Happy New Year and welcome to the first Weekend Wrap of 2021 where the first topic is about the weather which was the case at the end of 2020 as well. La Nina has a great deal to answer for although the rain is appreciated and makes our land look spectacular and lush as you drive around the 2480 postcode.With 18.6mm dropped at the Lismore Airport in the 24 hours to 9am this morning we have only had 0.2mm since 9am and the forecast for the weekend is much the same with a 40% chance of rain and only 1-2mm expected at the most.Local cricket was due to return after the Christmas/New Year break tomorrow but due to the wet wickets all NRCL matches have been cancelled with the LJ Hooker League expected to be cancelled however the official call will be made tomorrow morning. With softball recommencing next weekend there will be little sport being played.Lismore Speedway will be running at the Lismore Showgrounds on Saturday night weather permitting. The event is led by the V8 Dirt Modifieds as well as the Wingless Sprints, Production Sedansand Junior SedansUnfortunately, Tuesday's 410 Sprintcar meeting has been cancelled due to Queensland's Border Restrictions.The Lismore Farmers Markets are encouraging you to bring your umbrella and gumboots tomorrow morning from 8 when they open their gates. With the garden growing quicker than facial hair you may want to pick up some mulch from Tony the Mulch Man.Meanwhile the Blue Knob Community Market is still on holidays returning next weekend the 16th.The Channon Markets is another to make their return for 2021 this Sunday between 9am and 3pm. They have said the grounds have been mowed by council and are looking good but maybe still damp over the weekend.The list of cheap petrol sees the United on Ballina Road the lowest for E10 unleaded at 114.9. Unleaded 91 is 115.9 at the Independent on the corner of Terania and Tweed Streets, North Lismore and for the good U98 petrol the Independent again leads the way with 123.9. It pays took around with for U98 with some stations now charging 140.9 or more. Diesel owners should be paying no more than 117.5 which you will find at the Independent, the Liberties on Terania Street and the United on Ballina Road.Neil Marks talks about his balance between working at his beloved motorcycle job and being a councillor in his Blog tomorrow. It appears Neil is enjoying life in 2021.The Sunday Profile is Patrick Healy.Don't forget if the rain is more than forecast and you find yourself with some time, check out our Games & Puzzles button (Games & Puzzles). An easy way to waste an hour or two.Here are some New Year jokes to kick off the weekend:

It’s been a business handed down for four generations from master to apprentice.This week, Lismore Timezone Watchmakers has proud new owners - Matt and Lisa Rankin.The couple are the latest of husband and wife teams to take on the business – now that former husband and wife owners Graeme and Ann Hoskins have ‘semi-retired’ from the long-standing business. Matt is a fully qualified watchmaker who started out as Graeme’s apprentice back in 2006. After four years and winning multiple awards for his skills, he completed his apprenticeship in 2010 and went on to work in other places, refining and expanding his skills.He came back to work with Graeme last year, before deciding to purchase the business in 2021.“Once a watchmaker always a watchmaker,” Matt said. “Occasionally, Graeme will be in, still be gracing us with his presence and expertise.”ChallengesMatt works on all sorts of watches, chronographs and wall clocks, and often pulls them completely to pieces as he investigates what’s going on.“Some of them can be challenges,” Matt said. “I’m often replacing moving pieces in traditional, old school watches, or replacing batteries in electronic watches.“Sometimes I need to talk to old hands who might have seen it before.“This is a profession where you don’t just read a book and know how to do it – it’s handed down knowledge.”Read more news: Qld Premier announces three day lockdown in BrisbaneSwiss vs EnglishSo, what is secret to a quality timepiece – and what’s the fuss about Swiss watches?“One anecdote I was told as an apprentice is about the difference between the Swiss and the English competing in the clock world,” Matt said.“The English turned a piece of glass down to the thickness of a human hair and sent it to the Swiss and said beat that. The Swiss then sent it back with a hole drilled down the middle of it.”Retail faceLisa takes care of the retail side of the business, so when you come in the doors to have a watch or clock fixed or to buy a new one– you’ll see her smiling face.She has years of experience in business administration, finance and customer service and loves to get creative too.“I am looking forward to creating some amazing windows displays and sales events,” Lisa said.“I am a people person and really enjoy greeting and having a chat to our customers.Today we were surprise by a delivery of beautiful flowers from Matt’s brother and his fiancé, as well as a second bunch of flowers from a mystery person and a note wishing us all the best.“We are excited to be here and help people with all their timekeeping needs.The shop is open Monday to Saturday and is located on the corner of Keen and Magellan Streets.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has issued a final Flood Watch Warning for Lismore and reports that renewed flooding is no longer expected for the Wilsons River today.It's good news if you have been anxiously watching the rain, drains and rivers nearby.The Bureau of Meterology reports that the low pressure trough weather system bringing the rain is now weakening - and even though the catchment is relatively saturated after the rainfall over the last few weeks, potential riverine flooding has been averted.The Bureau is continuing to monitor the situation and will issue further catchment specific warnings if and when required.

