Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging residents of the Lismore electorate to celebrate the positive role seniors play in the community by putting in a nomination for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.“If you know a senior who helps make our community diverse, inspiring and active, then I encourage you to nominate them for acknowledgement of their contribution“The annual NSW Seniors Festival is about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families and society.“Nominations are now open for the awards program, one of many initiatives the NSW Government promotes to support the state’s seniors living happy, healthy, and active lives.Winners of the Local Achievement Awards will be announced during the NSW Seniors Festival, which runs from 3rd-16th March 2025By highlighting seniors’ continued efforts in helping the Lismore electorate thrive, we are continuing to challenge ageism and empower seniors to overcome social stigmas.For more information about the NSW Seniors Festival and the Local Achievement Awards, visit seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au.Nomination forms are available from the Lismore Electorate Office at 55 Carrington Street, or by emailing lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.auNominations close 5pm Friday, 21 February 2025.

19.8mm has fallen at the Lismore Airport over the past three days, and the forecast is for a wet weekend from the Bureau of Meteorology.Saturday looks to be the wettest, with showers and a possible storm the prediction. Once again, there is a broad rainfall estimate with 4-35mm to fall. The recipients of the storm will receive the most rain. A little like this morning when the CBD was relatively dry compared to the build of water on the roads in Goonellabah.Sunday is slightly better, with 2-25mm forecast and the chance of a thunderstorm again.It has been another fairly quiet weekend around Lismore, with a lot of people still away on holidays.Markets lead the charge for what to do this weekend.The Lismore Farmers Markets get underway at 7:30am at the Lismore Showgrounds tomorrow, and as they say, rain, hail or shine! Fresh fruit and veg, coffee/tea and breakfast plus live music from Mish Songsmith is on offer until 11:30am.The Sunday market this week is in the Lismore hinterland at Coronation Park at The Channon between 9am and 3pm, although they do have drumming until dusk.There are over 200 artisan stalls selling local arts and crafts, such as soaps, coffee mugs and wooden products. This month's charity is The Channon Rural Fire Service, so your presence at the markets does make a difference.While up in the hills, check out the bush walks and make a day of it Walks.In Lismore, there is the rail trail to ride if you don't mind potentially getting a bit wet, or you can take the kids rollerskating at Rollerworld in North Lismore.Coming up in February:Legends of Cricket - Saturday, February 15 at Oakes Oval andCountry Championships at the Lismore Turf Club featuring Lismore richest race on Saturday, February 22.Hannah Pearl and Dan Grace will be performing at the Northern Rivers Hotel if you love live music.Hannah kicks off the weekend at 6:30 tonight, with Dan hitting the stage at 7pm tomorrow.The Lismore Workers Club live entertainment kicks off for 2025 with Forever Olivia - A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John on Saturday, February 15, Reputation - the Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show on Friday, February 21 and the Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show on Friday, March 7.Check out all the live music in 2025 at the Lismore Workers Club website.For the third week in a row, fuel prices have risen. Different fuel grades have seen different price increases, with diesel rising the most.Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 178.9 across the Lismore CBD and South Lismore, 176.8 at the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, with The Metro and the Mobil on River Street in Ballina cheapest at 167.5.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, Lismore, 178.9 at the Liberty on Centre Street and Hare Street, The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street and 169.5 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 188.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 195.7 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino and 182.5 at the Metro and Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 196.9 at the Liberty Foodmart on Ballina Road and the Liberty at 113 Union Street, South Lismore, 198.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 190.5 at the Metro and Mobil in Ballina.Diesel is 180.9 at the BP Lismore at 131 Dawson Street, 191.9 at the Casino Roadhouse and The United on Johnston Street in Casino and 184.5 at The Mobil and Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!

