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."

New headspace Youth Mental Health Foundation research reveals an alarming increase in young people feeling isolated and lacking companionship.headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year olds. Insights from the headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey show more than one in two young people (54%) feel a sense of loneliness, an increase from 2018 (49%).headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the findings make it clear that young people are living through a very challenging time.“Even with increases in online activity, young people report they lack companionship, feel left out and are missing out on experiences that define their youth – like meeting new people and travelling,” Mr Trethowan said..“We know there’s a vicious cycle where feeling isolated can impact mental health, which in turn leads to further social withdrawal and poorer mental health.”“We want to encourage all young people to understand how loneliness might affect them and to reach out to friends and family to let them know what they’re going through.“We’re also encouraging families and friends of young people to check in with their young person and notice where they might need additional support, particularly as we head into school holidays.”The research, involving 1,035 young people from around Australia, not only revealed that 54% of young people lack companionship but also that 47% of respondents felt left out and 43% felt isolated.headspace National Clinical Advisor, Rupert Saunders says it’s important young people explore different opportunities for connection.“We’re not only talking about sharing the company of other people. It’s also about feeling understood and supported, which are just as important for mental wellbeing.“This can be more challenging as we go into the colder months and face the possibility of ongoing COVID restrictions. Maintaining connection while adjusting to our new normal should be a top priority for all young people.“Finding ways to keep a daily routine with study and work, connecting with family and friends and reaching out for additional help are some of the small steps that can make a big difference.“We know the pandemic has caused many young people to feel a sense of uncertainty about the future but the right strategies and support can be extremely effective in helping manage this.”If you or someone you know is feeling disconnected or going through a tough time, visit http://www.headspace.org.au to access many resources, support via eheadspace, or to find your nearest centre.headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year olds.

No alcohol for the whole month of July – do you dare to do it? Local pediatrician Dr Chris Ingall and Our House director Rebekka Battista are both ready to give it a go– and give their livers a break at the same time. They are joining the annual Dry July national callout to ditch the alcohol - and raise money for cancer charities across Australia. For over 10 years, the month of July has been known Dry July and Rebekka said the team at local cancer charity, Our House, have been participating by going ‘dry’. This year, they encourage others in the local community to join them in going ‘dry’, or sponsor them for doing it.The Dry July dare“Dry July is a national campaign which started with a group of mates, one who had cancer,” Rebekka said. “The others decided to dare each other to go dry to raise funds. “Since then, Dry July has inspired more than 250,000 Aussies to go dry, raising $60 million for people affected by cancer. The money funds projects at more than 80 cancer organisations across Australia - Our House is one of these projects.”Our House directors Brian Henry and Dr Chris Ingall.Our House Rebekka said Dry July played an important role in funding the Our House facility. “It all started back in 2010 when the ABC North Coast highlighted the Our House project to the Dry July team from Sydney,” she said.“They were enthusiastically supportive and Our House became one of the beneficiaries receiving over $250,000 in three years. “Now, 11 years on, the connection between Dry July and Our House remains strong. “Our House has become a guaranteed bneneficiary of Dry July - which means that the money raised this year by the Dry July Our House team goes directly to another 'Keep Our House Beautiful’ project; replacing the beds and the TV in the 20 rooms. “Each room will cost $1,400 to replace the 2 single mattress and install a Smart TV. Hard yearRebekka said due to Covid, last year was a “particularly hard year” for fundraising for the charity.“However, the Our House Dry July Team raised over $8,000 last year,” she said. “Along with a grant from the Dry July foundation, we were able to re-cover each of the sofa beds in the 20 rooms at Our House.  “There was significant wear and tear and monies from Dry July grant will allow us to finance this huge job.“So, it would be fantastic if this year, people help by either joining or support the Our House Team”To sign up for Dry July, visit https://www.dryjuly.com/users/sign_up or donate to the Our House Team at https://www.dryjuly.com/teams/our-house-4 

