It's going to snow in Lismore tonight – but unlike traditional snow, it won't be freezing. If you follow the thousands of lights from the Magellan Street produce market, down Carrington Street, you'll find a constant spray of snow at the corner of Eggins Lane.Local technicians Dan and Luke from Jackson’s Technical Services (JTS), along with the sponsorship of many local businesses and the Lismore Chamber of Commerce have been hard at work creating the snow event.See the video here: https://fb.watch/2iw5hkEDQn/Lights and snowThere are thousands of LED lights strung through trees and across the street – and a special Christmas light show will be projected onto the front of the Star Court Arcade as well as colours on the walkways.There will be music, lanterns, Santa’s Wonderland will be open at the Regional Gallery and the Thursday produce market will be on.Luke Kane from JTS said the snow is not quite the same as the snow you see on Hollywood shows like ‘Game of Thrones’.“But it looks like real snow,” he said. “It is actually made from bubbles, so, it will disappear from the ground quickly and people should so get in there and enjoy it.”Event sponsors Shop Baby and Workforce Road Services are ready for snow tonight.Roads closedThe snow event will be on for the next two weeks on Thursday and Friday nights from 5.30pm to 8pm. Carrington Street will be closed from Magellan Street to behind Eggins Lane between 4pm and 8pm on those nights.That’s where the sponsorship of Workforce Road Services (WRS) comes in.Mitch from WRS said he and his staff will be handling the road closures during the snow event and he is looking forward to seeing the streets come alive again – especially after Covid has affected so many businesses over the past nine months.On Saturday nights the roads will be open, the magic street lights still shining, but no snow.Activation and magicLismore Chamber of Commerce executive officer Emma Wallace said the event is set to be an ‘activation’ of the town and she hopes to see families come out for the snow events, wander round the town, look at the shop fronts decorated with lights, have a bite to eat, smile and say hi to the community.“With so many events being cancelled because of Covid, these was a real loss of the festive atmosphere it brings to town,” she said. “So, we wanted to bring snow and light up town to make it safe and happy.“There will even be lantern kits will be on sale to support the lantern festival– and if you already have one, bring it down and carry it around if you want to – just for fun and to bring the magic back into the CBD.Technicians from Jackson’s Technical Services (JTS).SponsorshipJamie and Josh from Shop Baby normally sponsor Carols in the Heart each year, but because of Covid, it won’t be happening live (only virtually). So they decided to sponsor the snow event.“We wanted to get into the community spirit again so we sponsored this to bring some cheer to Lismore after a rough year,” Jamie said.“We sponsor carols each year because it’s an opportunity for families to come together for a free local event – and we were disappointed it wasn’t running this year because that’s how we give back to our community.Emma said putting the event on was completely reliant on the sponsors coming on board.“It was a close call, but the sponsors came on board and the snowball started rolling - even Rotary jumped in and the event happened.“Next year we hope to invite more dancing, choirs and performances and make the event even bigger,” Emma said.Tonight, there will even be music and dancing at the nearby Civic Hotel – check the Lismore App for details of the DJ event later today.Read more news: Santa's Wonderland brings magic to Lismore CBDRead more about the snow event: Chamber of Commerce set to light up Carrington Street from Thursday, it will even SNOW!

After being cancelled this year due to Covid-19, Lismore and Nimbin Shows are about to get a slice of $34 million Federal Government funding to ensure they can bounce back in 2021.The North Coast National Agricultural & Industrial Society Inc (Lismore Show) will receive $70,000 and Nimbin Agricultural & Industrial Society Inc (Nimbin Show) will receive $10,000.North Coast National president John Gibson said the money was a big boost to the local show, which, like all shows, had incurred expenses even though the event was cancelled.“We are always maintaining the showground still need to mow lawns, fix water pipes and buildings,” he said. “We also have office costs and bills leading up to the event that was cancelled and this helps partly reimburse us for the money we spent. Mr Gibson said that the support of Page MP Kevin Hogan was what allowed the Government to take notice of how important the regional show was. “Shows are a vital part of regional and rural country life. It’s great, but sad that it’s taken Covid for the Government to realise the importance of regional shows.” Assuming next year’s show will go ahead (depending on what happens with Covid) Mr Gibson said it will be a bit different to previous years. “We’ll need to get set up with the QR code technology and ticket system and train staff and volunteers on the gates,” he said. “At the moment we are allowed to have 5000 people on the ground at any one time and we could see further relaxations as time goes on.“The show costs $600,000 to put on so it’s important we get enough people through the gates so we don’t go broke.” Mr Gibson said having the show run again was also important to keep the showmen of sideshow alley in business, who had already been hard hit after 10 months out of business.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the first payments under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program will roll out before Christmas. “Two months ago, we launched this significant package to reimburse eligible costs for shows and field days who had to cancel because of Covid-19,” Mr Hogan said. “I am pleased to announce that a number of shows and field days have been approved for funding to help ease cash-flow pressures.”“For some shows, this comes on top of support already received through the Federal Government’s $20 million Agricultural Show Development Grants program to upgrade, maintain or build new infrastructure.” “These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city. They also help farmers stay competitive by providing an opportunity to share innovation and new ways of doing business. “They are uniquely Australian and provide huge economic spin-offs for the local communities hosting them as well as opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit.”