Goonellabah residents who use the Rous Road/Oliver Avenue roundabout regularly would have noticed a build-up of council worker activity in the last few days. The approved road work to upgrade the roundabout to improve safety will begin this Monday (13 January), causing traffic changes and delays. Prior to Christmas Lismore City Council staff replaced water pipes in the same area.During construction, there will be temporary traffic control measures implemented that will cause delays and disruption to motorists. Jubilee Avenue will be closed to through traffic at the roundabout for the remainder of the works. A temporary detour will be in place via Phillip Street, McDermott Avenue and Oliver Avenue. The $1.1 million investment in safety, funded by Transport for NSW under the Australian Government’s Black Spot program, is expected to be complete within eight weeks, weather permitting.“We have seen six accidents on or near the roundabout over the last five years, and something clearly needed to be done,” Mayor Steve Krieg said.“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community, and this upgrade will deliver that.”Works will initially involve the upgrade of existing drainage infrastructure and widening of the road pavement directly to the north of the current roundabout’s location.Once initial works are complete, construction will begin on a new, larger concrete and asphalt roundabout. The new roundabout will comprise a 6m-wide travel lane and deliver improved access from both Jubilee Avenue and Caroona Marima Care Facility.Mayor Krieg urged everyone to do their part and follow the temporary traffic control measures, including stop/go signs and reduced speed limits.“We all have a role to play in road safety, and I want to thank the community in advance for their cooperation and patience as Council undertakes this important safety improvement.”The busy roundabout was noted in a council Blackspot program. Six recorded accidents occurred in the area between 2018 and 2023, three (3) directly at the roundabout and three (3) east along Oliver Avenue.A range of categories were looked at to highlight the development of blackspot areas. Factors contributing to this design include:Large trees reducing sight distance and light in all three directions.The proximity of Jubilee Avenue to Rous Road is approximately 20 metres, which causes confusion to motorists on where a vehicle is turning.The intersection is over a crest which reduces stopping time if a vehicle exits from Jubilee Avenue onto Oliver Avenue.The change will affect the Caroona driveway entrance and exit. The existing entry/exit onto the roundabout from Caroona will be reduced to an Exit Only, and a new Entry Only point will be constructed off Rous Road approximately 40m west of the roundabout. These driveway modifications will provide safer entry and egress for Caroona and for cars circulating on the roundabout. During the construction, council has said that three (3) trees will be removed on the Northern side of Rous Road, which will be replaced in the same vicinity. These trees are not koala food trees and are outside the biodiversity zone. Council will be going ahead with the roundabout on Reserve Street. It is part of the Rous Road design and is confirmed for development as a separate project, with the timing to be confirmed. 

Lismore City Council has released Phase 1 of the improvement plan for the Caniaba Recreation Facilities.Community feedback was sourced through an online survey on the Your Say Lismore webpage(108 respondents) and an in-person community BBQ event (50).The Top 3 outcomes for Sporting Facilities and Playgrounds were:Sporting Facility Preferences:Multipurpose CourtCricket NetsTennis CourtPlayground Preferences:SwingsOutdoor Fitness EquipmentSlideThe result for Phase 1 was to create a:Multipurpose Court: The existing tennis court will be converted to accommodate tennis, basketball and pickleball, all on a new, durable acrylic surface. The layout allows for social sport and allows multiple users to be able to play at any one time without needing to wait for the other to finish or to put up nets.Synthetic Cricket Nets: Two new cricket nets will provide local cricketers with dedicated training facilities.(An image of the multi-courts)Phase one is expected to be completed by June 30 this year.Phase 2 of the recreational upgrades is planned for delivery in four to six years, depending on available budget or grant funding.As part of the second phase of the project, future plans include exploring options to replace the playground, focusing on greater space for play, more variety, accessible play and safety in design. Detailed designs will be shared with the community once they are available.

With the rain falling and the ground wet, most people are not thinking about bushfires. However, rainfall means delays in completing fire hazard reduction activities, particularly controlled burning.As regional Australia prepares for bushfire season, Brisbane company Hypha, the critical communications firm, has commenced delivery of state-of-the-art Vehicle-as-a-Node (VaaN) technology that will be installed in 5,000 NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) vehicles. The technology will help fight fires in communication blackspot.The high-speed internet leverages 4G, 5G, and Elon Musk’s Starlink technology, turning Hypha-equipped vehicles into Wi-Fi hotspots for firefighters' mobile devices and internet-enabled equipment.The result is high-speed data access for RFS personnel anytime, anywhere—eliminating communication black spots in rural and remote areas.It means emergency staff will now be better equipped to understand and communicate life-threatening situations on the ground, with command centres, and each other, throughout a bushfire disaster – empowering first responders to make life-saving decisions.The technology enables the latest intelligence, including geolocation data, sophisticated data feeds, and even livestreaming capabilities that were previously out of reach.CEO of Hypha Group Neil Jamieson said the VaaN technology marks a major evolution in mission-critical communications for public safety.“RFS and Hypha have worked tirelessly to finalise this contract and begin the rollout,” he said.“We are all deeply committed to ensuring the safety of communities and the firefighters who protect them, and this is a significant step toward achieving that goal.”Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service has been available in Australia since 2021 and is used by more than 250,000 Australians in remote and regional areas, including a prioritised service for RFS use.Hypha will remotely manage the VaaN equipped vehicles to ensure the units are operating at peak performance with the latest software and interfaces to mobile data terminals and radio systems.  In addition to its own manufacturing and software development, Hypha is proud to have worked with multiple Australian manufactures and some highly nimble international players to deliver the RFS solution.The RFS has welcomed the rollout, which is expected to take two to three years to complete, and will accommodate various types of firefighting vehicles in remote locations.According to the latest RFS Fire Season Outlook report, the prolonged wet weather through 2024 has limited the ability to complete hazard reduction activities, particularly controlled burning, compounding the fire risk across the state.An RFS spokesperson said: “The Hypha team showed a deep understanding of NSW RFS operational and safety challenges, delivering an outstanding commercial and technical solution.“We appreciate the creativity and partnership approach that Hypha exhibits and look forward to enabling our officers on the front line.” 

