, this is not a requirement under the public health order. In other circumstances, if you are eating or drinking, or there is an emergency, you will not be expected to continue wearing a mask.”Court summonsBusara said that now she has been issued with a court summons, she will need to provide her doctor’s letter on her court date.“The rules say I don’t need to have it right now, but the documentation will be given to them,” she said.“I'm standing up for my right to not wear a mask because I cannot do it. I’m looking after my own mental health.“I’m not anti mask or anti vax, I just want to cook for people.“If the law and the community think I am a risk to the community then I am willing to close my business. But I don’t want to close, it is my livelihood."