Lismore and Murwillumbah cinemas have been selected as two of five new destinations for Sydney Film Festival’s Travelling Film Festival, which brings Australian and international feature films, short films and documentaries from across the globe to audiences around Australia.Read more about it: Film Festival travels to Lismore  Minister for the Arts Don Harwin and Local Nationals Member of the Legislative Council and Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Ben Franklin made the announcement for the region. Mr Franklin said the film festival was a chance for the community to enjoy a great selection of cutting edge cinema that might otherwise not be screened in the Northern Rivers.  “It is great news that the NSW Government with Sydney Film Festival will bring the Travelling Film Festival, Australia’s longest running film festival to our region. “The Travelling Film Festival’s program will appeal to everyone including regular movie goers, cinema buffs, and anyone who is keen to enjoy movies from Australia and around the world. “I’m proud of the way our region embraces arts and culture and I think it is a testament to the local community that Lismore and Murwillumbah have been selected to host the Travelling Film Festival. “I would encourage everyone to go and see a film and support the arts industry – it’s also a great opportunity to use your Dine and Discover vouchers!” Minster for the Arts, Don Harwin said the Travelling Film Festival would provide a cultural and economic boost to the regions, bringing audiences back to their local theatres following a year of uncertainty. “Local cinemas are the beating heart of our regional communities, and after a tough year where many of us missed our friends, community and culture, people are keen to come back together to enjoy a night out experiencing storytelling at its best,” Mr Harwin said. “The NSW Government is proud to support the Travelling Film Festival as they provide local communities with the opportunity to experience film in a festival environment that encourages debate, community involvement and interaction.” Sydney Film Festival CEO Leigh Small said “Sydney Film Festival is committed to supporting local cinemas rebuild audience engagement in the wake of the impact of 2020 on the arts and entertainment sectors.” “Expanding the reach of the Travelling Film Festival through NSW will provide opportunities for regional audiences to reconnect with world class cinema in their own city, while also supporting the Australian film industry ecosystem.” Films will screen at the BCC Cinema Lismore and The Regent Cinema Murwillumbah from 4-6 June. The Travelling Film Festival is Australia’s longest running travelling film festival, showcasing Australian and international features across regional Australia. For film details, session times and further information, visit www.sff.org.au/TFF

As the sun was setting last night, Goonellabah local Peter Budden and his son Sam were the last of 205 motorbike riders to arrive at Lismore’s Gateway Motel.Peter had doubled Sam on his 2003 Kawasaki the last leg of the journey from Urunga to Lismore, as Sam’s bike had died on a dirt track, 10km just south of Tabulam earlier that day.Sam’s bike was one on the casualties of the five day trip from the Hunter Valley to the Gold Coast.The father and son were among 205 riders taking part in the Moto Trekker 2021 Ridge Rider tour - on dirt tracks through forests in the border ranges, stopping at Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Urunga and Lismore on the way.That day alone, the riders had travelled through dust on 510km of dirt tracks, from Urunga to Lismore, spending at least nine hours in the saddle.They were greeted with cheers, as their friends awaited their arrival alongside food trucks from local vendors who were ready to sell food to the hungry mob.OrganisationMoto Trekker organisers Jay and Cherie McNabb said the fires, covid and floods stopped the annual event going ahead last year.So, when they could run it this year, they wanted to support as many small towns as possible and bring the riders in to spend money on food, fuel and accommodation.Jay said people from all States and Territory in Australia and all walks of life took part in the trip – from doctors, accountants, police, fire fighters and business owners.“Every town they go to, they are filling up the hotels,” he said. “There are 225 beds and in every town and they are eating and they are drinking there,” he said. “We want to give back to the country and support locals.”Logistics“The logistics of organising this are huge,” Jay said. “We needed to stop at towns that were big enough to accommodate the riders.“We have a good support crew and we cart all the participants luggage for them to the next town.”There are 20 support crew on hand to support the riders, including a team of mechanics, paramedics and a private 4WD ambulance that follows the riders on the dirt tracks on the trip.The support crew cook breakfast for the riders and give them a packed lunch each day.Shane and Bradley Hilaire from Nowra.Support crewPaul McGlynn and his son are part of the support crew – and drive a 4WD truck which sweeps behind the riders, making sure the last rider makes it out.They also pick up lost number plates or broken bikes and transport them to the next town. Yesterday, the truck brought three downed bikes into Lismore with them.Why do it?Goonellabah’s Peter Budden said "because it’s fun - and you can”.“Everyone looks after each other,” Peter said. “We all like riding bikes and we have a laugh with each other and it’s run really well.”“It’s fairly easy to do – you download the route map and leave when you want, but you do need to be into town by a certain time,” Sam said.“So you need to take the highway of you are running behind.“There are also more difficult off-shoot routes so you can tailor it depending on how you feel."Exhausted and happy riders eating and drinking from food trucks from the Winding Road Distillery, Jom Makan Mobile Eatery, Olive & Luca wood fired pizza and Seven Mile Brewery.Injuries“There’s a lot of injuries too,” Peter said. “There’s been a broken thumb, foot, leg – and one bloke broke his shoulder, his leg in two places, three ribs and punctured and collapsed his lung on the first day.“Today there was a broken collarbone and one woman, riding an Enfield, crashed and was taken by helicopter to Lismore base Hospital.”“There’s a lot of mechanical failures too,” Peter said.Endurance“It’s a good test of endurance, riding through the scrub,” Sam said.“The Gwydir Highway and the elevation was awesome to see and the back of Dorrigo was beautiful - we saw trees laying over creeks and weirs from the big floods.”Why do it?Organiser Jay McNabb said after being in lock down, getting out and having an adventure is a big part of it.It’s also about the adventure of riding and expecting the unexpected.Peter Gordon.Vietnam veteranParticipant Richard Gordon is 72 and a Vietnam veteran from Young – and he intends to be in Kyogle for Anzac Day.He said the ride from Bellingen through the Gibraltar National Park on twisting dirt roads with rocks, hills corners and more corners was “exciting stuff”.“There were potholes and damage from rain and I was awestruck seeing the rivers,” he said.“I allocated 12 days out of my life to do this,” he said. ”It means about 3,500 to 4,000 km on a bike - and a worn out tyre,” he laughed.“You have to be switched on every inch of the way.“It’s fun adventure - not easy but it’s great. I’m a thrill seeker and I’ve been riding farm bikes all my life.“I’m riding in a group of seven with a fired I was a school with – we left school in 1967.“We stop occasionally to drink and eat and catch up with mates and talk about how good the ride has been.“It’s every man for himself until someone gets stuck, then it’s team work.“The first day, we had 15 river crossings with rocks and we had to ride through.“I got wet and people helped and walked into the water and picked up the bike to get it out. Four bikes got drowned that day.”