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL for Nimbin, Kyogle and western parts of the Northern Rivers.Isolated severe thunderstorms have developed in a moist and unstable environment about the northeast of the state, aided by the passage of an upper trough.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations that may be affected include Casino, Kyogle, Wiangaree and Nimbin.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.The next warning is due to be issued by 7:20 pm.

Independent testing has reaffirmed that Rous County Council’s (Rous) water remains safe to drink with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) undetectable at new levels set by the Australian Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).Rous accepted NSW Health’s recent offer to conduct independent laboratory testing for PFAS using samples collected within its water network. Samples were collected from numerous points across the region Rous serves.Since 2023, Rous has been conducting its own routine testing for PFAS using samples taken from water and environmental sources. To date, all results have shown PFAS chemicals are not detectable.The most recent results from NSW Health’s independent tests, received in December 2024, also did not find PFAS in any samples, according to Adam Nesbitt, Group Manager Operations, Rous.“I am pleased to share that the analysis undertaken by NSW Health has returned excellent results with PFAS undetectable in all samples,” said Adam Nesbitt.“These independent test results reaffirm the safety and quality of our drinking water and reflect tests for PFAS that Rous has been undertaking for some time.“Our proactive approach ensures that Rous’ water meets the highest possible water quality standards.“By conducting regular testing and transparent reporting, we ensure that our water supply continues to meet — and exceed — national safety standards.”PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals widely used in industrial processes and consumer products due to their ability to resist heat, water, and grease.This resistance makes them valuable in products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, firefighting foams, and food packaging – to name just a few. However, their durability also means they persist in the environment and can accumulate over time, prompting strict guidelines for safe levels in drinking water.Rous publishes an Annual Water Quality Summary Report, which includes PFAS testing results, on its website. Visit: https://rous.nsw.gov.au/annual-water-quality-summary-reports. For information and updates on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, visit nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-drinking-water-guidelines.

Lismore Heights Public School will get a new $3 million special education learning unit as part of the NSW Government's $1.08 billion investment in minor works, which includes $600 million dedicated to essential school maintenance.The work will occur during the school holidays, so over 800 public schools across New South Wales will welcome students and teachers back to classrooms when school starts in early February. The projects aimed to ensure schools are safe, functional, and conducive to learning. Over 3.4 million square meters of buildings were painted, and an area equivalent to 46 Sydney Cricket Grounds received new flooring.Some notable projects completed include:* Lismore Heights Public School: $3 million to create a new special education learning unit.* Morisset High School: $730,000 upgrade to science labs.* Kensington Public School: $180,000 in carpet and vinyl flooring upgrades.* Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College: Over $345,000 to upgrade metalwork classrooms.* Terrigal Public School: $655,000 to replace an aging Covered Outdoor Learning Area.Premier Chris Minns emphasised the government's commitment to providing quality public education, "We are committed to ensuring that NSW public schools are quality places to work and learn." He acknowledged that while not the most glamorous upgrades, these projects are crucial for maintaining safe and functional learning environments.Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of well-maintained schools for thriving communities. She reiterated the government's commitment to investing in and rebuilding public education across NSW.