With only one more day of trading left in its Terania Street location, Rainbow Wholefoods’ staff are packing up the stock and have marked down lots of products – with 50% off many of the fresh vegetables, pulses and dry goods.The burning question on many devoted customers' lips are: will I still be able to buy in future all of the herbs, seeds, flours, powders and strangely named concoctions that I get there now?The answer from Rainbow’s manager Pat Greene is that most of it will still be available – but how we order and get it will change.Read more news:Final SES Flood Watch brings the all clear for LismoreWhat’s gone?There won’t be any fresh vegetables and fruit any more, or refrigerated perishables like cheeses, sauerkraut or tempeh – but the bulk goods currently in the fridge, like hemp products, will still be available.It’s still a work in progress, but when the shop closes at the end of tomorrow, Friday January 8, the shelves full of the 561 herbs and other products like vitamins and minerals, will be relocated to a large shed at shop owners Tony and Nghi’s property at Goolmangar.They intend to downsize the cool room and freezer space needed to accommodate the necessities and keep the shop humming along in a new format.Read more about the shop: Rainbow Wholefoods to close and go on-lineHow to orderPat said if you want to order any products, the simple way is to give them a ring (the phone number is not changing) and put your order in. Or you can visit the website and email them and order your goods.At the moment, the website is being updated with all the products and their prices. Pat said because some of the products have multiple names - including botanical, common, Indian or Chinese names - the website will list all of the names so you can find them. Eventually, there will be a spreadsheet that you can fill in with what you want.To order, visit the website https://rainbowwholefoods.com/ or phone 02 6621 8007.Keep it greenTo make sure the environment is considered, staff recommend that if possible, you could supply your own containers to be filled up, rather than rely on plastic bags for the products you order.Special blendsIf you are looking for a particular herb or product, you can ring and ask Tony -who is a naturopath and herbalist– and he can research and find what it is that you are looking for.“We can also ring up our suppliers who have chemists working in their factories and we can have a specific blend made up for,” Pat said.DeliveryPat said goods can be delivered to you in Lismore at a prearranged meeting place - or can be couriered to you. The shop staff already send things to people all around Australia – so they are used to online ordering.Future café developmentIn the future, Toy wants to put a café in at Goolmangar. He intends to put a Development Application in soon and get the process underway so they can sell products there.“We always try to source local and organic grown products, and if any local growers want to talk to us about supplying products, give us a ring,” Pat said.Why close?The business’s owner Tony is renting the building and Lismore City Council has mandated that to stay open, an upgrade to the building is needed to bring it up to modern fireproofing specifications- at a cost of approximately $350,000.“The building is worn out,” Pat said. “The landlord didn’t want to pay to upgrade it and Tony didn’t want to spend the money because he doesn’t own it. We were also told to build a carpark so we would have had to rent the block next door too to do so – and we can’t afford that either.”Read the history: Rainbow Wholefoods' future still uncertain - but there is a light of hope