After more than a year of Covid induced sleep, the Rainbow Chai Tent is officially coming back to the Channon Craft Market - but with a difference.So, pack your drums, musical instruments and get ready to take off your shoes and dance on May 9 (Mother’s Day), at the next Channon Market.Some locals call the Chai Tent the heart of the market and make a trip out to the Channon especially toward the end of the day to join in the fun and grab a chai or coffee and cake and lounge on the carpets at the tent.Market manager Robyn Kelly said it’s an extra special occasion this year, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Rainbow Chai Tent.“It hasn’t been the same without it,” she said. “We are so excited to have it back.”ChangesThere will be a few unexpected changes though.“We will move the chai tent onto the oval near the car park where the Silky Oaks are, so there is more room and shade too,” Robyn said. “We will trial it and may move it there for every market after that.”HistoryRobyn said the Rainbow Chai tent was originally brought to the market 40 years ago from Victoria, by Michael Jack, Megan and her mum Liffy.The original tent material eventually wore out and was replaced – and the new tent even made an appearance at the Bentley CSG blockade a few years ago.RestrictionsRobyn said Covid social distancing restrictions still apply and she asks people to self distance, unless they are in an immediate family group.“People will have to sign in when they enter market with a QR code and there will be places around the market they can do it too,” she said.“We’d like people to only come to the market if they are well. If you are sick, please stay at home.Mothers’ Day“The day is set to be a beautiful Mother’s Day and we have a bus tour from Casino travel shop arriving and they will be doing a big luncheon for stall holders in the oval as well.“If people want to explore the village, they can also go to the Channon café for a drink and while the market is alcohol-free, they can visit the Channon Tavern for a beverage."The Channon Craft Market is on every second Sunday of the month - and people are asked to leave any pets at home.  To find out more, visit the Channon Craft Market website 

Former head of Lismore TAFE art department, Steve Giese, headlines a double art exhibition opening at North Lismore’s Serpentine Community Gallery tonight.Gallery director Corinne Batt-Rowden said she was excited and proud to have Steve exhibiting at the gallery, alongside another local, Shannon Bourne.'Prelude to the Great Wave' by Steve Giese (oil on canvas, 2020) was done during the lead up to the Covid experience we are still living with. It’s a metaphoric representation of Australia - a strange island full of predatory distractions.“He’s a significant person in our local art community who has helped so many people develop as artists on their journies, through his role at TAFE,” Rin said.“Steve won the Tasmanian Art Prize a couple of years ago and the winning painting will be on show for two weeks in the street-front display window at the gallery.”'Happy Hour' by Steve Giese (oil on canvas, 2021) is a painting that reflects the inebriated complacency that characterises Australia.Recently Steve has been making still life and landscape paintings as a change from the more politicised images. He believes that still life has something to say beyond the formal qualities of the image.Steve commented that his works in this exhibition respond to a range of painting genres, from still life and landscape to social commentary.His painting 'Happy Hour' was entered in the Blake Prize, because "alcohol unfortunately is where many Australians find an easily accessible spirituality"/“I have always found painting to be challenging, eternally mercurial, a medium capable of communicating a full range of human experience,” Steve said."During the Covid lockdown we spent an extra two billion dollars on booze. Writers such as Donald Horne wrote of the 'Lucky Country' in the hands of an unfocussed, hedonistic people."Dead Angel by Shannon Bourne (acrylic and oil pastels on canvas).Lismore local Shannon Bourne, will also exhibiting in her first solo exhibition and presenting her latest body of work 'Beneath the Naked Eye'.Rin said Shannon’s body of work is a “brave exhibition of raw expression”.“Shannon shows this through an in-depth personal enquiry to create a high intensity dynamic and thought provoking show,” she said.Both exhibitions open tonight, Friday April 23, from 6pm till 8pm - and will be on show until May 3. 'Still Life with Wedge Tailed Eagle Egg' by Steve Giese (oil on board, 2020) shows an the egg on the very edge of the table - symbolises how our ecology is on a very precarious edge.

Don’t be surprised if you see lots of motorbikes in Lismore later today. This afternoon, 200 motorbike riders from across Australia will arrive in Lismore – and stay the night.Dirt roads and cameraderie bring hundreds of bikers to Lismore The group of riders are part of the Moto Trekkers group who are on tour from the Hunter valley to the Gold Coast as part of the Ridge Rider 2021 tour.Part of their a five day mission is to visit as many flood affected towns as they can on their way.The bikers will converge on Lismore Gateway Motel later in the day, where a celebration awaits them with food trucks awaits from the Winding Road Distillery, Jom Makan Mobile Eatery, Olive & Luca wood fired pizza and Seven Mile Brewery.The Lismore App intends to keep you updated later with photos and more on their journey and mission.