New research from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has unveiled the power of personalised goal setting for achieving sustained weight loss as Australians set health resolutions for the new year.  An analysis of over 22,000 members of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet revealed that while most participants set ambitious weight loss goals (of around 20 kg) for themselves at the start of the program, only three per cent were able to achieve them within 12 weeks. Importantly, the research found members who achieved a personalised weight loss goal generated by an AI tool within the program experienced the greatest success.  These customised goals facilitated early weight loss and also led to better longer-term outcomes, with 47 per cent of members reaching their personalised goals by losing between 7 and 11 kg in 12 weeks.   The My Journey AI tool is designed to help Australians achieve weight loss success by tailoring goals to an individual’s circumstances. CSIRO Research Scientist Dr Gilly Hendrie emphasised the importance of realistic goal setting when starting and maintaining a successful weight loss journey. “We know that early wins create momentum for weight loss, and by setting goals that are personalised and realistic, members gain the motivation to stay the course and reach bigger milestones,” Dr Hendrie said. Stretch goals are best While an unrealistic goal can be disheartening for weight loss, a stretch goal, which is a deliberately challenging target, can help people have greater early success.  Among CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet members, those who achieved a stretch goal, also personalised by the program, lost substantially more weight at 12 weeks and sustained this success over 12 months.  According to the research, nine out of 10 members who met the stretch goal lost a clinically significant 5 per cent or more of their starting body weight at 12 months. The analysis also highlighted that stretch goals were particularly helpful for those with more weight to lose.  Among members who started in the obese weight status category, 20 per cent achieved a stretch goal, and lost 12 kg within the first 12 weeks; 4 kg more than those that met the personalised goal.  “Stretch goals give people that little extra push to see what’s possible. These goals are not just about losing weight fast - they’re about creating a rhythm of achievement,” Dr Hendrie said. “With the right guidance, members can achieve their weight loss goals and build lasting habits, setting them up for successful longer-term weight management.”   CSIRO sets Australians up for goal-setting success in 2025 In response to the findings, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet has introduced My Journey—a new AI tool designed to help accelerate Australians ability to set, track, and achieve personalised weight loss goals with real-time guidance. “With My Journey, you can trust the program to create goals that are tailored to your unique circumstances, giving you the best chance to succeed,” Dr Hendrie said.  “Whether you’re starting fresh this January or building on past success, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet offers the tools and confidence needed to achieve lasting health goals.” Find out more about the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet and My Journey.  

With the festive holidays for a lot of families for another year, the school holidays continue throughout January, and parents begin to think about how they can entertain the kids for another four weeks.Far North Coast (FNC) Hockey and NSW Regional Youth Holiday Break Program are putting on a Summer Holiday Hockey & Multi-Sports Camp for one week in January.FNC Hockey's Sharon Maher told the Lismore App children five and over will enjoy five days of sports with morning tea and lunch provided, as well as sporting equipment."They'll go through the whole Hook Into Hockey program. That's been the basic program for beginners for many years. It's very popular amongst schools. So, they'll do that Monday to Friday in the morning."Then, in the afternoon, they'll have a variety of sports, including baseball, table tennis, Taekwondo and tennis. We've also got planned a novelty carnival with buckets of water on one afternoon and a water games activity on another."We have massive sprinklers on the turf, which we use throughout the day just to cool the kids off. The kids really enjoy it.The cost is $75 for the week for kids 5 to 11, and it is free for kids 12+, thanks to funding from the state government under the NSW Regional Youth Holiday Break Program.Sharon would like to have made it free for everyone; however, that is the funding she received and the conditions that were included."It's good because 12 years and older are a very hard group to actually reach and connect with, and to promote things like this to. So, we're quite happy to do that. And it gave us the basis to invite the younger kids as well. It gives them a great introduction into community sport, whereas a lot of kids feel intimidated starting out in sport on their own. So, it sort of covers that gap."It's also great for parents because it's holiday care as well, and it's relatively inexpensive. Morning tea and lunch are included every day."Monday and Friday, we have barbecues, a sausage sizzle and then burger day on Friday, and in between that, we have sandwiches or hot dogs.""It is really good value. The kids have loved it in the past. We've had some great reviews."This is the first time FNC Hockey has held this event at this time of year, but they are still expecting about 60 kids to register and enjoy a week of fun and sport.If you are concerned about the qualification of staff, their team includes lead coaches, trainee coaches, FNCHI parents, volunteers (with appropriate Working with Children Checks), and First-Aid and Child Safety Officers.THE DETAILS:Dates: Monday, 20th January to Friday, 24th January 2025* (9am – 3.30pm)Venue: Hockey fields behind Lismore Workers Sports Club, 214 Oliver Avenue, GoonellabahFree - Children 12 years and older$75 – Children 5 to 11 yearsTo learn more or to book your child/children a spot in the Summer Holiday Hockey & Multi-Sports Camp, click here.