There was a sense that all was well in the world for many people who went to the Lismore Car Boot Market last Sunday.The market had returned to its original home under Lismore Shopping Square and people returned to their old rituals – meeting friends at their favourite coffee stalls and browsing the covered aisles for bargains.Market coordinator Marny Bonner said a lot of market goers had told her it was great to have a sense of normalcy again after a Covid year of closures, then a venue change to the Showground.It didn’t matter that there were fewer stalls than usual. Marny said that was normal for the first market of the year, as many people were still away on holiday and some were still a bit Covid shy and didn’t want to hold stalls yet.Fewer stalls“A few of the older stallholders took the opportunity to review their life and work balance and gave up the market,” Marny said. “After a break because of Covid, they wanted less stress and more time with the grandkids and no early morning starts.“A few were concerned about the Queensland border delays in getting back across the border after a long day at the market – especially with the NSW daylight savings time difference.”“People were asking me ‘where are plant and produce stalls?’”Regulars absent“Some regular market stalls, like the big plant stall in front of main central foyer was absent and he will be greatly missed. But before him there was a woman selling Boston ferns – so I’m sure someone else will come along.”Even though there were less stalls, Marny said stall holders reported they did better than the last market before Christmas.Relaxed“I think it was because it was less crowded and people stayed longer and browsed more,” she said.“There is often more money to go around after Christmas and people think ‘it’s me time – I’ll browse for me. People have a free, open, relaxed state of mind.”Marny said there weren’t so many garage sale stalls – but expects that by the next two markets, people will be ready to turn their clutter into cash and get organised for a stall at the market.NumbersOn Car Boot Market day, Marny had 19 staff members working hard to make the market run smoothly. There were eight coordinators, three cleaners and seven people counters (clickers) at the entrances“At 11am, we clicked 1300 people in the market - well under the 4,500 maximum number we could have under the one person per two square metres Covid regulations,” Marny said.“So, it was definitely busy, but not packed. It helps me to feel good that it’s safe and sanitised and everyone abiding by regulations.Home base“After a lot of work moving it back to the Square, it was good to be back in the home base and have the feeling that all is well - instead of constant huge challenges constantly.“I have a fantastic team and they were happy to be back under cover after the hard work in the heat at the Showgrounds.“It was also pleasing to see the accessibility was back for people in wheelchairs and with prams – as well as being sheltered from the weather.”Next marketThe next Lismore Car Boot market will be on Sunday, January 17. It’s on the first and third Sundays of every month, but because there are five Sundays this January, it will then three weeks till the one after – on February 7.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has issued a warning about possible minor to moderate flooding for the Wilsons River catchment and Lismore later today. The SES warns that flooding of the Wilsons River catchment is possible because catchments are currently saturated after the rainfall over the last few weeks. The flood warning comes as the Bureau of Meterology (BoM) this afternoon issued a severe weather warning – predicting heavy rainfall about the Northern Rivers district with potential to cause flash flooding this evening.The rainfall is associated with a slow-moving low pressure trough bringing a humid and unsettled air mass into northeastern parts of the state.This potential for heavy rainfall is expected to continue into Thursday morning, before easing by Thursday afternoon.Localised intense or very heavy rainfall, though a small risk, is possible with embedded thunderstorms, and may result in more dangerous flash flooding if they eventuate.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Not drive, ride or walk through flood water.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* 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.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.What to expect from Flood Watch warningsMinor flood levels Low-lying areas next to water courses are inundated. Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged. In urban areas inundation may affect some backyards and buildings below the floor level as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths. In rural areas removal of stock and equipment may be required. Moderate flood levels  In addition to the above, the area of inundation is more substantial. Main traffic routes may be affected. Some buildings may be affected above the floor level. Evacuation of flood affected areas may be required. In rural areas removal of stock is required. For more information, visit http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately For more information: • Listen to your local ABC radio. • Flood preparation advice www.ses.nsw.gov.au • Road information, for local roads contact Council or log onto www.myroadinfo.com.au • Road information on State Government managed roads go to the Live Traffic NSW website at http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au • Rural animal and livestock assistance contact your Local Land Services Office • You can find more information on the severe weather warnings and river levels from Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au 

She’s been writing and recording music for years, but this is the first year Wendy Joy Ford has made the songwriting finals at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.Her song ‘Clean House’ has been named a finalist in the Tamworth Songwriters Association - New Songwriter Award category. It's a feat the Goonellabah-based songwriter said is a “big deal” for her.“Just to be a finalist is cool,” Wendy said. “I got shortlisted last year for my songs ‘Good Medicine’ and ‘Hippy Cowgirl’, but didn’t make it to finals.“Last year I attended the Golden Guitar Awards and the Tamworth Songwriter Awards and I had no idea the awards were so big - there were thousands of people there and it was a great place to be seen.”This year, the awards stage will be a bit different because of Covid and will be streamed live on January 19 - which Wendy intends to be watching – even if she gets second place.Prizes include cash, studio recording time and an opportunity to collaborate with top musicians.After a tough year of Covid restrictions last year, Wendy, along with other local musicians, was hard hit by the inability to gig and promote her music. Even her gigs playing music in nursing homes came to an end. For Wendy, it was especially frustrating as she had finally finished recording her album ‘Good Medicine’ and had just launched it when Covid struck.“The album took money and years of my time to record,” Wendy said. “My song Clean House was one of the last songs I wrote for the album. After performing my songs at the Dolphin Awards and the Lismore Show, I had bookings in venues across the region, but those all got cancelled and I got a bit down about it.”Since Covid restrictions relaxed, Wendy has again been playing solo and duo gigs with Gary Pinkerton, who plays on her album, with intentions to build up to having a full band again. “I’d like to pretend the past crap year never happened,” she said. “While Covid restrictions were on, I was teaching music online through Zoom, but it was difficult, because of delays in real time interactions.“Covid tried to herd us into digital reality, but performing online concerts is not the same. It doesn’t have the same energy.”Wendy wants to do another big release of her album as venues open up to live music again.“But it depends on what happens week to week,” she said. “With the lockdown in force in different places, it’s hard to make long term plans.”Read more about Wendy and her music: Good medicine could bring rain this SundayWendy Ford's 'Good Medicine' brings rain song to the Lismore Show

As indicated earlier (La Nina not finished yet as more storms to hit the North Coast) the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Lismore, Nimbin and the Far North Coast.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.10c piece (about 2cm) hail reported at Lowanna on the Mid North Coast at 2:20pm.2-3cm hail reported at Barraba.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 8:45 pm.