For the 40 Muslim families in Lismore, last week was the beginning of one of the most important periods in the Muslim religious calendar – Ramadan.For 30 days, Muslim people will fast between sunrise and sunset – eating no food and drinking no liquids.Mahmudur Rahman is a casual academic at Southern Cross University (SCU) and member of the SCU Muslim community.Each day of Ramadan, he and his family wake up early at 3.45am and eat a meal, followed by prayer. Then he might go back and have a nap before he goes to work.“During the day and night, we also try to increase our prayer and help those less fortunate than ourselves,” he said.“We try to ask our friends and family members about their well being and how they are doing.Why fast?“We fast because the Quran guidance was revealed to Muslims in this month and we commemorate it,” Mahmadur said“We also want to attain closeness to god and we work at abstaining from all vices, such as anger.“We also understand the pain and feelings of hungry people and we are encouraged to share food and do more charity.“We are encouraged to practice this throughout the year, but in Ramadan, we make an extra effort.“As we feel hungry, we get closer to god an get more reward from God.“Fasting also increases our strength of will. We build moral, mental and physical strength.”Muslim populationWhile Lismore has a relatively small Muslim population, the largest Muslim population in a country is in Indonesia. It's home to 12.7% of the world's Muslims, followed by Pakistan (11.0%), and India (10.9%). About 20% of Muslims live in the Arab world.What food do Muslims break fast with?After not eating for while, food takes on a special significance. There are special dishes cooked during the time of Ramadan, especially to break fast with each day.And despite what you might think, people don’t tend to eat lots to make up for a day of not eating.“I’m from Bangladesh and we have a light meal when we eat at the end of the day,” Mahmudur said. “If we have too much it causes too much discomfort."The food Bangladeshi Muslims eat each day of Ramadan is different to what other Muslims from other cultures and countries might eat.“Bangladeshi Muslims eat different meals to Indonesians – and Arabs do it in their way,” Mahmudur said.“In the morning, we eat our first meal, caller suhar - and in the evening we eat a meal called iftar. It’s often plain bread and sometimes rice, meat or curries.”Work and fastWhile the 30 days of fasting in happening, most Muslims are still going about their normal work duties.Mahmadur said because Muslims are introduced to fasting from a young age – and they know they will be fasting, their understanding of their body’s physiology means it doesn’t hamper their daily activities.“We also drink a bit more water at suhar, so our body can retain water through the day,” he said.Fasting benefits“From a scientific perspective, fasting is good,” Mahmudur said. “Scientists have found fasting beneficial for the body - our cells accumulate waste products and if we fast, they get removed from cells.“It makes our bodies stronger and cleaner.”ExemptionsNot everyone has to fast during Ramadan – exempt from fasting are elderly people, children, lactating or pregnant mothers or people who are sick.Call to prayerIf you have ever been to a Muslim country, you will be familiar with the call to prayer that sounds out from every mosque five times a day.During Ramadan, the mosques also call out prayer pre dawn to awaken Muslims to eat, and often for longer periods of prayer at night too.Mahmadur said his family members often pray together while at home and the members of the Muslim community offer their prayer at the Chapel during day time at the university. There there is a weekly communal prayer session for locals in town.Ramadan endThe end of the 30 days of fasting during Ramadan ends with a celebration called Eid Al-fitrIt’s like all the traditional holidays of Christmas and New Year all rolled into one. But unlike the capitalist system - there’s no Santa and it’s not about buying lots of expensive presents.“At Eid, we practice charity we give food and money to poor people,” Mahmadur said.“At the end of Ramadan, we have communal prayer and all the children come together to celebrate, share food and visit family members, neighbours and friends."We also ask forgiveness from the people if we think we have hurt them – it is something done by most of the Muslim cultures.”Sharing foodUntil Covid put a stop to it last year, the Lismore Muslim community invited the wider community for a meal in the SCU plaza at the end of Ramadan.“That’s when we all bring our best dishes,” Mahmudur said.“But unfortunately, we won’t be doing it this year.”Read more about Ramadan in Mahmadur’s blog: Mahmudur Rahman: The holy month of Ramadan and fasting

Don’t try to walk to the Quad, the Lismore Regional Art Gallery or the Slate Café for a coffee – because it’s off limits to locals.The filming crew for new Netflix comedy series 'God’s Favourite Idiot' has taken over the Quad and transformed Lismore library into St Joseph’s Hospital – and it will remain that way until Thursday.The good news for art lovers is that tomorrow (Wednesday, April 21) you can visit the art gallery – but you will need to approach from the rear of the gallery via the Rural Street entrance.The art gallery will be open as normal on Thursday, when filming finishes.As the Lismore App discovered, trying to approach via the Keen Street entrance will result in a Netflix production crew member asking you to leave the site.The new series, starring Hollywood’s Melissa McCarthy has been filmed in various locations in the Northern Rivers over the past few weeks. Last week saw the Lismore Showground used as one of the filming locations – and Spinks Park was used a few weeks ago.Read more: Photographers capture Hollywood stars shooting TV series in Spinks ParkMore films?Last year the NSW Government added $175 million to the Made in NSW fund to support high end international film and TV productions that shoot in the NSW on the east coast.This has provided a big incentive to movie makers, now that Covid has eased and Australia is seen as a safe haven for filming. It has been announced that a new ‘Mad Max’ movie will now be filmed place in NSW, along with Marvel’s 'Thor: Love and Thunder'.‘God’s Favourite Idiot’ is being filmed with a $10 million grant from the Federal Government’s Location Incentive program, as well as Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund. The production is expected to employ more than 300 Australian cast and crew.This could be just the beginning of more filming in our region – and potentially some employment for locals.EmploymentWhile most of the production crew on ‘God’s Favourite Idiot’ has been brought in from outside the Lismore area, there are some opportunities for employment for locals on set.One Lismore local has already been included as part of the extras cast, however, it includes a vow of secrecy about what is happening while filming is underway.The Lismore App will keep you informed with the behind the scenes stories once the secrecy period is over.It is expected that the series will air later in year, and we can look forward to seeing our familiar landmarks presented in a new light on screen.Location and crew registerTV and film industry developers, Screenworks, put out a call for local people to register on the Northern Rivers Crew database last year.They also offer a database of locations which are open for filming in the area – and you can still list your property as a potential filming location.Read more: Lismore's roads and park close as Netflix comedy filming begins tomorrow