The Dine and Discover voucher program has been extended until August 31 and can now be used for take away meals delivered to your home by the venue itself.Food may also be picked up from venue, but a check in with a QR code will be required. The vouchers cannot be redeemed for takeaway using third party delivery platforms.Grants for businessThe changes were announced today by the NSW Government, along with a new grants package to help NSW businesses impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.Small businesses can also now apply for grants of between $5,000 and $10,000.NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the centrepiece of the package was the small business support grants which will help businesses by alleviating cashflow constraints while trading is restricted.What can the grants be used for?The money can be used for business expenses such as rent, utilities and wages, for which no other government support is available.Three different grant amounts will be available for small businesses depending on the decline in turnover experienced during the restrictions - $10,000 for a 70% decline, $7000 for a 50%decline and $5000 for a 30% decline.Small business grants are available for sole traders and non-for-profit organisations, with expanded criteria to assist most hospitality and tourism operators hit hard by the restrictions during school holidays.Businesses will be able to apply for the grants through Service NSW later in July and will need to show a decline in turnover across a minimum two-week period after the commencement of major restrictions on June 26.The grants will be divided into two streams:1. Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant. Available to businesses and sole traders with a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum but below the NSW Government 2020 21 payroll tax threshold of $1,200,000 as at 1 July 2020.These businesses must have fewer than 20 full time equivalent employees and an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in New South Wales or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in New South Wales.2. Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 Support Grant.Available to tourism or hospitality businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and an annual Australian wages bill of below $10 million, as at 1 July 2020.These businesses must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in New South Wales or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in New South Wales. (Full criteria will be available in coming days on the Service NSW website).There will also be an optional deferral of payroll tax payments due in July 2021 and the deferral of hotel June quarter gaming machine tax, with the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue able to provide for appropriate repayment arrangements on a case by case basis.More information on the small business support grants and changes to the Dine & Discover program will be available shortly on the Service NSW website.

If you take the time to look up while you are on the Keen Street pedestrian crossing, you will see a giant eastern water dragon has appeared on the top of the Shoppe One building. The water dragon has been painted by local graffiti artist Jeremy Austin.His giant artwork was commissioned by the building’s owners - Janice and Graeme Palmer, who wanted to "spruce it up"“We took over running the Shoppe One family business five years ago from Graeme's father - and we wanted to put our own stamp on the building,” Janice said.Read more business news: Local hair salon gets flood ready with style“The building really needed a paint and a clean - and rather than paint it boring blue, we thought why not get a local artist to do something on our wall.“So, we asked the Soren at Graffiti Design about it and he suggested Jeremy would be the right artist for it.“We loved Jeremy’s work when we looked at his website and he said he was keen to do it.”Why a water dragon?“We wanted something different and thought the eastern water dragon was perfect," Janice said.“A lot of people in the hinterland refer to Lismore as 'the lizard' and we thought we should embrace the idea.”Janice said Jeremy completed the artwork over two days – and there’s still a bit more to be done.“He will finish it off with the Latin name of the eastern water dragon, as well as the Aboriginal name – and his graffiti moniker,” she said.Local Bundjalung artist Gilbert Laurie said the dragon was called a ‘magil’ in the language of the local First Nations Peoples.“Jeremy has done a wonderful job,” Janice said.“We think it’s really good for the town – and we are bringing the graffiti art that we see in the back laneways into the main street.“I’d like to see more on the back of the building too. We are getting our gates at the back of the alleyway painted too with more artwork.“We really want to support our fantastic local artists and spruce up the town at the same time.“Lismore is a fantastic town and we want to encourage more people to visit here.”

Following months of upheaval, a new general manager is on the way to Lismore City Council.Last night, Councillors voted to offer a four year contract to their preferred candidate - and the offer will be formally made today.A Council spokesperson said it had been an exhaustive recruitment process."The final interviews were conducted before June 10, but Councillors have taken their time in deciding in order to get right candidate for the job," the spokesperson said."An announcement of the successful candidate will be made once the offer has been officially accepted - and the recruitment process has been completed."This is expected to take about one week."Acting general manager Michael Donnelly was appointed to the role in February this year - and the position was officially advertised in the last couple of months.In February, this year, Council's former general manger Shelley Oldham had her four year contract terminated under a no-fault clause - with 18 months still to run in it.The former GM had been criticised during her employment and Ms Oldham told ABC News that she had been the "target of an online hate campaign during her time in the job".She was awarded a substantial payout of over $200,000 upon her departure.Read more: Lismore City Council GM Shelley Oldham loses her job  