We can expect more rain over the next two days with a high risk of the Bureau of Meteorology releasing a weather warning for Lismore and the North Coast later this afternoon or early this evening.Stephen Stefanac from the BOM said they have released a warning for the Mid Coast that is now extended to parts of the North Coast to Grafton with a strong possibility of damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall affecting Lismore later in the day.The Lismore App will monitor the situation and keep you up to date.Wednesday is looking more of the same with a low pressure trough over Eastern Australia providing typical summer storm conditions. Rainfall is expected to be 30 to 50mm depending on where the storm strikes and its severity.Thursday will see conditions stabilise with a cooler change coming up the coast bringing temperatures in the mid twenties with more consistent showers and cooler winds.For now though, it is warm and humid with the risk of thunderstorms (Weather and Weather Radar)The BOM also released the latest La Nina forecast for the rest of summer this afternoon.While conditions have peaked in terms of sea surface temperatures, the impact of La Nina will continue to be felt with above average rainfall for eastern Australia through the summer months.

If you’ve been concerned about a potential rise in Covid-19 infections after the influx of school holiday makers to the Northern Rivers area, the good news today from local health authorities is that there are no new confirmed cases of locally acquired COVID-19.Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) acting chief executive Lynne Weir said it has now been 165 days (since July 25) since any local Covid cases were reported in local residents. To date 66 cases of Covid have been reported in the NNSWLHD.Two new casesMs Weir said two new cases reported on January 3 were Lismore City Council area residents who acquired their infections overseas. “These two new people are currently in hotel quarantine in Sydney, after returning from overseas and will be released from isolation once health staff confirm that it is safe to do so,” Ms Weir said.There have been more than 4,300 new Covid tests reported in residents of our area in the 14 day period to January 3, 2021. Testing ratesMs Weir said Byron Shire has had the highest testing rate amongst the 12 Local Government Areas along the NSW north coast for the past three weeks, and for testing overall during 2020. “In addition to local residents being tested, there has been a high level of testing amongst visitors to the north coast since mid-December, with over 30% of the more than 12,500 tests analysed by state-funded laboratories on the north coast in that period being for people from other parts of NSW or interstate,” she said.“Thank you to people who have continued to present for testing over the holiday period. It’s vital that we have a high level of testing so we can pick up any new cases in the local region.“Anyone with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.”To find your nearest testing clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.Penalty Infringement NoticesWhile mask wearing is not mandatory on our regional area, in other Covid-related news, two people in Sydney were issued Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for allegedly not wearing masks - including a 35-year-old man who was allegedly not wearing a mask at Seven Hills Railway Station. NSW Police reported that officers attempted to issue the man a warning a number of times however he allegedly swore at police and told them to fine him. The man was issued a $200 PIN.Police also reported that about 3pm, officers saw a 39-year-old man allegedly not wearing a mask at a shopping centre on Church Street, Parramatta. The man had allegedly been warned about not wearing a mask earlier in the day. He was issued a PIN.Police issued more than 25 official warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.

After the December 2020 flash flooding tore up Lismore’s roads, the announcement that natural disaster assistance funding was coming was a welcome relief for the local community.Under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), assistance is now available to flood and storm-affected residents, councils, businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations in the Lismore Local Government Area.State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the biggest benefit of the State and Commonwealth Governments declaring Lismore to be a natural disaster area was that Council could apply for assistance to repair roads, bridges and public infrastructure.But when it comes to property owners in the local community, what does it mean for them?“If your property was damaged and water came into the house – not just on the ground outside – talk to me and I will advocate for you,” Ms Saffin said.Ms Saffin said Lismore’s flash flood was a very serious event and she was happy the government had recognised it and had responded with assistance quickly.“Lessons have been learnt from major floods in 2017, where the disaster assistance did not meet the need to repair and restore the catastrophic damage to Lismore andMurwillumbah,” she said.Other assistance available under the DRFA may include:Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damagedSupport for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assetsConcessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisationsFreight subsidies for primary producers, andGrants to eligible non-profit organisations. For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au Further information on disaster assistance is available on the NSW emergency information and response website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au and on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au  