When Sally Flannery announced on social media that she was considering running for local government elections this year, she didn’t expect a campaign of intimidation and fear to be waged against her by Lismore locals.When the intimidation was brought into her workplace and then to her home, as well as on social media, that’s when she knew she should not be afraid and speak out about it.In speaking up, Sally hopes are that other women and men who have been subjected to the same kind of intimidation will also speak up about what happened to them - and to not be scared off running for local election.The intimidation began when Sally’s employer was contacted by someone demanding Sally’s phone number.Sally’s employer told the Lismore App that the call came a couple of days after Sally announced she was considering running for Lismore City Council, but he refused to give out her number.“The person then asked me to pass Sally a message, saying Sally needed to run under this person on their election ticket," he said. "And if she didn’t, she should be prepared for six months of public humiliation and having her name dragged through the mud.“I said that’s not going to happen and I asked him why he was doing this and he said ‘just pass on message’.”The phone call was just the beginning.Shaken“I was shaken and angry,” Sally said. “Within the same week, my front door was smashed and the mailbox was ripped off the wall. I’ve seen the camera footage and police are investigating it.“I was worried and it made me wonder if I should run. So, I talked to other local women who were considering running for election and they had also been threatened in the same week and were also wondering if they should run.“I posted about what had happened on social media and then one of the people involved started targeting me and my employer with negative comments on social media.“I had dozens of women come forward and some men too, but the majority were women. I realised it was the same pattern of threats and intimidation to make people scared.Stalked“Some people told me they had been stalked and had installed security fences and alarms.“One woman said her employer had also been targeted by the same person and it put her under stress.“People who have children get targeted at their home address or their employment places. It’s psychological warfare, targeting people’s sense of security and safety and weaken them in their place of employment.Name and shame“I wanted to call attention to it - and I eventually named and shamed the people involved and that’s when the threats eased.“I did it because this needs to be called out and I hope more people come forward more publicly and are not too scared to say what has been happening to them - and not let the intimidation get to them.”InactionSally said she took her story to the NSW Electoral Commission (NSW EC) and the chief commissioner investigated it.“But they can only act on things that relate specifically to the misrepresentation of information regarding the casting of votes,” she said, “They said it was a police issue.“I also reported it to the local police who said my option was to sue for defamation or get a personal violence order. But if there is no proof, it’s hard to prosecute - if the threats are made in person or on the phone.”The election issueIn September this year, the people of Lismore will vote for a new cohort of local government councillors – and anyone intending on running has until July to formally put their intentions to stand for election to the NSW EC.While Sally has not formally submitted her intention to run, she is worried that other women who have been intending to run have been scared off running - and afraid to go public.“In NSW, female representation in local government is 31%, so we are not yet equal and I want to see more women run for council,” she said.“But everyone sees what happens when there is a vendetta against someone - when people threaten you, others see how hostile and relentless it is.“I can’t ignore this. I’m happy to share my experience now - and I know it makes me a target.“Because of that I decided to speak up loudly about it, especially considering what’s going on at a national level with bullying and sexual harassment in politics.Systemic bullying and politics“It’s a systemic problem – it’s not just in our area.“I posted about the issue in another group that I’m a member of and asked for their advice on how to proceed – especially considering the NSW EC and police couldn’t act on it.“If anyone makes a complaint, each incident is investigated individually and they can’t see a pattern in the system.Common experience“At least 15 Councillors from across Australia reached out to me and offered support and talked about how common their experiences are.“It’s not just a women’s issue. There are intimidation tactics such as threats, or being told your house would be burnt down. I thought Lismore was an extreme case but it does seem to be happening everywhere.“In a world of politics where women are already misrepresented, it’s already difficult - and then to have extreme intimidation as well – it’s too much for some people.Canberra“One of the female political staffers from federal politics that was recently in the news contacted me with words of support.“It made me realise how uncommon it is to speak up about these things. Many only wanted to talk privately and I could see there was a lot of fear around speaking up.“It’s important to have support and to feel you can speak up.”Keyboard warriors“You might think some of these bullies are just keyboard warriors, and try to ignore them, but it’s done to back up their intimidation done offline. It’s calculated intimidation.“Every person should have a right to participate in their own community without intimidation and we need community support to speak up when it happens.”Legislation changesSally said the legal system hasn’t caught up with this ‘systemic bullying’ and needs some serious changes made.“On a legislative scale, we need to address the policing of this behaviour," she said. "The NSW EC can’t act on it, but in other States, there are protections against this.“The system isn’t designed to identify patterns of behaviour and keep account of collective experience – especially if we want to see a more diverse representation of people on local councils.“The main age of councillors is in their 60s, but the main voter age is in their 30s.”Sally won’t be quiet about the issue and wants everyone to call bullying out – whether it is online and offline.When it comes to whether she will actually run for Council this year, she hasn’t made it official. But she intends to keep her passion strong for the Lismore community and tackle one hurdle at a time. “I also want to let people know that you don’t need to be aggressive to get things done – and you shouldn’t mistake kindness for weakness,” she said.Read more about Sally: Ros Irwin, Sally Flannery and Jex Lopez shine at IWD awards ceremony

Lismore High School students Katie Johnson, Julian Thompson, Jillara Ackrell, and Harrison Ackrell were all inspired today by the words of motivational speaker Nathan Parker.They joined other students and parents in the Lismore Workers Club for an annual school leaders event organised by MP Kevin Hogan – and they took away with them a newfound courage and resilience.Read more youth week news: Skate the half pipe, paste up art and hear hip hop in the Quad nowLismore High School: Katie Johnson, School Captain Julian Thompson, Jillara Ackrell, School Vice Captain Harrison Ackrell.Nathan's advice that you can do anything and don't let anything stop you, was taken to heart by the 300 people listening.Nathan was injured on the way to his dream job of being a fighter pilot. This resulted in him having his left hand amputated.Despite these injuries, the Lismore local continued to pursue his dreams of being a pilot and was named NSW Young Australian of the Year 2021. Read more: SUNDAY PROFILE: Losing a hand won't stop Nathan Parker flying“Listening to Nathan was inspirational,” Katie said. “Especially after his accident - we learned about resilience and that when major problems happen, we can bounce back.”Nathan Parker, Kevin Hogan and local students.Lismore High School vice captain and year 12 student Harrison Ackrell said after listening to Nathan, he was ready to continue to pursue his goals, despite the massive step-back Covid made him take last year.“Even if we are behind now, we just need to take a different step to reach the same goal,” he said.When it comes to being a good leader, Lismore High School captain Julian Thompson said it was an extra responsibility taking on a leadership role.“You do have to be a good role model for the younger students and speak at events - so there is an extra layer of responsibility,” he said. “After watching Nathan, I aspire to develop my speaking skills further.”When Nathan talked about failure and how it is an important way to learn, all of the students agreed that “stuff ups” will just become a way for them to learn to do better and be resilient.“Now we can put Nathan’s advice into practice and show people how to keep going,” Katie said.Kadina High School School Captain and Vice Captain - Ben Crossthwaite and Matthew Gregory. Kadina High School Kadina High School captain Ben Crossthwaite said he learned from Nathan how important it is to recognise and utilise the skills of others.“I learned how peers can help us be leaders and we can work together with our skills – taking everyone’s abilities into account,” Ben said. Year 12 student and Kadina High School vice captain Matthew said he loves listening to motivational speakers.“I went to a school camp recently and heard a Himalayan mountain climber give a motivational talk and I was very inspired,” he said.“It really showed me the perspectives of different people and how they adapt to changes in their lives.“It’s about not focussing on the past, but on what’s happening now and how you can change it now.” MP Hogan said it was great to have Nathan talk to the students and their parents.“There are three hundred stories out there – and we don’t know what each of those people have gone through,” Mr Hogan said.“Today, we are acknowledging the schools’ elected leaders and hope to inspire them and help them to keep going.” Guest speaker Nathan Parker said in the wake of Covid, and even without it -there’s always a need to help people develop resilience for mental health.“There’s a lot of people out there who are in situations they never expected themselves to be in,” he said.“Resilience is always needed and as Australians we need to look after one another and our mates."Everyone faces their challenges and hopefully we can all get through them.”