As we begin 2025, the countryside and many lawns and gardens across the Lismore LGA are searching for a bit of rain during our wet season.The Bureau of Meteorology says there is a high chance of rain over the next four days with the possibility of thunderstorms; however, it could be very little or close to 40mm. This weather system will be unpredictable, so the rainfall will vary depending on where a storm hits.The longer-term forecast for January is for above-median rainfall, with a 66% chance of greater than 125.1mm falling between now and the end of the month.To give you some perspective, January 2024 had 142mm, and December 2024 had 147.44mm fall at the Lismore airport. Both of those examples had single-day falls of 65mm.The three months to March 2025 have a 62% chance of above-median rainfall of greater than 510.6mm.The first three months of 2024 recorded 440.4mm, so there is a good chance it could be wetter than last year.As for the chance of potential flooding this year, that cannot be predicted through the potential rainfall. We have had floods during an El Nino year as well as the more predictable La Nina years. The signs for the next three months are positive.It has been three years since a moderate or major flood hit Lismore. There have been four and five-year gaps between the more substantial flooding events. As an example, there were five years between the 2017 and 2022 major floods.As for minor floods, we have experienced one in each of the last five years except for 2023.At this stage, there are no alarms bell ringing.

The Lismore App celebrated the amazing deeds of Lifeblood donors Richard & Beryl Gibson and Narelle Fox on December 12 last year, as well as the Richmond Police District officers a week later. Over 2,500 lives had been saved from some extremely generous people.The New Year is always a difficult time for Lifeblood, both in terms of blood and plasma use and the fewer donors available because of the holidays.More than 6,500 people cancelled their donation appointments last week – the highest number of New Year week cancellations in three years. A further 14,000 people either rescheduled or did not attend their appointment.The donation drop-off at one of the most critical times of year means an extra 12,000 people are now urgently needed to book a donation this week to replenish low blood stocks.(A full house at the Lismore Donor Centre in December last year)Lifeblood Executive Director Donor Experience Cath Stone urged people to book a donation.“We know the festive season is a busy time of year, and everyone looks forward to a well-earned break, but the need for blood has not stopped,” Cath said.“Every day, we are issuing more than 9,500 blood and plasma transfusions and medications to Australian hospitals.“There are still cancer patients, road trauma victims, new mums and newborn babies, and people with immune deficiencies that are relying on the generosity of blood donors.“Now that the holiday season has come to an end and people are returning to their normal routines, we’re hoping more people will find an hour in their schedule to save lives.”The urgent need for more donations comes despite a record 1.66 million donations being given in 2024, an increase of almost 30,000 donations compared to 2023.“Demand for blood and plasma continues to increase at record levels. More donations are needed than ever before, largely due to a growing and aging population,” Cath said. “To keep up with that demand, we need an extra 100,000 people to find their reason to make a blood donation in 2025.“It could be because someone you know has cancer or because you need a new year’s resolution. It could be because it makes you feel good, or it might even be because of the party pies.“For every reason to become a donor, there’s an even bigger reason. Life. So please book your donation today.”  With the nation’s blood supply levels now available to view in real-time online, knowing when blood is needed is now easier than ever.To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.State breakdown of the additional donors needed in the next week:

The first half of 2025 will see the people of Australia head to the polls once again, this time for a Federal Election.The election needs to occur on or before May 17; more on that later.This morning, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan announced his endorsement for this year's election."I am humbled to have recently been endorsed as the Nationals candidate for this year’s Federal Election. It is an honour to serve our community, and with their support, I hope to continue to do so."We need to get our country back on track. Labor have been an exceptionally disappointing Government. Cost-of-living pressures, the housing crisis and the complete lack of funding for regional communities all need reversing."Labor promised a $275 cut to power bills - this didn't happen. Instead, prices have increased hurting our families and businesses. Immigration is at record levels and now no one can afford a home. The election is about who is best to help with cost of living, housing and rental pressures. "I always believe that our best days are ahead of us, and this election is an opportunity to achieve that."Mr Hogan won the 2022 federal election with 60.7% on a two-party preferred count to Labor's Patrick Deegan's 39.3% and will be the favourite to retain his seat.The swing towards Mr Hogan was 1.3%; however, his primary vote dropped 4% to 45.6%. He was not the only major party to suffer a primary vote drop.Labor's primary decreased by 7.7% and the Green's Kashmir Miller by 3.2% to 8.5%. That was the election when the Teal Party played a big part in taking seats from the Coalition. Hanabeth Luke was the Page Teal candidate, winning 13.1% of the primary vote, second only to Labor.The unknown is what impact the Teals will have on the 2025 Federal Election.The Coalition will hope the Teals will have less of an effect as they need to gain 19 seats to win a majority government. A tall order.Labor will be hoping for the same result as they cling to a 78-seat majority. The loss of three seats could well see a minority Labor government.Interestingly, the last federal party to lose an election after one term was in 1931. Every federal election since then has at least a two-term party in power.As for when the election will take place? April 12, May 10, and May 17 appear to be the favoured dates.The biggest stumbling block to go earlier is the Western Australian state election to be held on March 8. The federal government can also avoid handing down the federal budget, which is due on March 25.For now, Kevin Hogan is the first declared candidate in the seat of Page for the 2025 Federal Election. We wait for others to nominate in the coming weeks.

Lismore has a new taxi service to rival the long-established Lismore Taxis.Northern Rivers Taxis launched in September 2024. The new driver-led organisation started with Country Cabs Ballina and Country Cabs Byron Bay.December 2024 saw the first appearance of Country Cabs Lismore.Driver and board member Mandeep Singh told the Lismore App Northern Rivers Taxis was born after a disagreement with the board of Lismore Taxis.He wouldn't be drawn into the reasons behind the decision but did say the lack of cars on the road was an issue."We told them so many times, we need more cars, we need to increase our fleet. More taxi people are waiting hours and hours and people are waiting on the taxi ranks at night time." The result of two local taxi companies is more cabs on the road and better service for the people of Lismore."We have more cars so people can get better service and picked up on time. They were waiting for up to an hour. I had a customer yesterday and picked her up in five minutes, and she said, oh, I used to wait 45 minutes." With just one company, Lismore's taxi count was 25. The introduction of Country Cabs Lismore has seen that number increase to 31, that's six more cabs on the road servicing the people of Lismore.There is no less experience, with five of the Country Cabs Lismore team having ten years of driving taxis or more. Service isn't the only winner; more competition has led to lower prices."We are giving a 15 to 20% discount to all of our customers for most of the rides," Mandeep explained.The Fare Fall, the price you pay to jump in a taxi, was $4.10. Country Cabs Lismore has reduced that to $2. So, if you are travelling a short distance, this will lead to a cheaper cab fare."We are cheaper than Uber. Uber's minimum price is $11. If you go on a short trip, they're going to charge you $11, but ours is more like $6, $7 or $8."Country Cabs Lismore has ten (10) taxis now with another to join the team soon. This includes sedans and multi-taxis for large groups and disabled customers. They also have three hire cars."There's no taxi signs. If anybody wants to hire a private car for a trip to the Gold Coast or to go to the airport, we can do that too. We have a Range Rover, a Toyota Fortuner, and we have a Tesla."If you want to buy a car and become a taxi driver, the entry point is now much lower. Mandeep explained Country Cabs Lismore is looking for partners to join them."If somebody wants to join us, they need to have a taxi license plate, which they can get for $200 and a car. That's it. They can join us and start driving with us as a partner.""So, if you buy a $20,000 car, plus a $200 license, put a camera in it and stickers on the car, you can start driving after lessons. $25,000 to $27,000, and you can start your own taxi."To find out more information about buying a taxi license through the NSW Point To Point Transport Commissioner, click here.You can book a Country Cabs Lismore taxi by calling (02) 6625 2113 or check them out on Facebook.

Two males have been charged following an alleged pursuit at Lismore early this morning.About 2.15am (Monday, 6 January 2025), police were patrolling the Bruxner Highway near Lismore when they attempted to stop a vehicle.Police will allege that the vehicle was bearing number plates reported stolen from a Queensland address.When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated, continuing through Goonellabah.The vehicle came to a stop at Tregeagle and two males – aged 15 and 22 – were arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.The man was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly, and use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed.A warrant was also executed for alleged weapon and bail offences.He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Monday, 6 January 2025).The boy was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before a children's court on Friday, 28 February 2025.