We have been promised more rain due to the La Niná effect since early spring, finally it looks as though we will get some strong consistent rainfall this week.The rainfall will come in two different forms with today's weather likely to see thunderstorms due to a trough lingering off the north east. Helen Reid from the Bureau of Meteorology said we should see between 10 and 15mm today and if you happen to be in the middle of the storm, more rain is likely."There is a warning for heavy rainfall this afternoon in the north east and this may include hail," Helen said, "people should look out for warnings later in the day."We then come under the influence of a ridge of high pressure for three days that will see some calm weather for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before we are affected by an on-shore easterly flow.This will see steady shower activity over Friday and into the weekend with some heavier falls at times. Rainfall is expected to be up to 10mm on Friday, Saturday up to 15 with a similar expectation on Sunday.Some decent rainfall is on its way into gardens and farms with outdoor sports put on warning this weekend.The Lismore App will monitor the storm activity for this afternoon.

The magic of Christmas is coming to Lismore CBD throughout December as Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry have gathered the generous help of a whole band of ‘Christmas Snow Angels’ to bring the CBD to life and bring people out into the street to say Merry Christmas.The Christmas magic starts this Thursday at 5:30pm.“Our main goal is to bring joy and smiles to the community plus give an added boost for our small business operators, restaurants and produce markets, after what has been a very challenging year," explained Lismore Chamber Executive Officer Emma Wallace. This gift of Light and Snow is FREE and open to passers by and will make evenings in town not only fun but safer and more inviting to come and spend time in the lead up to Christmas.  Activation Name: Merry Little LismoreEvent Date: Thursday and Friday Nights December 10 & 11, 17 &18 and 24Time: From 5:30pm Location: Carrington Street  from Magellan Street to Country Lane, LismoreMajor Snow Angels: Shop Baby, Workforce Road ManagementChristmas Elves: Combined Rotary Clubs of Lismore, Lismore Toyota, Fence Guru, Lismore App, Northern Rivers Times, Coates Hire Jackson Technical Services,The Activation hopes to also capture participation from businesses around the whole CBD as we invite them to decorate and light their windows for a Christmas CBD Window walk.Features:Lismore Produce Markets Thursday Evenings from 4pmSnow Fall Zone : Carrington Street Dec 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th and 24th.Light up: To also include Saturday nights with no road closures up until 9th JanWith the loss of our beautiful Lantern Parade and Tropical Fruits we really knew our city was missing something to bring a holiday feel and the magic air. When we discussed the project with Dan Jackson of Jackson Technical Services we knew we HAD to make this happen.However finding enough sponsorship to make this happen has been difficult says Executive Officer Emma Wallace.“It has been a very different year, even for bigger business and we know that. This year’s activation is just a seed of things to come as things continue to open back up. Anyone still interested in helping us with this gift to the community is encouraged to contact us at the Chamber because together we all can make this a beautiful experience and end the year with something wonderful to connect with 2020.Families are invited to come and look at the lights and watch the “bubble snow” falling, walk the CBD and if they choose add a little Christmas shopping or an alfresco meal.Lantern kits will be available at Shop Baby for only $15 and can be carried as a beacon of hope for Christmas and to help see the Lantern Parade return in 2021.Charity giving stations will also be stationed in Carrington street for a number of local charities so we can all embrace the true giving spirit of Christmas.

STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is reminding residents that they have until Sunday 13 December to make submissions to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into rural and regional health.Ms Saffin said the inquiry came about due to public pressure on the NSW Government to do better for rural and regional NSW residents with many service provision areas, and significantly, with health care.“The health outcomes for rural and regional residents is much poorer than for city residents and the NSW Public Health Information Unit’s research shows this,” Ms Saffin said.Three key findings are: 1. Avoidable deaths can be twice as likely in rural and regional communities when compared to cities2. The median age of death for those in Sydney (79) is more than a decade higher than residents in our most remote communities (66)3. The highest rates of preventable hospitalisation and preventable chronic disease are in regional and rural areas.“Too many locals have experienced missing doctors, an absence of services, and in the Tenterfield (Northern Tablelands) area inter-hospital transfers a long way from home when they could just be transferred across the border into a nearby Queensland hospital,” Ms Saffin said.Ms Saffin has urged the parliamentary inquiry committee to visit the Electorate of Lismore, particularly in Tenterfield and Murwillumbah, in light of some ongoing issues which she has been lobbying on.“This Parliamentary inquiry is an opportunity to tell such stories to the Parliament through its inquiry."We need this inquiry to shed a light on it, so that workable long term solutions can be found.”The inquiry will consider:Health outcomes for people living in rural, regional and remote NSWStaffing challenges and allocationsAccess and availability of servicesPlanning systemsCapital and recurrent health expenditure“This is about fairness for rural and regional residents and the very basic human right to health care,” Ms Saffin said. Ms Saffin said a submission can be a handwritten letter and members of the community are encouraged to make a submission.“I encourage locals to make a submission directly and contact me if you need information or assistance.”Drop into Ms Saffin's office, located at 55 Carrington Street Lismore, call (02) 6621 3624 or email [email protected] closing date for submissions is Sunday, 13 December 2020 with public hearings to take place in the new year.