It’s not just the girls who are learning to skate on the half pipe in Lismore’s Quad today. At the new half pipe installed on the grass, there was a line up of young people of all ages waiting to get some tips and assistance from the capable Bevin Newton. Youth Week is well underway in the Quad, with DJs, live music and lantern making bringing life to the Quad this afternoon – and tomorrow too.Read more about the Youth Week festival line up in the Quad: Lismore Youth Festival kicks off tomorrowIn the Lismore Regional Gallery next to the Quad, exhibitions by local young artists adorn the walls and out the back, young artists are making paste up art to decorate the Quad.Under the guidance of Claudie, Caz and workshop coordinator Kiki, Imogen was making a paste up by cutting pictures out of magazines to make a decopage.Imogen at work.Next to her, Xanthe Shultz has been photocopying her art and then adding colour and design to it.Xanthe said she also has artwork in the Youth Week exhibition inside the gallery, along with the works of other talented locals.Xanthe at work.The paste up workshop will also be happening tomorrow from 11am until 2pm, and workshop organiser Kiki said the artwork will be finally presented on the concrete bolsters outside the gallery.“It's a space a lot of young people come and hang out and sit in,” Kiki said.'So, this is a way to get them to feel it's theirs - and another way to introduce them to the concept of street art too – learning paste ups and combining drawing and decopage.”Kiki and Caz will also be helping out tomorrow.Kiki said the art will also be hung on a large piece of plywood on the Quad water tank afterwards.“This will give longevity to the art,” Kiki said.Lismore Placemaking officer Marisa Snow said having the Quad come alive again was particularly good for young people.“It’s been a hard year for them not being able to go out and socialise,” she said. “Now they can go out, gather again and feel empowered again.”This afternoon, music by local upcoming hip hop musician Anemoi and local MC rappers will continue to light up the Quad, as people sit down in the chill space of the grassy area.Tomorrow, the Lismore Youth Jazz Orchestra will play in the afternoon, along with ongoing workshops, skating and lantern making.The festival finishes at 8pm Friday, so come on down and take part.Lismore Youth Festival Details:Thursday 15 April & Friday 16 April, 10am - 8pm (Multiple venues)The Quad, Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore Library, Northern Rivers Conservatorium, NORPA at Lismore City Hall.FREE but booking required for some events and workshops to reserve a spot.For full program visit http://www.lismorequad.org.auLismore Youth Festival is presented by The Quad in partnership with Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore Library, The Northern Rivers Conservatorium, NORPA, The Clubhouse Social Futures, Dream Bigger, Headspace Lismore, Elevator ARI and Arch Studio Gallery.Jyllie Jackson helps people make lanterns in the Quad.

Don’t be afraid of entering North Lismore’s Illuminarium. Even though it’s called an escape room - you can leave at any time. Hidden away in North Lismore, it’s a game that requires you to think creatively and solve an intricate puzzle. It’s described by its creator Talulah Rae as an immersive storytelling escape room game. Called ‘Escape the Dreamspell’, the game takes place in a room that’s reminiscent of a forgotten era – with velvet curtains, and ancient books, keys and hidden surprises. When I visited the Illuminarium, I was told to bring to up to five friends – so we could work together over a one hour period to discover a trail of clues. Our brains trust had one hour to pool our talents and we worked our way through the puzzle to find the answers that the enigmatic trail of clues eventually led us to.At times, finding the next clue was frustrating. But elation quickly followed as we discovered when the next clue was hidden – eventually emerging triumphant at the end.Talulah Rae said this is the second escape room experience she has created. She’s an event producer who had a residency at the Quad cancelled because of Covid last year – where she was creating immersive interactive experiences. The room the Illuminarium is in is a travelling theatre that Talulah said she had had for ten years.“I’ve used it for lots of shows,” she said. “It can be a green room, bar, kitchen and black and white movie theatre - but Covid meant I couldn’t use it for a while.”But now, she is back in action, and taking bookings for visits – and soon intends to tour the theatre to different events and festivals.Talulah Rae.Talulah said the idea for creating an escape room with a difference came from a visit to Poland when she visited an immersive experience at a 13th century castle.“I met escape room designers there and after talking to them I wanted to design an escape room with a story,” she said.“Behind each of the puzzles in the Illuminarium is a lot of story and effort. Each part of the puzzle is designed along the Kabbala symbology.“It’s hero’s journey puzzled through the Ancient Gnostic teachings of The Tree of Life. It’s divine comedy, a gameshow and a romp through the evolution of human consciousness and the nature of reality.“It’s also a lot of fun as you perform tasks, decipher codes, open secret chambers and help each other emerge Illuminated in an hour.”In the game, you can have 2 to 6 participants – and it could be an idea to bring some teenagers who are gamers – apparently they work out the clues quicker than others. Illuminarium is located in The Strumpet Salon in North Lismore and is open for the duration of the school holidays.To book in, visit https://www.themagictheatre.com.au/illuminarium\

Lismore’s Bounty Motel was in the spotlight last weekend when it was announced that it had been used to as a venue to accommodate 26 people in Covid-19 isolation.Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones today said the 26 people had now completed their 14 days of isolation in the accommodation. “The 26 people were identified as being at venues of concern in Byron Bay at the same time as COVID-19 cases from Brisbane,” Mr Jones said. “The accommodation was arranged by NSW Health with the assistance of NSW Police and the North Coast Public Health Unit so that those in temporary accommodation that was unsuitable for self-isolation or could not be extended, would be able to isolate properly. “These additional isolation arrangements provided a secure and supportive environment for these patrons. “All patrons underwent the required testing during isolation, returning negative results, and have now been released from isolation. “We thank them for their cooperation.”New modelling analyses Covid vaccine rollout delay and predicts more lockdownsA new-modelling research study conducted by the McKell Institute has analysed the cost of the government's delay in rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine – and predicts more lockdowns could be on the way.McKell Institute's executive director, Michael Buckland, said the cost blowout to the Australian population is likely to exceed $1.4 billion.“The Morrison Government's initial COVID-19 Vaccine Roadmap plan would have reached the earliest possible measure of herd immunity (65% vaccination rate) by August 2021,” he said. “But delays have now blown this date out, increasing the chances of further lockouts and restrictions.”According to the new report, 'Counting the cost of Australia’s delayed vaccine roll-out,' even if Australia instantly picks up it vaccination rollout rate to that of the UK – currently the second-best performer in the world – it would delay herd immunity by 116 days from the Morrison Government's original projection. “On this projection, Australia could except 11.1 days of lockdown in the extra period, costing the economy some $1.368 billion,” Mr Buckland said.“By comparison, if Australia were to instantly increase the pace of vaccination to mimic the rate of Germany, the delay would be 353 days with a projected economic cost of $4.164 billion.”More lockdowns?"These delays will increase the chance of lockdowns and the economic costs that come with them," Mr Buckland said."It's vital we are clear sighted about the cost and impact of a government's action or inaction."Just as it was correct for the government to measure the economic impact of state lockdowns, so too should the government embrace the publication of clear information about the economic impact of its vaccination roll-out program."Australia’s vaccination program has failed to meet its targets and it's incomprehensible that we will catch up. Our leaders need to accept the additional risks of delay and act."Additional support measures for vulnerable people and businesses must be considered in response to the delay."The McKell Institute is a progressive research institute dedicated to providing practical and innovative solutions to contemporary policy challenges. 