Two Lismore mates and a Wollongbar woman are celebrating million-dollar wins in Saturday Lotto.Each won $2.1 million, as Lismore continued its lucky streak after the weekend's Lotto draw followed the $1.3 million winner on December 28 2024.  The two entries were among the 14 division one winning entries in Saturday Lotto draw 4535 on Saturday, 4 January 2025. Each division one winning entry pocketed $2,142,857.15. “Jesus Christ! You ripper!” one of the Lismore friends exclaimed when the enormity of his win was revealed by an official from The Lott. “I’m here with my mate. We go halves in a Lotto ticket. “Bring on retirement, I say! This will set us both up for retirement. “It’s unbelievable. “We’re sitting here just having coffee and looking at each other in shock. We’re trying to get coffee in our gobs without spilling it. “It should be a good year for us! It will be great!” Their winning System 8 QuickPick entry was purchased at Lismore Square News, Shop 78, Lismore Shopping Square, 95 Diadem Street, Lismore.  The Wollongbar woman is looking at overseas travel following her win. “Bugger me! Is this right?” the woman questioned when her prize was confirmed. “I checked my ticket on my iPad and thought, ‘this can’t be right’. “You know, a thousand things go through your head. “It’s like most things. I’ve been playing for years, but you don’t expect to ever win! “Thank you for making my day so happy. “There’s lots of things I want to do, including helping my family. But I’d also like to go on an overseas holiday and trust me; I’ll be flying at the pointy end of the plane!” Her winning entry was purchased at Alstonville Newsagency, Shop 2, 79-83 Main Street, Alstonville. Alstonville Newsagency owners Ray and Maree Smith said they were thrilled to sell another division one winning entry. “We’ve been sharing the news with all our customers and they’re delighted to hear Alstonville is once again in the winner’s circle,” Ray said. “We don’t like to skite, but Alstonville Newsagency has been extremely lucky over the past 10 years. We’ve now sold four Division One prizes as well as six Lucky Lotteries 1st Prizes. This division one win is our biggest to date. “This is going to be life-changing for our lucky winner and a fantastic way to start 2025.” The winning numbers in Saturday Lotto draw 4535 on 4 January 2025 were 33, 19, 8, 23, 10 and 31, while the supplementary numbers were 42 and 13.

A new year has led to a name change for one of Lismore's young businesses as they approach their first anniversary.Sessle B's Studio opened its doors in the second week of January 2024, offering a variety of pottery workshops in North Lismore. It is now known as Silt Studio.Owners Seth and Lara Bell explained why they decided on a name change after nearly twelve months of business."When we first opened, we chose Seth's ceramic label as our studio name. As our offerings expanded and our community grew, we realised we needed something not only simpler and easier to remember, but that also reflects an idea that everyone can connect with."So, why the name Silt?"Silt is a nutrient-rich substance left behind after a river floods, fostering new life in its wake. This symbolism resonates deeply with us."After the big 2022 flood turned our lives upside down, it also set us on the path to pursue our creative passions."The building that now houses our studio became available at an incredible price because of the flood, though it did require a lot of elbow grease."While the experience was intensely challenging for us and many in our community, it also brought new opportunities, allowing us to build a space that thrives on creativity, connection and growth."Silt Studio represents not just a name but a story of resilience, renewal, and the belief in building something meaningful together.What else is new in 2025?"Kids after-school art program (Tuesdays 4pm) in addition to after-school pottery program (Wednesdays 4pm)"Diverse abilities art program on Tuesday mornings (4 week blocks run by local artisans)"Weeknight Pottery courses including intermediate and advanced options (Wednesdays 6.30pm) and a linocut course"Lara also said that regular open-to-public hours with ceramics for sale and exhibition & drop-in glazing from a selection of pre-made pottery items are coming soon, as is a cafe when then their DA goes through.You can check out the Silt Studio website by clicking here or visit them at 19 Bridge Street, North Lismore.