There has been a three car collision on Ballina Road off William Blair Ave in Goonellabah causing traffic delays in both directions.Police and Ambulance onsite attending to victims with minor injuries at this stage.Updates coming.At around 3.30 pm 000 received multiple calls about a three car collision on Ballina Road off William Blair Avenue.Police arrived on scene to divert traffic with additional resources required in peak-hour traffic.All people got out of their cars, no fatalities.Ambulance attended to a driver of one of the vehicles, the woman suffering a head injury along with another person, aged 18 and 17 were both taken to Lismore Base Hospital and will remain under observation overnight. The other driver was arrested at the scene and taken to Lismore Police Station for mandatory testing.Firies also attended as there was oil on the road.Ballina Road has now been cleared for traffic.Drivers are advised to proceed with caution as BOM have also released a hail warning for the Northern Rivers.

THIS CHRISTMAS NSW Health recommends celebrating outdoors because the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower than it is indoors.Think about having your get-together outside.If you use your backyard or balcony you can have up to 50 guests at your place.If you’re only indoors you can have up to 30.If you don’t have the space at home, consider going to a park.Currently you can have up to 50 people (including children) at outdoor gatherings in public spaces. From Monday 7 December, you can have up to 100 people.The following changes apply from Tuesday 1 December.Increased visitors at a residence:Up to 50 people can visit a residence, however NSW Health strongly recommends having no more than 30 visitors at a time if the residence has no outdoor area.Increased numbers for outdoor gatherings:Up to 50 people can participate in an outdoor public gathering.Small hospitality venues can apply the 2 square metre rule indoorsSmall hospitality venues (up to 200 square metres in size) can have one person per 2 square metres indoors.Weddings and funerals can include up to 300 guests:Up to 300 people can attend a wedding or a funeral, subject to distancing and venue capacity conditions.For more information visit What You Can and Can't Do Under The Rules.

What changed from 1am AEST 1 December 2020There are no COVID-19 hotspots in New South Wales or VictoriaThis means you can enter Queensland from 1am AEST Tuesday 1 December, even if you have been in greater Sydney or Victoria in the 14 days priorAnyone in mandatory government arranged quarantine - due to entering from New South Wales or Victoria - will be able to leave quarantine if they have a negative COVID-19 test, declare in writing they have not been in a South Australian hotspot in the last 14 days, and provide their contact details and Queensland address.Specific parts of South Australia will continue to be COVID-19 hotspots.You will only be required to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass if in the last 14 days, you have been in a hotspot or overseas and didn’t fly into Queensland when you arrived in Australia.You must fly into Queensland if you are permitted to enter from a hotspot. You will need to be granted an exemption to enter by road from a hotspot unless you are a truck driver, worker related to the transport of freight and logistics or performing selected essential activities.The restrictions mean people who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot within the last 14 days will be turned away at our border. This applies to everyone who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the past 14 days, except people allowed to enter for permitted purposes. Queensland residents who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot can return home but will be required to quarantine in government arranged accommodation at their own expense.COVID-19 hotspots are updated regularly. Currently specific parts of South Australia are COVID-19 hotspots.You must complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass 3 days before you come to Queensland if you have been in a currently declared hotspot or overseas (and didn’t fly into Queensland when you arrived in Australia) in the last 14 days. You will also have to complete mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation.You don’t need to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass if in the last 14 days you:Were in a COVID-19 hotspot for the sole purpose of transiting through an airport and didn’t leave the airport.Transited through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport stopping only for essential fuel, supplies and to manage driver fatigue, wore a mask when stopping and did not stay overnight in a hotspot.Transited through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport to enter an airport in the hotspot and fly to Queensland.You are only allowed to enter Queensland if you have been in a hotspot in the last 14 days, if:Your usual residence is in Queensland or you are moving to Queensland.You need to comply with an order to attend a Court or Tribunal or to give effect to orders of the Court or Tribunal.You have to fulfil an arrangement or obligation relating to shared parenting or child contact.You have to assist with or participate in a State or Commonwealth law enforcement investigation or other action at the request or direction of a State or Commonwealth department or law enforcement agency.You need to come to Queensland to complete an essential activity.You arrive into Queensland by air and you transfer directly to another flight to leave Queensland and don’t leave the airport or remain in quarantine until your flight out of Queensland.You arrive to the Gold Coast airport from an approved airport and transit directly by road to leave Queensland without leaving your vehicle.You are a student at a higher education institution or boarding school and are entering Queensland for study, parents and legal guardians are allowed to accompany students who are minors.You are entering to receive essential health care or to provide support to a person receiving essential health care.You will have to provide evidence of the above when entering Queensland.You will be required to complete 14 days mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation at your own expense unless exceptional circumstances apply.You may not have to quarantine if you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days if you:Need to come to Queensland to complete an essential activity.Arrive into Queensland by air and you transfer directly to another flight to leave Queensland or quarantine until your flight out of Queensland.Can provide evidence that you completed mandatory hotel quarantine in a COVID-19 hotspot and immediately transited to Queensland.If you are exempt from quarantine because you are in Queensland to complete an essential activity, you will need to keep and retain records of close contacts whilst you are in Queensland for two weeks after you arrive in Queensland.