With the recent challenges of flooding, bushfires and changes made due to COVID-19 restrictions, local businesses have been doing it tough.From Lismore’s laneways to Nimbin’s redevelopment – what do you think our towns need to revitalise our business centres?Lismore City Council’s CBD activation officer Kathy Gray wants locals to come along to two meetings this week to feed their ideas into Council’s new Business Activation Plan for Lismore and Nimbin.What does the future hold for Nimbin?Kathy said the meetings on Thursday and Friday hope to tease out the possibilities for strengthening business and economic success of our towns, by understanding the aspirations of the local community better.“Nimbin and Lismore both have unique offerings and we want to create short term outcomes, in partnership with community, that create a big impact in our area," she said.“We want to know how can we leverage our unique strengths and help make the spaces more vibrant for people working here, as well as visitors to the Northern Rivers region.Themes “We have already identified some themes and want to share insights from that learning with the community and also generate new ideas to activate CBD areas.”“For example, we already have some possibilities emerging in the laneways project - how can we activate the new facilities in this? How can we work with more with the parklets being trialled?“We also have some events to work with, including new ones being developed – such as the Shine Festival.”Kathy said the implementation of the new Business Activation Plan will be funded by the Special Business Variation Rates and will be actioned swiftly.“We look forward to hearing from business and property owners, CBD residents and workers, and community members frequenting the central business areas of Lismore and Nimbin,” Kathy said.Workshop details and registrationLismore workshop: Thursday, 15 April, from 6pm to 8.30pm, at Lismore Workers ClubNimbin workshop: Friday, 16 April, from 12.30 pm to 3pm, at Nimbin Community Centre.  The workshops will be held in small groups of about 20 and people are encouraged to register online.To register or find out more about the Business Activation Plan, visit http://www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au (numbers are limited and COVID safety measures will be followed). The Business Activation Plan is currently overseen by the Business Activation Plan Working Group, which includes representatives from the Lismore and Nimbin business chambers, Lismore Square and Regional Development Australia - Northern Rivers.

Being told her brother David Roberts had committed suicide while in Grafton jail has made Widjabul Wybal woman and community organiser Cindy Roberts angry. Being told that the cameras in the jail were not working at the time of his death made her even more angry.Now, Cindy wants to see big changes in the legal system – and she is calling the Lismore community to join with her tomorrow at 12pm (Saturday, April 10) to rally as part of a national day of action that highlights the shocking lack of reform that’s taken place in the 30 years since the final report was released on the Royal Commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody.“When my family were told my brother was dead and committed suicide, it didn’t make sense,” Cindy said. “I knew he had a life."Murdered"“The coroner said it was suspicious and we knew he was murdered. The people who were in prison at the time who knew what had happened are now dead too.“He was found hung in a cell, but how could he hang himself 10 feet up? He was still alive when they brought him to hospital, but he was in a morgue bag when he left.“There was no justice back then and there is still no justice now.” Royal Commission 30 years on “It’s been thirty years since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody made recommendations and nothing has changed. "The core recommendations have not been implemented - 30 years on and the situation is worse than ever. “Our people are still dying." “There have been more than 440 Aboriginal deaths in custody since the report was released and five have occurred in the last two months.  “The government has failed to implement laws to protect our lives.” What needs to change? “We need to see constitutional reforms made so that black people have a voice in our government and can protect our people and save lives,” Cindy said.“If we don’t have these changes, the murders will continue.“White Australia was built on racist foundations and we have nothing to lose if we have another referendum. In the 1967 Referendum, our ancestors fought for changes and now we have rights because of them. Referendum “We need another referendum to see us have a voice in parliament.” In 2017, the Uluru Statement From The Heart was created, which Cindy said was a statement that brought all of the Indigenous tribes of Australia together to speak as one voice and work towards a Treaty.TreatyHowever, before any sort of Treaty can be made between Indigenous people and the Australian government, Cindy said reforms in law must first be made.“The government should be meeting us halfway and creating reform from the top down – from the constitution, down to the grass roots of our communities,” she said.“If we have a voice, a platform in government, we can do what is best for our people.“We can take care of the lives of our people – we know the we destruction caused in our communities from alcohol. Our people grow up around drugs and alcohol and this fuels rapes, crime, intergenerational trauma – and our people end up in jail - and dead. “Enough is enough. This needs to end now." “We need to stop the high incarceration rates of Indigenous people and stop children being taken away and the resulting intergenerational trauma," Cindy said. Rally Saturday’s rally begins at 12pm followed by a march to the Lismore police station at about 1.30pm.  Cindy has invited along Thomas Mayor - a passionate advocate of the Uluru Statement and the three reforms contained within it. Thomas will talk about the Statement and its invitation to all Australians - to "walk with us" and support the proposed reforms to create a better future for the entire Australian nation. Other speakers include local Aboriginal men who will tell about their experiences of being in jail.At the rally, Cindy said she will record people’s recommendations to put forward to government to see the end of Aboriginal deaths in custody and help bring about constitutional reform.“We are all in this together and black lives do matter,” Cindy said.