The Australian music scene has taken a cruel beating from the pandemic this past year with disgruntled music lovers silently fuming over cancelled mainstays like Bluesfest, among many others, it’s no surprise that the first-time running Byron Music Festival is a sell-out show.Festival Director, Nick Sergi said this demonstrates the need in the community for live music and how much people want events like this.“I am so grateful for how many people have backed us and supported our dream to bring a grass-roots, community focused music event back into Byron town. “We’ve worked really hard to bring it to life in the most challenging of circumstances and we’re so excited to share it with everyone.”The new festival will bring together the best talent from across the region, followed by Byron’s inaugural Music Industry Conference on Sunday as the perfect recovery.Lismore singer songwriter Sophie Ozard has been making waves across the country bringing genre-bending tunes to scores of festivals and sharing stages with the likes of Bernard Fanning and Dami Im.Ms Ozard will feature this weekend at the Byron Music Festival alongside Wolfmother, Hayley Mary and Tijuana Cartel. Other celebrated Southern Cross University alumni on the line-up include four-piece WHARVES, drummer Jason Cunneen from Drop Legs, and another of Sophie’s bands ‘C.A.T.S’ – Cupid and the Stupids – where she features on keys and backing vocals.Local four-piece Wharves: Matthew, Mike, Fraser and Scott will bring their guitar-driven indie rock to BMF 2021."We are so stoked to play such a great festival in our local area. "We are really grateful anytime we play live because we know how easy things can get cancelled due to COVID so huge respect to the organisers and everyone that bought a ticket!"Upcoming band Loose Content also features guitarist Sam Sanders the teenage son of highly respected and long-standing Southern Cross Uni drum lecturer and author, Dave Sanders.As a proficient solo singer and guitarist, Sophie is stage-fit after a string of shows and festivals so far in 2021, and off the back of an epic ‘Great Southern Nights’ tour of regional NSW supporting Phil Jamieson and Pat Davern of Lismore band, Grinspoon fame. “I’m so stoked to be on the line-up for Byron Music Fest alongside some of my mates’ bands,” Ms Ozard said. “At first, I was a bit sceptical with all the tours and gigs being cancelled, but the beauty of this one is all the bands, organisers and panellists are local and not impacted by any border closures, and this event has just been put together so well.Ms Ozard will be showcasing some new songs during her solo set.“I’m planning on recording them for an EP that I’m hoping to put out by the end of the year. “Some of the songs are inspired by all the far-flung places we got to visit on tour.”Course Coordinator of Contemporary Music at Southern Cross University, Leigh Carriage said having so many talented Southern Cross University alumni grace the stage of the Byron Music Festival showed the high calibre of the inaugural hyper-local music celebration.Ms Carriage will kickstart the Inaugural BMF Industry Conference at Byron Theatre on Sunday with an industry panel chaired by General Manager Byron Community Centre Louise O’Connell, with Koori Mail General Manager and Chairperson of First Nations Media Australia Naomi Moran, Arts Northern Rivers CEO Peter Wood, and Roots artist Nathan Kaye.Five panels will cover issues including the value of arts to our region, empowering youth through music, reflect and reimaging: how the past can shape our future, sustaining wellbeing in music and a keynote address: Drawing Back the Curtain: How to be a Conscious Music Consumer and lastly the fifth panel: Music Changemakers: In Conversation with the Tambah Project (special feature: film, panel, performance). “We’ll discuss the importance of music here in this region, the importance of music in the community and how to support one another from the ground up,” Ms Carriage said.There will also be a youth stage on Sunday at the Byron Youth Services YAC centre.The event opening night kicks off tonight, Friday 18 June with the main event on Saturday followed by the industry conference and showcase on Sunday.