Australians have shopped online like never before as 2.2 million households around the country clicked ‘add to cart’ and bagged a bargain in the four days to Cyber Monday. Online shopping growth was up more than 42 per cent for the same period, beating the record set in 2019.Popular purchases included Variety Stores, Fashion and Apparel goods and Home and Garden items, up 20 per cent, 41 per cent, and 50 per cent year-on-year respectively. Shoppers were also eager to buy from Major and Discount Stores and Pet Products both up over 80 per cent when compared to last year.On a state-by-state basis, New South Wales lead the way holding more than a third of total purchase volume. This was followed closely by Victoria with just over a quarter of all purchases. Australia Post Executive General Manager Business, Government & International Gary Starr said this is a week for the history books, not only for Australia Post but the Australian eCommerce industry as a whole.“What we’re seeing now is truly the culmination of what has been an extraordinary year for online shopping in Australia.“No-one could have predicted in March the seismic shift the COVID-19 pandemic would create; it’s exceeded every expectation, and we’re looking forward to seeing how this continues this month.He added this week Australia Post will be delivering around 13 million parcels - almost three million more compared to the same week last year. “As our posties and drivers are delivering more parcels than ever, we’re asking the community to help keep them safe by looking out for them on the road and keeping dogs secured,” Mr Starr said.The 2020 Black Friday/Cyber Monday online shopping sales have fuelled the biggest parcel boom in Australia Post’s history with millions hitting its national network since Monday.Every day this week Australia Post has been delivering over two million parcels, and more than 630 tonnes of airfreight was uplifted and transported across the nation for delivery between Black Friday and Tuesday – over 200 tonnes more than in 2019.For more information on Christmas this year, including posting deadlines, please visit auspost.com.au/Christmas. 

The Morrison Government is continuing to strike back against offshore cybercriminals who are conducting COVID-19 related malicious activities through an operation being led by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said ASD remains on the front foot when it comes to protecting Australians from malicious cyber activity.“This operation has protected hundreds of Australians and thousands more foreigners from organised and sophisticated foreign cybercriminals,” Minister Reynolds said.“These cybercriminals have been targeting Australians through COVID-19 themed SMS phishing campaigns that are designed to trick Australians into downloading advanced criminal malware onto their mobile phones.“ASD is using its offensive cyber capabilities to attack the cybercriminals’ tools – disrupting their operations and interrupting their ability to exploit Australians.“In doing so, ASD has successfully disrupted the business model of key foreign cybercrime syndicates targeting Australians and exposing potential victims to significant financial losses.”Supported by intelligence reporting from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, ASD acted after it identified the business model adopted by the sophisticated criminal syndicates.The Australian Federal Police supported this operation by collaborating with its international law enforcement partners – demonstrating the effectiveness and importance of close working relationships among Australia’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies.Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton said the Morrison Government is committed to protecting Australians from foreign cybercrime syndicates.“The threat and impact of foreign cybercriminals has been amplified through malware developers selling or renting out their products through the dark web, making high-end hacking tools more accessible to criminals lacking in technical sophistication,” Minister Dutton said.“We can’t sit by while a marketplace exists for sophisticated cybercrime tools to be used against Australians.”For information on how to protect yourself and your business from cyber threats, and for the latest and advice – visit cyber.gov.au.