Put down your cooking knives and pick up your musical instruments. The Iron Creative challenge calls local musicians and artists to put their talents and imaginations to the test - and create from a list of ingredients.Playing on the idea of the popular Japanese TV show, Iron Chef, where chefs are challenged to make dishes based on unusual secret ingredients, the project is the brainchild of Northern Rivers Conservatorium’s Resident Creative Artist."We hope to create some truly original works," Mr O'Boyle said."We are looking for six teams which will have three hours to create a new 5-8 minute performance work - from scratch - using a list of 'ingredients' assigned to them.“The process will be fun but challenging as none of the participants will have any idea what they’re going to get.“They may be assigned ingredients like the kazoo, paint tin drums, voices, marimba, dance and an ingredient of their choice. In addition they’ll be given a musical ingredient to incorporate, for example: a rhythm, a chord sequence or several musical notes.“From there, the teams will have three hours to be as creative as possible with all those ingredients to produce a work that they’ll then perform.“We could see composition, movement, visual arts, film or some other type of performance."The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes it exciting for both the participants and the audience."Free!The Iron Creative is free for all participants and open to anyone with an interest in creative expression.Mr O’Boyle said he wanted to create an annual event that tapped into the wealth of artistic talent in the Northern Rivers and inspired creativity.“The Iron Creative will encourage ingenuity, originality, innovation, teamwork and artistry,” he said.Mentors“The Northern Rivers Conservatorium has engaged six mentors to work with the teams in the six weeks prior to teach them how to successfully collaborate within the parameters of an Iron Creative event.”“The mentors are already coming up with interesting ideas and are now eagerly awaiting their teams. It’s completely free to take part, so we’re calling on all musicians and artists who are up for the challenge to get their nominations in to the Conservatorium as soon as possible.The inaugural Iron Creative event will be held on Sunday, May 23. Teams will create and rehearse their works at the Conservatorium during the morning, then present them at a public performance at 2pm at Lismore City Hall, where the winners will be announced.Applications close on Friday, April 23. Musicians and artists can register their interest online at enrol.nrcac.edu.auFor more information, contact the Northern Rivers Conservatorium on 6621 2266 or by email: [email protected] more information, visit https://nrcac.edu.au/iron-creative-world-first/

As many people will be hitting the roads this week for school holiday travel there are some changed traffic conditions taking place to be aware of on the Pacific Highway.There will be no roadwork on the Pacific Highway between Kew and the Queensland border from 6am Monday 5 April to 6am Wednesday 7 April and 6am Friday 9 April to 6am Monday 12 April due to the high traffic volume expected for the school holidays and Easter period. Emergency maintenance and safety repair work will be carried out as required.Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Highway and local roads from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 April for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, weather permitting.  From Wednesday, there will be two days of work on the Pacific Highway between Woodburn and Mororo to remove signage, transport materials and carry out landscape maintenance and finishing work. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and reduced speed limits at times between 6am and 6pm. The northbound U-turn at Serendipity Road, New Italy will be temporarily closed between 7am and 6pm for two days from Wednesday. The next available U-turn for northbound motorists is about one kilometre north. The southbound U-turn at Swan Bay New Italy Road, New Italy will be temporarily closed between 7am and 6pm for up to two days from Wednesday. The next available U-turn for southbound motorists is one kilometre south. Additional changes to local roads From Tuesday, there will be four days of work on Broadwater Evans Head Road and the on and off-ramps at the Broadwater interchange, Broadwater to construct a shared pedestrian and cycle path. Motorists can expect shoulder closures, lane closures and traffic control at times between 6am and 5pm. Also from Tuesday, there will up to be five days of work on Tuckombil, Gap and Woodburn Evans Head roads at Woodburn to carry out fencing, paving and private access work. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm. Further south from Tuesday, there will be five days of work on Nardi Road at New Italy to carry out fencing, private access and finishing work. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and short stoppage at times between 6am and 6pm. From Wednesday, there will be three days of work on Old Bagotville Road at Bagotville to install a culvert and carry out finishing work. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control at times between 7am and 6pm. On Thursday, there will be one day of work on the western roundabout of the Coolgardie interchange to carry out finishing work. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and short stoppages at times between 7am and 6pm. On Friday, there will be one day of work on the Chatsworth Road north overpass to carry out maintenance. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and short stoppages at times between 7am and 6pm.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Lismore City Council’s $8.2 million South Lismore Flood Mitigation Project is officially complete and has already passed the test of two floods.Lismore City Deputy Mayor Neil Marks and local Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin jointly cut the ribbon on the project today. “I’m delighted that the flood mitigation project is ‘officially’ complete – it will make a significant difference in protecting the CBD from floodwaters,” Mr Franklin said. “Thomas George, as the Nationals Member for Lismore for nearly 20 years, was instrumental in securing funding for this project and ensuring the risk of serious floods would reduce the damage to local businesses, homes and communities. “With the recent natural disaster, the completion of this work could not have come at a better time.”Cr Marks said it was great to open this new project that had been discussed for decades.“As we saw in the 2017 flood, the levee alone cannot keep floodwaters out of our CBD if we get too much rain,” he said“Since this project was ‘unofficially’ completed, we have had two floods and the mitigation works has shown it can help protect our city from floodwaters.“I’m also happy to say that due to savings that were realised during construction, we were able to work with the State Government to extend the scope of work to include the upgrade of Caniaba Street which will ensure road access to the newly created industrial lots meet contemporary standards.”The project, which was funded by the NSW Government, involved the removal of 410,000m³ of soil from a 58-hectare area of land owned by Council to reduce flood levels to the north.Flood modelling suggests the project should reduce peak water levels in the CBD, North Lismore and South Lismore by as much as 100mm in a 1-in-100-year flood event.The excavated material has been used to fill nearby industrial land within Lismore’s floodplain and facilitate the expansion of the South Lismore Industrial Estate.Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services Peter Jeuken said the project has already improved Lismore’s disaster resilience.“This project was endorsed by the Lismore Floodplain Management Committee and is part of a range of measures detailed in the Lismore Flood Mitigation Plan to help safeguard the community and increase disaster resilience,” he said.“During the last two floods, you could see water being diverted around the CBD and flowing through channels back into the Wilsons River.”SEE Civil carried out the work which was overseen by NSW Public Works Advisory and CouncilDuring preliminary works, Council relocated two major sewer mains, which were ‘bedded’ (backfilled with material to protect the pipe) using 1500 tonnes of crushed glass from the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre.“This is a great example of reusing a waste material plus there is a significant cost saving to the project from using this bedding material as opposed to traditional crushed rock,” Mr Jeuken said.