It’s been a strange year - and a different Christmas for people at the Winsome Hotel and Lismore Soup Kitchen. Despite Covid restrictions and lockdown, volunteers at the local service kept providing meals for up to 80 people a day, something that Winsome coordinator Mieke Bell said is at the heart of what it’s all about.For the up to 130 people in our community who come to the soup kitchen at some time during the week for a meal, having food security means that they have less fear for their survival. And according to Mieke, that was especially true through the Covid lockdown period, when the Winsome had to shut its doors to its usual public sit down meals.“On March 18, 2020 when Covid hit, we made a decision to go to with take away meals and did that for seven months,” Mieke said.“It was important for volunteers and residents to be protected as we do so much there every day to support marginalised and homeless people in our city – and we could still provide food security through take away meals.“Now, we are open again and people can come in, sit down and have lunch – but with limited numbers. Some people still prefer the take away option though.Loss of connection“It was sad during lockdown when people were not coming in. We lost the contact and good connection with people that we have when place is open, having conversations.“Instead, people would queue on the pavement for lunch and our chaplain Ian Philips was there on the pavement talking with people.Less anxiety“While the connection wasn’t the same, three weeks into lockdown in April I saw there was not a heightened sense of anxiety - because food security was still there in the form of a quality meal take away.”Outreach for rough sleepers“At the time, Housing NSW did a more assertive outreach to rough sleepers as they recognised that they were vulnerable and offered them accommodation in motels and hotels.“Out of that, some got permanent accommodation – and that’s a big plus that came out of Covid for some long tern rough sleepers.Christmas 2020Mieke said Christmas day was a scaled down affair this year.“Christmas day was lovely,” she said. “We had 62 regular people come in, sit down and have lunch all within restrictions.“Everyone enjoyed it and there was sense of family and community spirit and we were still able to have a distanced carol singing.”Soup kitchen hours 2021In 2021, the soup kitchen will be open for lunch at 11.30am, Monday to Friday and people came come, eat lunch and then leave. Mieke said she has a strict Covid safety plan involving sanitising and distancing procedures and recording those who come in.On weekends, lunch will be take away only,“We need staff to run a sit down lunch,” Mieke said. “Some days, we may only do take away if we don’t have enough volunteers.“Our volunteer cooking team does an amazing job providing for so many and the food security they provide complements the other wrap around support services we offer.”Other servicesThe Winsome Hotel and Lismore Soup Kitchen also offers doctor and dentist services, which were put on hold for most of 2020 under Covid restrictions.“A lot of our services come through NSW Health and a directive came not to do outreach dental and doctor,” Mieke said. “But little by little, the services returned and the doctor clinic returned six weeks ago for the Winsome community.“During lockdown people were offered support by phone tele health – but it’s nothing like face to face contact.”Help and volunteersThe generosity of the local community in providing non-perishable food supplies never waned throughout the whole of 2020, Mieke said.In 2021, the service is always looking for supporters who want to help out by donating food, money or volunteer their time,” Mieke said.“Lots of people contribute to the community at the Winsome and we rely on that support because we neither get or seek government funding.“Our main ongoing fundraiser is the Winsome 500 Club, where people sign up online and give money every month – that really helps.“Volunteers can ring the volunteer coordinator and get oriented and a position on the roster – we never advertise because we always have volunteers through word of mouth.”The futureWith Jobkeeper and Jobseeker about to come to an end in early 2021, Mieke said she expects to see more people needing their services.“Early in 2020, we expected more to come in and require our services but Jobkeeper kicked in,” she said. “The end of Jobkeeper will impact on families and individuals ability to cope.“When those supports are withdrawn, we will be here – all organisations like us will be called on for help For more information, or to help out, visit https://www.winsome.org.au/

The story of Lismore dad Brad Jones who was separated by a closed Queensland border from his sick daughter Charlotte in September, touched the hearts of many.Brad battled border politics for months in order to be allowed to visit Charlotte and her mum at the Brisbane hospital. Read more: Border closure heartbreak for family separated cancer Now, four year old Charlotte is back in Lismore with her family after months of chemotherapy treatment and she had a great Christmas.“We got the joy back in our house for Christmas,” Brad said. \“Charlotte is getting better and better and she is in great spirits. Her leukemia counts are in remission and the doctors are happy with her progress.“Her energy levels are coming up and now she gets to see her nan and pop and eat their strawberries they grow. They haven’t been able to see each other for a long time.”Brad said Charlotte is loving being at home, being in her room and playing with her toys.“She looks a million dollars,” he said. “Her hair is growing back and she has the longest eyelashes and is very cheeky. “She is really growing and is already up to my hip, which is amazing because she got so crook at the beginning of treatment. It hits your body hard and it’s lucky she was so young - I don’t think an adult would have pulled through.“She’s a little warrior. It’s different having her in house – the other day, she came up behind me and said ‘I got you dad’ and I thought ‘I’ve missed this’.”“It’s been a hell of a year. My other daughter turned nine recently and Charlotte got involved and we re-lit the candles so she got to blow them out too.“She turns five years old next month, on January 13.”Brad said Charlotte still needs chemotherapy and occasionally, they still need to go to Brisbane for treatments, which make her tired.“Soon, she’ll be on maintenance chemo to make sure it doesn’t come back,” he said. “That will be a once monthly treatment and can do via a tube at home, with referral to Doctor Chris Ingall.“We just need to watch her temperature - if it spikes, we need to get her back to Brisbane, because Lismore base Hospital can’t hold Charlotte at this point in time.”Read more: Border politics still stands by between Lismore dad and his sick daughterRead more: Lismore dad Brad Jones set to reunite the family as border reopens