Lismore community run art space, Serpentine Gallery are holding their end of year exhibition tomorrow, Friday, 4th December.A Creative Landscape is a group exhibition featuring local artists who have submitted works of their choosing.Serpentine Gallery spokesperson said that Artists are the foundation of our local creative landscape.The event being promoted as "an uncensored representation of the width and breadth of local artists" and will feature artists such as Janelle Perry, David Shaw, Corinne Batt-Rawden, Clare Delacey among others.Serpentine Gallery spokesperson added that artworks are for sale and may be collected upon purchase on the night, starting at 6pm with Bubbles and light refreshments available."Also enjoy the gallery gift shop for present ideas. We currently have a selection of natural dyed silk scarfs prepared by local Aboriginal women from Our Happy Women, art cards, magnets, jewellery, art magazines, sculptures and of course, artworks!" the spokesperson said.Serpentine Gallery is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.The exhibition opens this Friday, 4th December and will run until Wednesday 6th January 2021.For more information see their event page here.

A 66 year-old Goonellabah woman was seriously injured yesterday after being attacked by a dog in her front yard.Police were called to the Oliver Avenue address shortly after 11.50am yesterday after witnesses feared for their own safety.Officers arrived to find a kelpie-cross staffordshire bull terrier biting the woman's arms.Police deployed tasers to remove the dog from the woman sending it running into the house.Officers then restrained the animal to attend to the woman's injuries.Paramedics took the woman to Lismore Base Hospital with deep lacerations to both her arms.The Goonellabah woman is currently admitted to Lismore Base Hospital in a serious but stable condition with significant wounds to both arms.Council rangers were brought in to take the dog and police allege it is set to be euthanized.An investigation into the attack is on-going.

It’s been five years since Jodie’s Inspiration began fundraising for cancer care equipment at our local hospitals.According to Jodie’s Inspiration chair Jesse Smith, the charity has come a long way since its initial fundraising for cold caps for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.Today, he was proud to announce another $100,000 of raised funds would be donated to local hospitals for palliative care in the region. Today, $20,000 was donated to St Vincent’s Hospital and the other $80,000 to the Northern NSW Local Health District, including Lismore Base Hospital.Mr Smith said it was all about providing dignity to cancer patients and making sure their families were comfortable too.“The money is used to buy things like ipads, or paintings to make the amenities more comfortable, so it’s not such a clinical environment,” he said. “We can also buy special chairs so the patients can sit outside the rooms with their families.At St Vincent's Hospital today for the cheque handover were hospital staff, directors and the Jodie's Inspiration team.Jodie MacRae, founder of Jodie’s Inspiration, was a cancer patient in Lismore who died in 2016.“For Jodie, it was all about providing dignity for people,” Mr Smith said.“Jodie spent time in St Vincent’s Hospital trying to manage her pain. She also spent time being cared for at home, but not everyone has that option.“So, Jodie said for those who have to be in hospital, we want to make it as comfortable as possible.“Jodie had young children and it’s not easy to have them on the ward if there is no private room. Now, palliative care patients have individual rooms and there are pull out beds where the family can stay if they need to.Mr Smith said the $100,000 will “see our loved ones who require palliative care gain access to new equipment that will aid in the treatment process”“This money has been raised and donated through the efforts of our volunteers holding functions and events which have been strongly supported by the local community.”“We are proud of the fact this funding will see people across the Northern NSW Local Health District – not just Lismore – benefit from equipment we have purchased, including patients from Ballina, Kyogle, Urbenville, Nimbin, Bonalbo and the Richmond Valley,”“This is our way of giving back to the community by saying ‘thank you’ for supporting Jodie’s Inspiration,”St Vincent’s Lismore, chief executive Steve Brierley said hospital patients will sleep, sit, shower and move more comfortably thanks to the community’s generosity”. Lismore Base Hospital Acting Nurse Unit Manager Oncology Laura Dunne said being a palliative care patient can mean making the hospital your second home.“As lovely and as caring as the staff can be, it’s still not the same as having the comforts that a home affords,” she said. “These items will make a palliative care patient’s stay more comfortable and homely.” Joshua Collins, Acting Nursing Unit Manager, Lismore Community Health said the equipment so kindly donated by Jodie’s Inspiration will assist patients with a life limiting illness to be cared for safely at home. “Jodie was nursed at home by our service; we remember Jodie as always giving back to her community, and these donations are a continuation of that amazing spirit,” she said,This funding takes the overall contribution of Jodie’s Inspiration to over $260,000.00 since 2015.”“Whilst COVID19 has temporarily paused fundraising opportunities in 2020, Jodie’s Inspiration is looking forward to working with the community in 2021 to continue its work of assisting locals in their time of need,” Jesse said.For more information, visit http://www.jodiesinspiration.com.auTYPES OF EQUIPMENT PURCHASED INCLUDES:Niki T Pumps (Syringe Drivers for pain management)Pull out lounge bed for relativesReclinersWasher/dryersiPads to connect with family membersElectic Aromatherapy DiffusersTwin Moto KCare Air Compact Lift ChairsColumnless SafeCare Floor Beds with knee bend and Trendelenberg tilt mattressesAir pressure mattressesMobile Air Chair with Foot RestStanding Transfer HoistsShow CommodesCommercial Ice CrusherPedestal fansQuiltsHeat/cool wheat gel pac

Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre is celebrating International Day of People with Disability today by featuring it's latest production, O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible, (created in association with NORPA) online via Sprung's Youtube Channel and Facebook page.The full length production and an insightful Q&A session with the dancers (Auslan interpreted and captioned) will be made available after the show enjoyed a sell-out premiere in Lismore in October. O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible is a physically dynamic and robustly hopeful show.It asks the question: In a world that’s not built for you, can you dare to dream of life, love and a rightful place within it all?O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible beautifully reframes our perspective to show that ‘impossible’ can be transformed into ‘I’m Possible’. The work explores the experiences of its dancers with disability.Through the lens of seven young, imaginative and curious minds, we rediscover the power of dreams alongside the optimism and strength that must be summoned to overcome the doubts we all share about life. O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible was co-devised by the dancers and also brought together a host of highly accomplished artists including celebrated costume designer Jennifer Irwin who has more than 39 years’ experience (Opera Australia, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company), composer Fred Cole who has produced a full-length original score for the piece, lighting designer John Rayment who recently worked on the Commonwealth Games and some mind-bending artwork by award-winning digital artist Andrew Christie.  Artistic Director of Sprung!!, Michael Hennessy (a former Sydney Dance Company dancer), has been working with the dancers on a weekly basis for more than five years and is excited to bring their performance to a national audience online.Artistic Director of Sprung!!, Michael Hennessy. Photo: Kate Holmes“Ultimately their experiences are what make the show so profound,” he said.  “One dancer was hospitalised in his youth and unable to move, so to see him fully expressing himself in movement is a feat in and of itself, but to see him perform at this level is astounding.” Equally moving is the story of Tallula Bourne. Ms Bourne heard music for the first time at the age of 12, after having cochlear implants to address hearing loss. Her experience of hearing for the first time is brought to life in a solo as part of the show. “We are creators, we are dreamers, we make our own normal,” said Ms Bourne.A live Q&A session was filmed with Sprung!! Senior Dancers and Artistic Director Michael Hennessy is also available online.This session reveals more about the team's process of creating the new work during lock-down and the individual inspirations and creative pathways the dancers took during their collaborative development process with Michael and Sprung!! Assistant Director Peter Notley. The filmed Q&A session is fully Auslan interpreted and captioned and is available to watch on the Sprung!! Facebook and YouTube pages along with the full length production. NORPA’s Artistic Director and CEO, Julian Louis said Sprung!! is a testament to the drive and commitment that a small, independent dance and performing arts company needs to have to succeed."I'm endlessly impressed by their dedication to their craft and to the dancers. Sprung!! is one of the only dedicated performance ensembles in our region, that in itself is something to celebrate.”O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible by Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre, in association with NORPA can be accessed online via Sprung!! Integrated Dance YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjOn7fgVoVE8MWmXB6YnbNQ/ The full length film is available now and will remain online until Monday 7 December 2020. 

The news from Lismore City Councils Audited Financial Statements ending June 30, 2020 provided some good news for our under siege General Manager and councillors.The net operating result for the year before grants and contributions provided for capital purposes was a loss of $635,000.How is that good news? A the end of the 2018/19 financial year the result was a loss of $8,508,000. This financial year included the COVID-19 global pandemic which did not have the negative impact many thought it would.While that news was positive for the Lismore City Council, it certainly does not mean that we, as a community, are out of the woods.Geoff Dwyer who presented the audit report did say that there were still challenges ahead due to the costly infrastructure backlog, "the challenge is going to be having assets in a condition to meet the communities expectations while at the same time balancing their books to make an operating surplus," Mr Dwyer said.As we in the 2480 postcode all know, that infrastructure backlog is led by roads of which we have 1200 kilometres.So, while there is definitely good news for LCC the road ahead (pun intended) will not be pothole free for some time which was supported by the September Quarterly Budget Review Statement. In the Executive Summary it said "While Council’s financial position at 30 June 2021 is likely to be satisfactory there are indicators that require immediate attention to ensure long-term financial sustainability."The other motion passed at last nights extraordinary council meeting involved the adoption of the NSW's Government Outdoor Dining Policy which replaces Council's own policy formulated in 2015.The bottom line is that business owners can apply on-line for an outdoor dining permit that can be granted in two days thus cutting a great deal of red tape.Council has not lost any power as it still has to give the final approval but will forgo $28,000 in revenue through the waiving of fees for current and new permits.The question is "will we see more outdoor dining in the CBD of Lismore, Nimbin and surrounding towns?" If we do, every business will potentially benefit with more people coming to the CBD, just like in the old days.