A shortage of prescribed medical cannabis supply has led to Australian patients being left stranded, according to the Legalise Cannabis Queensland Party (LCQP).The disruption to vital medication for those who rely on it for chronic conditions, pain and other medical issues is doing patient harm, says patient advocate and Secretary of the LCQP Suzette Luyken.“This isn’t just an inconvenience; it is doing harm to patients," said Suzette Luyken, patient advocate and Secretary of the Legalise Cannabis Queensland Party.“Before Christmas, supply chains were closing for extended periods, and those with psychiatric disabilities were badly affected. Depressions deepen over this season, and the results can be devastating for those who suffer from PTSD and depression. Imagine if this were insulin or heart medication—it would be a national scandal.”Medical cannabis was legalised in Australia in 2016, offering hope to patients with conditions often resistant to conventional therapies. However, the reality has been far less promising. Supply chain disruptions, inadequate stock and poor planning have left pharmacies unable to fill prescriptions, forcing patients to endure the consequences.“For many patients, the fallout has been severe. The interruption of care has left many struggling to manage their conditions effectively. Patients must endure debilitating symptoms; go back on to heavy-duty pharmaceuticals, or seek out product from the black market.”The crisis has sparked urgent calls for action from both government agencies and the corporate cannabis industry. Key demands from patients and advocacy groups include:1.          Improved supply chain transparency and planning.2.          Emergency stock reserves to prevent shortages.3.          Greater accountability from manufacturers and distributors.“Australia has excelled in many areas of healthcare, but when it comes to medical cannabis, we are letting our patients down,” said Suzette Luyken. “It’s time for regulators, manufacturers, and distributors to address these issues with the urgency they deserve.”Southside Chempro owner Kyle Wood told the Lismore App he doesn't think there is an inherent problem with the supply of medical cannabis."Medical cannabis has a conservative shelf life, so when it is imported into Australia, it has about six months to be distributed and used."The pharmaceutical companies have to anticipate what the supply will be in advance. With a conservative shelf life, this can leave them losing a lot of money, which they don't want to do."It's fine for the big-name brands who don't have supply problems, but the smaller, boutique growers can have problems with the next grow crop. The bio-equivalence will never be the same, meaning the flower varies from crop to crop."The Australian medical cannabis industry is still too young to cover domestic supply, so overseas companies are needed to fill the gap.Federal Government legislation also prohibits substituting between products, which causes supply chain issues.Kyle said that supply chains can get caught up, and there can be a shortage for a month or two.

Happy New Year to all of our Lismore App readers!The first weekend of 2025 looks to be mostly fine, so there is no excuse not to get outdoors and enjoy what's left of the Christmas/NY holidays.The Bureau says there is a 40% chance of a shower on Saturday with a top of 27 degrees, while Sunday is forecast to be a partly cloudy day with a maximum of 29.As you would expect at this time of year, there is very little on in terms of events.The Lismore Farmers Markets get back into action after having last weekend off at the Lismore Showground from 7:30.Fresh fruit and veg, plants, flowers, breakfast, coffee/tea and live music from Phil Bromley is the order of the day.The new Rail Trail is open and ready for families to explore, as is the upgraded Heritage Park with the new Gigadome and the miniature train.For those looking for something more physical, check out the bush walks in the hills Walks.(Minyon Falls looking up from the swimming hole)There is plenty of live music at the Northern Hotel in North Lismore starting tonight at 5pm with Teak Fairfull. Tomorrow night Rokustix hits the stage at 7.The Lismore Workers Club live music returns on February 21 with Forever Olivia - A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John, Reputation - the Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show and The Fab Four - the Ultimate Tribute to The Beatles.Click here to check out the rest of the live music on offer in 2025.Fuel prices have risen again in the last week. Different fuel grades has seen different price increases, with Casino seeing the largest increases, up to 6c a litre.Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 178.9 at the 7-Eleven on Union Street, South Lismore, 176.8 at the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, with The Metro and the Mobil on River Street in Ballina cheapest at 167.5.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, Lismore, 175.9 at North Casino Mini Mart on Queensland Road and the Casino Roadhouse at 86 Johnston Street and 169.5 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 188.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 195.9 at the Ampol on Dyraaba Street in Casino and 179.9 at The Shell Ballina, 273 River Street.U98 is 196.9 at the Liberty Foodmart on Ballina Road and the Liberty at 113 Union Street, South Lismore, 198.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 188.9 at The Shell Ballina.Diesel is 174.9 at the Ampol Foodary at 237 Union Street, South Lismore and the Caltex at 2 Leycester Street in the CBD, 186.9 at the Casino Roadhouse at 86 Johnston Street in Casino and 184.5 at The Mobil and Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!