Business owners who don’t use the official NSW Government QR code system to log customers will be slapped with a $5,000 fine as of January 1, 2021.The new regulations apply to all hospitality venues, including hotels, restaurants, cafes - and hairdressers.In November, the NSW Government made digital sign-ins to collect customer details, such as QR codes, mandatory.Until December 23, the government had not specified what system or platform businesses must use, with venue owners free to choose a platform at their discretion.Now, all businesses must switch their QR code sign-in system to align with the Service NSW app, or risk facing a hefty fine.If you are a customer and don't have QR scanning activated on your phone, or the Service NSW app installed, it might be time to update.Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the change will help contact-tracers and recommended customers use the Service NSW app, which was more accurate than others - and could save a person's details for future ease.NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said businesses experiencing a “quieter period” at the moment should “get on to doing that”.“Quite apart from anything else, even if you don’t want [to] do it out of goodwill, there’s a $5,000 fine attached if you don’t have those Service NSW QR codes by the 1st of January,” he said in a press conference.“I stress – both from the sense of goodwill and fellowship to your community, get it done.”How customers use the COVID Safe Check-inWhen a customer arrives at a venue, they scan the QR code with their smartphone.Customers who have the Service NSW app installed will be taken to the check in.Customers who don't have the Service NSW app installed will get two options:download the Service NSW app, create an account and check incheck in using an online form.A staff member may check the successful sign in on the customer's phone. Learn more about COVID Safe Check-in with the Service NSW app.For more information for Clubs on specific requirements under the Registered Clubs Act 1976 during COVID-19, see the Liquor & Gaming NSW Statement of Regulatory Intent.

While it seemed a decision to stop the proposed new dam at Dunoon was done and dusted, a recission motion lodged by three Rous County Councillors will see dam discussions back on the local water authority’s agenda in 2021.Rous County Council chair Keith Williams said the recission motion was lodged by the councillors who voted against the decision to not build the new dam - Crs Cadwallader, Mustow and Humphreys.Cr Williams said the recission motion means that nothing can yet happen in terms of implementing the resolution to pursue ground water and recycled water options, instead of building a new dam. Instead, the decision will be discussed and reconsidered at Rous County Council’s February meeting.Read the previous story: Councillors vote to stop Dunoon dam at Rous meetingLand use“The recission motion was mainly in relation to the future disposal and use of land that Rous owns on the site,” he said. “They are not disputing the decision to pursue groundwater options.“Those moving the recission motion want to hang onto the site land in case they find out things don’t work out with water options and can bring back the dam idea in future, if needed.“I won’t be supporting that - I think we made a decision and we need to move on.“I think the recission is not tenable because there are other issues that need to be considered in the area – like issues around Indigenous cultural heritage. The views of traditional custodians are important.Widjabul Wia-bal Elder John Roberts wants no dam in Dunoon. Read the previous story: Elders say 'no dam', as future water discussed at tonight's Rous County Council meeting Traditional OwnersIn the lead up the Council’s decision to stop the dam, local Widjabul Wia-bal Elders expressed their opposition to the dam, saying the land had major importance to local Aboriginal people. Any land use for Traditional Owners would need to be negotiated and made legal in the future.“If we move toward Indigenous land use agreements, we need to look at best management and negotiation,” Cr Williams said.“Native Title law is complex and land use agreements and legal mechanisms are negotiated and certified by the court over many years.”Farmland and ecological significanceCr Williams also said that if the dam was not to proceed, then there were also parcels of land owned by Rous that had no cultural heritage significance.“Rous would need to decide what to do with that and it could be sold so someone could use it as farmland.“There are also areas of ecological significance and we would need to talk to the State Government and Indigenous people about those areas.”Future WaterCr Williams said he was keen to progress with the water efficiency programs and look into managing water loss better by installing smart meters across the Rous County Council area water meters.“We are really trying to up our game,” he said. “We already put several million into water efficiency measures and have already made a number of announcements that were part of our decision to progress ground and recycled water use.“We want to progress a pilot for recycled water for the Perrandenya Estate development in Caniaba. Not one other water utility has licences for the potable reuse of water.“We have the opportunity to be the first one to lead the State.”