The Carols in the Heart Virtual Community Choir of Lismore calls you to record yourself singing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ and be immortalised on screen, singing along with the rest of the Lismore community.Despite Covid and public health orders stopping us getting together in person for Christmas Carols in the Heart this year, you still have an opportunity to be featured in the live streaming event on December 13 – as long as you send in your video song submission by next Monday, November 30. Virginia Waters is one of the organisers of Carols in the Heart this year and said the idea of having a Carols in the Heart Virtual Community Choir comes from the many other couch choirs that sprang up around the world during Covid lockdown.“The last song at Carols in the Heart each year is usually ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ and we get all the performers to come on stage and sing it together,” she said. “Instead, this year, we are asking people to record themselves singing it at home and then upload it – and we will edit it all together and it will look amazing. “We want as many submissions as possible for the Virtual Community Choir so please do come on board and encourage people to have some fun and do a submission too.“We have a backing track, so all you need to do is try to sing along with it – or you can play an instrument too.Read more news: New cabaret cooperative seeks sideshow acts “We’ve chosen a slower Merry Christmas version so it’s easier to sing or play along with it. The Carols in the Heart will be livestreamed on Lismore City Council’s Facebook site on Sunday, December 13, from 7 to 8.30pm.Once the carols finish, there will be fireworks in the city centre which will also be live streamed.If you have any questions about the submission, or would like the song backing track to be emailed to you, email [email protected] You can also listen to the backing track here: https://soundcloud.com/user-149098419/we-wish-you-a-merry-xmas-music-1Instructions for recording your Carols in the Heart Community Choir Virtual submission! To get ready for your submission, read the following instructions, listen to the backing track supplied and practise singing along with the lyrics provided. Once you have gotten the hang of it, prepare your stage and start performing.The deadline for submissions is November, 30.Step 1: prep the space Film in a quiet location with no background noise, either with an external mic or with the camera or phone as close to the performer as possible for clear soundStand the camera or phone on a tripod or place it somewhere stable and steadyFilm all clips in landscape (camera or phone horizontal) and not portrait (camera or phone vertical) as this will give the best resolution Make sure there is enough light on the subject of the video to allow us to see you/them clearly. Step 2: start recording  It’s best to use headphones to listen to the backing track while you sing, so that you are in time and so we don’t hear the backing track on the recording (with larger choir groups this is less important, but as little of the backing track on the recording as possible would be best) Start singing as if your singing with our whole communityStep 3: save and upload Video files will ideally be in one of the following formats: Mp4, H.264, H.265, .MXF or .MOV If you cannot provide files in any of these formats, please contact us to check we can use your footage [email protected] Video files must have a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 (full HD). 4K files are acceptable. Please deliver files by uploading them to this file storage box by Sunday, 30 November to allow enough time for editing.Be patient when uploading it can take a while. Upload files here: https://bit.ly/communitychoirvirtualsubmission Name your file in this format: name or group-contact phone number-couch choir  Happy recording and please encourage others in the community to participate!Any questions contact Virginia Waters at [email protected] or 1300 878 387.Song Lyrics: We Wish you a Merry Christmas Verse 1 We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year  Good tidings we bring to you and your kin We Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year  We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year Verse 2 Good tidings we bring to you and your kin We wish you a Merry Christmas  And a Happy New Year We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas We Wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year We Wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year

Alan Raabe used to be a professional magician – but now he’s gathering a troupe of performers together who want to be part of a new cabaret cooperative to perform locally new year.If you are a juggler, magician, contortionist, burlesque performer, musicians, foot juggler, pole dancer – or have any other weird and wonderful skills and tricks - then Alan calls you to join this semi-professional troupe.Inspired by a cabaret he saw in Berlin, Alan is ready to direct and bring to life the cabaret show ‘Dr Freudelstien’.CooperativeNot only will it breathe life back onto the arts scene, it will give local performers paid work under a cooperative model – where everyone shares in the profits.“The cooperative idea came from people I know in Sydney, where performers banded together to out on shows because there was so little work,” he said.“It’s a great model because everyone – the tech crew, writers and performers are part of a profit share scheme and get work and financial reward from it.”Read more news: Carols in the Heart Couch Choir calls you to sing on videoDr FreudelstienAlan said ‘Dr Freudelstien’ is set to be a bit different to other cabaret shows.“I didn’t want a cabaret where a compere introduces a string of acts, so in the Berlin cabaret style, we’ve put together a story line.“The line ‘Dr Freudelstien will see you shortly’ is a link to the story, set in a ficticious asylum, where lady visitor comes to see someone at the facility and meets people there – and they are all a bit warped.“They all have little quirks and talents - which is where the ensemble of the cabaret is so important.Variety acts“We are having trouble getting variety acts – like the ones I saw in a real Berlin cabaret where everyone was insane. The knife thrower threw knives at people – he was someone who was taught how to turn that skill into an act.“Now we need to find the offbeat whacky skills that people have here – and if we the cast have fun, then the audience will have fun."Covid considerationsWith Covid rules still restricting how events can take place, Alan said the set up for the cabaret show is already planned.“Because the show is set in a canteen in an asylum, it makes it easy for us to book local halls and venues and have people book a table and still all be separated,” he said.RehearsalsRehearsals begin in January 2021 and the show will (hopefully) be performing by the end of March, beginning of April, 2021.ApplyIf you are interested in joining the cooperative, apply by sending a brief resume and contact details to Alan Raabe by email [email protected] or phone 0427038185.