Helen Opie will be known to many, not just in the Lismore community but people in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sydney, in fact, all over Australia.Helen was the owner of one of Lismore's most iconic properties, Melville House. Helen passed away on June 5 following a short battle with bowel and liver cancer.Melville House has been a bed and breakfast since the mid-1990s when Helen moved back to Lismore with her two sons, Charles and Marcus.According to her son Charles, she has been the soul of Melville House for 30-years."Mum had a light touch with guests," Charles said, "She would always accommodate people wherever she could.""There was many a time when I had to give up my room because she had overbooked. This would happen to her too, she would move out of her bedroom and sleep on a pull-out in the office."Melville House was originally built in 1942 by Helen's grandparents Norman and Myrtle Melville.(Melville House under construction in 1942. Photo supplied)While it was Helen's family home during her early years, she was sent off to boarding school at Pymble Ladies College (PLC) in Sydney when about 11 years of age. The belief from her father and grandparents was that women should be educated. Although the move was tough, Helen loved PLCS, even becoming Head Prefect in her final year.When Helen finished school she studied social work at UNSW in Sydney.Helen always had an entrepreneurial spirit, buying a property and block of land in Sydney then when she moved in with her new husband Rex, in a terraced house in Darlinghurst they rented out a room and the business of operating a B&B began."Mum thought that bringing up two kids in inner Sydney wasn't the best environment with syringes regularly found outside your front door, so we moved back to Lismore," Charles said.(Helen (right) on the back steps of Melville House as a young girl. Photo: supplied)"She inherited Melville House in the mid '80's and rented it out for a while to an Anglican Priest.""Mum then added the upstairs extension, adding three more bedrooms, making it eight in total then started renting out the rooms."Helen worked as a social worker at the Lismore Base Hospital while running the Melville House B&B into her sixties.Charles remembers a lot of guests over the years, some he spent more time with than his relatives because they were so regular over a period of time."There was Kunio's room. Kunio was a Japanese lecturer at the Uni, he was with us for a year. Then there was a Gold Coast surgeon Craig Late who visited regularly for 5 years and lately, Ina, who has been with us for 12 months."(The Melville House backyard will be used for Helen's wake tomorrow.)While Charles does not have the passion to be heavily involved in the day-to-day running of Melville House like his mother, it will continue to operate as a B&B."I am definitely not going to sell this place," Charles concluded.Helen Opie's funeral will be held tomorrow at the Anglican Church on Zadoc Street at 11am tomorrow with a wake to be held at the historic Melville House.

After 21 years of operating Lismore’s Hole in One Golf Driving Range, Geoff and Lyn Lees have decided to call it a day - and pass the clubs and balls on.The couple have decided to lease out their popular business and are now looking for new owners to take over.Geoff Lees on the range.The East Lismore golf range has been closed since January, when Geoff suffered from a stroke and became unwell.Lyn said while Geoff’s health is improving, he has lost lots of his strength and also the inclination to keep the Wyrallah Road business running.“Things were a bit too much for him and he needs to take time out,” Lyn said. “We also own the adjacent farm to the golf range and have cattle and chooks to take care of too.“We were running the business seven days a week and the only time we had off was three weeks at Christmas.”BeginningsLyn said when the couple first bought the business, it had only been there for a couple of years.“It was a great addition to our farm next door and we worked hard to turn it into a busy little business,” Lyn said.“We were younger then and it was great exercise picking up the balls at the end of the day.“Then I had two knee constructions and couldn’t pick up the balls anymore.”Meeting people“It was great too because Geoff loved meeting new people and got on really well with them.“Everybody would see him and his two dogs on the range.“We had lots of regulars there – families and people from local disability groups would come - and they all had great relationships with Geoff.“We even had groups coming for bucks parties and birthday parties – and we had rules they followed.“It’s not your normal golf course – lots of golfers come to practice, but some just bring their kids and have fun.“People can just get a bucket of balls and tee off – some get competitive and some just have a laugh.Covid“When covid hit in 2020, we closed for six months and when we reopened in August, it was busier than ever. People could be out in the open and play golf.“A lot of people are disappointed now because we are not open – and the weather is beautiful.”Business for saleLyn said the decision to sell the lease on the business was a hard one, but it was time.“Whoever takes the business on will need to know about golf - and how to be a people person and have fun,” she said.“The area the lease is on is roughly 10 acres and we are selling the plant and equipment it.“We own the farm next door and we want to keep the surrounding land for cattle - as they keep the grass down. We just need a bit of mowing done inside the electric fence around the range.“We also had a special trailer made, with sides that open – and we bring onto the range each day. All of the balls, clubs and equipment are inside, along with drinks making equipment.Floods“It’s a good option because it floods there and we can move it on and off the range.“We’ve been through a few floods and came through the other side – we learned what to do.“When we first bought it, we panicked the first time it went under water, but you get over that.“This time of year might be wet, but the ground dries quickly in the sun."It’s a good business and it’s worked out well for us - and kept us going over the years."If you are interested in buying the golf business, you can send an email to lismoregolfrange@gmail.com or message Hole in One Golf Driving Range on Facebook.