After more than four months of being held at the Lismore Showgrounds, the Lismore Car Boot Market is returning to its original home – Lismore Shopping Square.This Sunday, January 3, stallholders will again set up stalls in the covered area underneath the Square, as they have done since the market first began in 1988.Read more news: Local Covid testing rates drop after Christmas rushLismore Car Boot Market organiser Marny Bonner said the move back to the Square would come with all the Covid safety precautions as required by NSW Health guidelines.Covid safety changesUnder the one person per two metres square guideline, Marny said the market could accommodate a maximum of 4000 people.“Part of our Covid safety plan is to count people in and out, so we will channel people in and out of the market at specific entrances at the rear and front,” she said.  “We’ve also taken steps to maximise safety by widening walkways and the market will be more spaced out that it used to be.“Stall holders are also aware of Covid strategies and will be adhering to them too.”Showground venueFor Covid safety reasons, the Car Boot Market moved to the Lismore Showground on August 16, and Marny said the whole experience has been humbling and heartening.“It was a new venue and we had to start the market again from scratch in a baptism of fire,” she said. “Everyone involved in setting up that first market was so good natured. It moved me to tears to see the sea of colourful gazebos set up and know that everyone really came together to make it work.“The organisers of the Showground also bent over backwards to help stall holders and the community continued to show support for the market.”Trial runWhile the move to the Showground was always intended as a trial run to see how the market went, Marny said a number of factors lead to the decision to bring the market back to the Square. “It was a new and pleasant atmosphere at the Showground, but apart from the first market, attendance numbers in general were down, compared to numbers who came to the Square,” she said.“The Showground location was a disadvantage for those with no transport and the sun and heat also took its toll. One of the stall holders went home with sun stroke after a 40 degree market day.“The bottom line is that it was also more costly to run the market at the Showground. We needed to have a traffic management plan – and despite charging a $2 fee for parking, the expense made it very challenging.“Lismore Shopping Square is the home of the car boot. It's reliable in any weather conditions and we are happy to be returning there and providing an opportunity for stallholders who can’t afford a gazebo and especially for those elderly craftspeople who have trouble with the heat.”Read more news: As snakes and spiders get more active, what do you so if you get bitten?

During the Christmas holiday period, it used to cost The Salvation Army $500 a week in rubbish removal fees after people dumped their unwanted goods outside charity stores or donation bins – and it’s the same problem for many local charities. So, this year The Salvation Army have made a few changes and Pastor Phil Sutcliffe is asking people to hang onto their goods for donation until charity stores reopen on January 11.“It used to be a major issue in the past because every day while we were closed, the manager had to come in to tidy up what was left on the street and the empty bins,” he said.“It was a costly exercise. On public holidays, people also go through what’s there and it ends up at the tip and that costs us money – up to $500 a week in rubbish removal fess. That’s money taken away from helping people in our community who are doing it tough.”“Our staff need a break too. In the in lead up to Christmas we were innundated with donations – it’s out busiest period.”Pastor Sutcliffe said the Salvation Army were one of the last charities to have donation bins in public places. He said the one they used to have at Southern Cross University was removed after discussion with the university, as it was in disrepair and maintenance costs from people dumping stuff were high.So, while the closure period is in effect, he said the Salvos donation bin at the back of its charity store in Carrington Street will be closed and not available until January 11.Hefty fines for illegal dumpingLismore City Council has come on board to assist local charity stores and will be applying hefty fines if people are caught dumping.Council’s Environmental Compliance Officer Stuart Thomson said fines of $4000 apply for any person found guilty of illegal waste dumping and Council would not hesitate to prosecute any person suspected of committing a waste dumping offence.He said most charity stores in Lismore had 24-hour surveillance at drop-off points and Council would be using this as evidence after the Christmas break to prosecute offenders.“Residents need to be aware that like the rest of us, most charity stores close for a well-earned Christmas break,” Stuart explained.“Council is pleading with residents to keep the goods that they have set aside for charity donations until the stores reopen in 2021.“If there is no appropriate receptacle to place your items in and you leave those items beside, on top of or nearby a donations bin, your actions may be viewed as illegal waste dumping.”Stuart reminded people that broken and soiled items cannot be used by charity stores and donations should only be of clean and reusable items.“Charity stores take unwanted items, not unusable items,” Stuart said.“If it deserves to go to the tip, please take it to the tip – don’t make a charity store that is trying to help other people in need responsible for your rubbish. It costs them money and takes resources away from helping the most vulnerable in our community.”