Lismore tattoo artist Stevi Lee Alver had her first tattoo done at the age of 17. It was a tribal dolphin tattoo that she’s a bit embarrassed about now.She’s seen a lot of ink since then and these days, she’s proud of the Patti Smith tattoo on her forearm.This week, Stevi Lee opened the doors to her own tattoo and piercing shop in Goonellabah - The Ink Atelier. With a few years of experience working in different tattoo shops already under her belt, Stevi Lee is ready to bring creativity, art and tattooing to Lismore.“I always loved drawing and I started tattooing about five years ago,” Stevi Lee said. “When I was growing up, my dad was covered in tattoos.“I tattooed myself for a while, but most of my work is done by Kate Witter in Kyogle, who I used to work for at K.T Tattoos. She’s been a great mentor to me and does great work.“Before that, I worked in Byron and Tweed with experienced tattoo artists.”Stevi Lee's Patti Smith tattoo, as inked by her mentor Katie in Kyogle.Nursing to tattooingBefore Stevi Lee followed her path of being a tattoo artist, she spent 13 years working as a nurse in Lismore.“I wanted a change away from that,” she said.“What I find is that my nursing experience and knowledge gives me more confidence as a tattoo artist.“I know what I’m doing with regards to hygiene and understand the epidemiology of skin and how the body works. I know how to handle skin and reactions.”From doing cover-ups of unwanted tribal tattoos to giving people their first-ever tattoos, Stevi Lee’s work involves hours of creativity and focus.Common tattoos So, what are the most common tattoos that people ask for?“Not have many people say ‘give me anything’,” she said. “I’ve had a couple of people say that, but I tell them to take a couple of days to think about it - I don’t want to be help responsible for your bad decisions.Byron“When I was working in Byron, the most common tattoos were one line waves and palm trees.Tweed“In Tweed Heads, simple, minimalist roses on girls were the most common tattoos asked for.Kyogle“In Kyogle, it could be anything – you never knew what you would do. Some of the boys wanted things like lions.Lismore “It will be interesting to see what people in Lismore want – it could be wild and varied.”Where did the shop name come from?“I had the name The Ink Atelier in my head for a long time,” she said. “Atelier is French for ‘art space’.“Gertrude Stein is one of my favourite poets and I wanted to be a writer and get into independent publishing – and the name ties back to writing as well as creating.”The Ink Atelier differenceWith a couple of other tattoo shops already open in Lismore, Steve Lee said she wants her tattoo shop to offer a difference.“I want my shop to be a creative collaborative space to create things as well as tattoo - and have little poetry evenings and art workshops,” she said.“Lismore has a lot of potential for creative ventures as well as support from the community for the sort of community activities that will happen in this shop.”ContactStevi Lee said she is already booked up with customers until mid-December, but if you want to make an appointment with her, she is open Tuesday to Saturday and can be contacted via Facebook at Stevi-Lee Alver Tattoos or on Instagram @the.ink.atelier.The Ink Atelier is located at 405 Ballina Road (where the hairdresser used to be).Read more news: UPDATE: Motorbike rider still in critical condition after Goonellabah accident

UPDATE: 11.20amA man critically injured in a motorcycle crash this morning is being flown from Lismore Base Hospital to Gold Coast University Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.A Rescue Helicopter spokesperson said the urgent Inter Hospital Hospital Retrieval was for a 17 year old male suffering a serious head injury."The male will be stabilised at Lismore by the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team prior to being flown direct to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition," the spokesperson said.ORIGINAL STORY:A man involved in a motorbike accident in Goonellabah was taken to Lismore Base Hospital this morning in critical condition.NSW Ambulance said paramedics were called just after 1am to attend the accident scene at Oliver Avenue and Pineapple Road."NSW Ambulance responded to reports of a single motorcycle accident," a NSW Ambulance spokeperson said.“Paramedics treated a male in his later teens for a head injury on scene.“He was taken by ambulance to Lismore Base Hospital in a critical condition.”The Lismore App will keep you updated as more information comes.