Goonellabah resident Lisa Connell lives on 200 metres from a telecommunications tower that’s earmarked to become part of the 5G communications network rollout.Telstra have already installed a 5G transmitter on top of the tower and Lisa said she is scared and has health concerns about its effect – especially as her home on Duke Street is so close to this new technology.“I’d already been writing submissions to stop the East Lismore 5G tower development on Crawford Road,” Lisa said. “Then I got really depressed when they proposed a 5G installation on the tower closest to us.”Lisa is concerned about the potentially dangerous electromagnetic energy (EME) emissions that the 5G transmitter will emanate – and says it’s also dangerous close to the old people’s home on the street.The potential health concerns of 5G technology have become a contentious issue that has already fired up public protests in Mullumbimby.Legal challengeWith the help of Indigenous Advocacy Network legal advocate Al Oshlack, Lisa has begun a legal proceeding which challenges the legality of the tower’s 5G extension, in the hope it may stop it being used.UnprecedentedIt’s a legal case which Mr Oshlack says is “unprecedented” and if successful, will change the future development of any 5G extensions on communications towers.Mr Oshlack said the 5G extension does not currently need to have a local council development approval, because it is deemed low impact.“This is another case where there is an existing tower used by Telstra, Optus and other carriers – then they install a 5G transmitter on top of the tower and call it 5G,” Mr Oshlack said.“The telcos are installing the extension using a code under the Telecommunications Act which says a tower extension less than five metres up and two metres out is classed as a low impact development - therefore does not require a Development Approval (DA) – and local council doesn’t get involved.“Our legal proceeding challenges Telstra’s claim that the development is low impact. Our case is that it is not low impact and requires a DA from council.“The construction of the extension itself might be low impact but, the working transmitter installation is high impact – so we are arguing that the 5G installation is actually development without consent.Summons issuedThe legal case is being held in the NSW Land and Environment Court, which Mr Oshlak said is one of the most effective courts in the country“We have issued a summons to Telstra, the extension contractors and Lismore City Council – who is the development consent authority,” he said. “We want to see all 5G extensions to towers go through a DA process in council.“At the moment, we have very little say about what happens with these tower developments. If a 5G extension has to get a DA and Council approval, then we get procedural rights and will be able to challenge the decision in court.”Mr Oshlack said Telstra have given him an undertaking that the transmitter won’t be switched on and used until the proceedings have played out – and they iron out a technical fault with the installation.“It’s also because Telstra don’t want to go to an injunction hearing – and it could take a long time if we did,” he said. “This case is the first of its kind and it is quite a big precedent.”Mr Oshlack said the next step in the case will be for the court to issue documents and make direction for the filing of evidence to the court.Emissions concerns“We are hoping to get evidence on the EME emissions from the tower,” he said. “We believe that assessments of radiation from the 5G towers have not been done properly, on site – that it has been done from existing data on their files.“We know that the 5G transmitter will emit double the EME emissions of all the existing 4G and 5G transmitters combined already on towers.”Lisa said it’s been difficult to find reliable and updated information about the status and operation status of any of Telstra’s 5G installations and she has health concerns for not only people, but animals and wildlife.“A study was done by Mark Broomhall over 15 years at Mount Nardi, where he documented how hundreds of animal and bird species disappeared or moved away from the Mount Nardi tower as they switched on the 2,3,4G and radio waves over time,” she said.Power and communityLisa has concerns about how her concerns and submissions are not being taken into consideration as the 5G rollout continues“I think it seems to make no difference no matter how many people make submissions about it,” she said.“Too much power is given to telcos now. Local council say they have no power, but that’s not true -so many places around world won the battle and stopped 5G and all had council support.”Read more about the opposition to the East Lismore 5G tower

In 2015, paramedic Bill Rathbone jumped into fast flowing flood water in a rescue that saved the lives of trapped people.So, when he received an email from the Australian Government in 2021 that he was to be awarded a national Bravery Medal - six years on - it came as a bit of a surprise.The rescue happened when Bill lived in Stroud and the award recognised his considerable bravery when undertaking multiple rescues of people trapped in floodwaters on April 21, 2015.When recounting the rescues, Bill said it was different to any other situation he has been in in his job - and he luckily hasn’t had to do it since. Ironically, it’s an echo of the floods currently happening again on the mid North Coast now.“As paramedics, we put ourselves into precarious situations and save people’s lives every day, but I’d never seen that before in Stroud,” he said. On that day, Stroud experienced extreme weather conditions, with rain falling quickly, causing flash flooding and wind gusts reached in excess of 100kmph.Bill, along with other members of the public, saw that a vehicle had been washed from the road and was stranded in the rising flood water. The driver had managed to climb onto the roof of the vehicle.The group of men were able to throw a rope to the stranded man, anchoring it to a light pole. Bill and the other three men then waded into waist deep water, placing a ladder on the roof of the stranded car, and allowing the trapped man to climb to safety.Meanwhile, a couple were swept away from their caravan and were clinging onto a brick amenities building, near the showground's grandstand.Bill being reunited with a lady he rescued in the 2015 Stroud flood.A police officer sourced a boat and Mr Rathbone and another police officer climbed aboard. They were joined by two other men in a second boat and together made their way to the distressed couple. Bill jumped into the fast flowing water and reached the couple and he assisted in keeping the woman's head above water. He was then joined by other rescuers and they worked together to get the woman to one of the boats.Bill and two others took the woman for medical treatment while the elderly man was assisted to safety.“In the past, I received a bravery citation from the ambulance sector for that job,” Bob said. “But the unsung hero in my story was the elderly gentlemen who I helped. “He saved his wife’s life and stopped her from being swept away. He had managed to climb to the top of a toilet block, but couldn’t get his wife up there, so he tied her by her cardigan to the building because he wasn’t able to hold her.”Pictures taken at the time of the event showed Bill with a torn trouser leg and scrapes and bruises from being in the flood water. His advice now to people is to stay away flood waters.“The bloke in the vehicle we rescued was in the SES and the vehicle was an SES vehicle – so it’s a good lesson in not driving in flood waters.”Bill has been a paramedic for 22 years and said recues like that are not something paramedics do every day, “but that’s what we are there for”.“I joined the Ambulance brigade to help people,” Bill said. “I came from the private sector and didn’t even have a first aid certificate at the time. I was inspired to join by my brother in law who was a paramedic – and I learned on the job. Bill and his wife moved to Goonellabah five years ago and he now works for the NSW Ambulance Service, stationed at Evans Head.Bill recieving his citation in 2014.This is also not the first event that Bill has been awarded a citation for. In 2014, he received a citation of courage after he and nine other paramedics went to the aid of two injured people in a truck accident north of Gloucester.At the time, two semi-trailers went over the edge of the Thunderbolts Way, resulting in the death of one of the drivers. The truck driver in front slowed down to help the truckdriver behind, who had radioed to say he had lost his brakes.Bill was the first paramedic on the scene, and was then assisted by police, firies and the SES.As ever Bill, remained humble, saying in an interview with the Dungog Chronicle at the time that “it was nothing special”.“It’s what we do, it’s our job,” he said.