The salvation Army’s Pastor Phil Sutcliffe has finished organising 105 family hampers to be distributed to 300 people who need them this Christmas. There’s not just food in the hampers, but toys for the 180 children who might otherwise go without.It’s been a challenging year for the Salvos, as their usual volunteer coordination to get the hampers ready was restricted by Covid regulations. But, thanks to the generosity of the individuals and businesses who contributed to the Christmas appeal, Pastor Sutcliffe said the community stepped up and made it happen through donations given through the Kmart wishing tree and business and school toy drives.Inside the Salvos toy warehouse were hundreds of donated toys for Christmas.“In the Christmas hampers were Woolworths grocery cards to allow people to purchase fresh produce and a Christmas ham, and they received a Christmas Day goody bag which had – chips, lollies, soft drink, custard, plum pudding and candy canes,” he said.Pastor Sutcliffe’s Christmas message to the community is about taking time to value friends and family.“After a chaotic and tough year for us all, it’s important to take the time to move away from commercialism and presents and really value the time we spend with family,” he said.“The reality is that many people have had Christmas plans changed and up-ended – so we need to value that time spent together. It’s maybe not what we hoped for, but if we push aside the differences, we can enjoy the company of who we get to spend it with.“In the new year, we expect to see an even greater need for the Salvos services as Jobseeker and Jobkeeper allowances come to an end.Packed hampers for Christmas.The salvos wish to thank the following for their donations:Kmart Lismore – Wishing TreeRotary Club of Summerland SunriseWyrallah Road Public SchoolBexhill Public SchoolClunes Public SchoolCommonwealth BankWestpac BankNewcastle Permanent Building SocietyJanelle SaffinLismore City CouncilLismore Square

Now that Lismore’s Mayor Isaac Smith has handed in his resignation, the task of choosing the next Mayor will fall to Lismore City Council’s eight remaining Councillors at the next Council meeting on February 9 next year. Read more about Cr Smith’s resignation: Isaac Smith resigns as Mayor of LismoreThe councillors will then vote on which of them will become mayor until the local government elections take place in September 2021. It will be a time for whoever is voted in as to show the community what they can do as mayor before the polling booths open later in the year.So, after drought, pandemic, floods and fires caused havoc in our corner of the world, who out of our current councillors will put their hands up for this challenging top job?Cr Neil MarksAt the moment, Cr Neil Marks is the Deputy Mayor, and the mayoral duties have already fallen into his hands since Cr Smith took leave in November. He has also held the deputy position once before, when Jenny Dowell was Lismore’s mayor.“I’ve already been standing in as mayor and will continue to do so until the February meeting,” Cr Marks said. “I do intent to put my hand up for mayor – but the outcome will depend on who councillors deem to be best.“I took on the role knowing it will be demanding of my time and knowing I would be running most of workshops as Isaac was very busy. You always need to step up when you are acting in a community role like this and it’s good there’s a break over Christmas to take a deep breath until the next workshops begin in late January.”Cr Darlene CookCr Darlene Cook has also taken on the deputy mayor role during her term as councillor, and said she intends to run for mayor at the September election.“So, I imagine I will put my hand in February for mayor and see how my peers feel about me taking on the role,” she said.“Councillors need to realise this is a full time job. Isaac struggled to do two full time jobs and it was difficult for him. Lismore deserves someone capable of giving the job their full attention.”Cr Cook said her term as deputy mayor was challenging and she learned a lot, including how to handle media and not be nervous when giving speeches. She said it is important to her to be a voice for the outlying villages in the Lismore LGA.“I’m the only councillor who lives outside of town and I try my best to attend village forums and events,” she said. “Especially in Nimbin to make sure they have a voice – they feel as though they don’t get enough and want more representation.”Cr Nancy CassonCr Nancy Casson said she is definitely going to throw her hat in the ring for the February vote for mayor, but thinks it’s unlikely she’ll be chosen by her peers.“I put my hand up for deputy mayor in September, but didn’t get it,” she said. "Crs Lloyd and Guise voted for me and the rest voted for Cr Marks.“I was down about it, but a friend said it’s council voting, but if it was the community voting, I would get it.”Cr Casson said while she was looking forward to running as an independent at next September’s election, the downside was the costs she had to bear.“It costs 18K to run alone in an election, so you do a lot of knocking on doors to get donations for printing and other costs.“I have all those costs and the next term of office is only for three years – until 2024 - not four like usual, because Covid made the current term a year longer.”Cr Elly BirdCr Elly Bird said it was still early days at this stage about whether or not she would put up her hand as mayor.“But, yes I plan on putting my hand up - but will be making my mind up in the new year,” she said.“I was deputy mayor in 2018 and I know that being mayor is a real challenge, but it’s an honour. I’m sure whoever is chosen will do a good job.“I want to acknowledge the work Isaac Smith put in over last four years through a number of challenges we have faced, and he did a good job. I wish his all the best in hisendeavours.”Cr Bill MoorhouseCr Bill Moorhouse said he won't be putting his hand up for the role of mayor.The Lismore App also contacted Crs Vanessa Ekins, Adam Guise and Edie Lloyd, but we are still waiting to hear from them.