After lots of cleaning work, there’s only the faintest smell of fire smoke left in St Carthage’s Cathedral. It’s been two months since an arsonist set fire to the building and the cathedral was closed for repair and restoration work.This weekend, Bishop Greg Homeming has finally opened the doors again to the public and invites the community to come and celebrate mass with him on Saturday and Sunday. Bishop Greg Homeming.While the building is not yet fully repaired, there’s no sign that construction work is still underway. A false wall has been installed, screening off the damaged sacristy where the fire began.It doesn’t mar the grandeur and beauty of the108 year old cathedral, with its stained glass windows and 24 metre high ceilings.Bishop Homeming said the repairers “have done a wonderful job” and suspects the costs to fully repair the building will be over one million dollars.“Thank God the insurance covers it,” Bishop Homeming said.Inside the sacristy.“Since the fire, the minor repair work has been cleaning a lot of smoke and water damage, and fixing the flooded electricals.“But the main damage was done in sacristy and the Sacred Heart Chapel.The false wall.Structural“When the man lit the fire, he threw the petrol, or whatever it was, on the external door and the fire went straight up the cavity into the ceiling where there are significant, critical structural beams.“They are aged timbers and it’s also a heritage building, so not simple to fix it up and has to be done according to strict guidelines. It will probably take another five months to fix.“The very old slate tiles on the roof also had to be broken into so the firemen could get in and put out the fire in the ceiling cavity.”The Bishop said the most challenging part of the repair work was that the community hadn’t been able to use the building.Bishop Homeming inspects the repair work. Heart of community“This building is the heart of the community and after the fire, it was clear to me that all the community own it – just like the Sydney Opera House is owned by all Australians,” he said.“We are proud of this building and as the Catholic bishop, I look after the building for the people of Lismore.“It was built with the donations of struggling farmers in the area 108 years ago – and that’s why it belongs to the people.”ForgivenessWhen asked if he had forgiven the man - Stephen Luke - who set fire to the building, Bishop Homeming replied “there is nothing to forgive”.“The man who set fire to the building has mental health issues. I have no idea what is going on inside him - I pray for that man,” he said.“To hold something against someone would be to turn the problem on myself and destroy myself,” he said. “I have nothing to forgive.”With the cathedral finally open for mass, the Bishop invites the community to attend a vigil mass today, Saturday, November 21 at 5.30pm. Mass will also be held on Sunday morning at 9am and 11am.Bishop Homeming said that the filming and live streaming of masses during the covid closedown period would continue in the smaller church nearby, but that he didn’t intend to broadcast from inside the cathedral.“This is a very big building,” he said. “I prefer the intimacy in a smaller space for filming.“With social distancing since Covid 19, some people are afraid to come here, that’s why we have livestreamed masses.“We’ll keep filming masses as long as the community of Lismore is not freely able to attend mass and covid restrictions are here.”Read more news about the fire: The man arrested in the CBD yesterday is charged with Cathedral fire and other crimes in NSW 'I set fire to the cathedral': Fake confession brings trouble to local musoChurch concerned over St Carthage's Cathedral damage in fire aftermathLismore bishop unsure of cause of 'suspicious' cathedral fire

Goonellabah’s Paul Davis lost his wallet when he went out in Lennox Head on New Year’s Eve 25 years ago. To his amazement, this week, he received a call from someone telling him that his wallet had been found on a Lennox beach.Paul’s foldable leather wallet was found by Joseph Brewes, who posted Paul’s picture on a Lennox Head noticeboard. The wallet was in reasonable condition and still contained Paul’s TAFE, Medicare, bank and identification cards and a stashed $5 note which Paul kept in case he needed money to get a taxi home.“I couldn’t believe it,” Paul said. “My cousin who lives in Lennox saw my picture on a notice board – it was a younger picture of me from my old Lismore Workers Club card – and he thought there’s only one Paul Davis I know, and he sent me the picture.”“My old driver’s licence was wet and tatty and you can’t see the picture well – but I had hair then, which I’ve lost now,” he laughed.The found wallet.Today, Paul went to meet Joseph and was handed back his wallet and contents.Paul isn’t sure what happened to the wallet over the past 25 years, but he speculates that it might have been buried in the sand the whole time.Paul, Jodie and Joseph reunite.“Joseph said he found it on the beach, near the front of the pub,” he said.“The wind moves pretty quick on the beach and could have buried it.“My mum and aunty said there’s been big swells the last couple of weeks and maybe that unearthed it.“It’s a mystery. After it was found, I bought lotto tickets but didn’t win, so my luck must have run out.“When I lost it, there was alcohol involved. Me and my friends were drinking Passion Pop and going back and forth between the pub and the beach. I didn’t know my wallet was gone until it was my turn to shout a round of drinks.Paul and Joseph have a beer together.“It was packed like a mosh pit and people were shoulder to shoulder inside and outside and the music would be blaring out of the pub– they were great times.“Passion Pop cost about $3 a bottle back then, but I’ve gone off it now – it makes you lose your mind and lost things.”Paul now wonders if he’s made a local record of having a wallet found after a long time.“I remember one getting found in Ballina after being lost for ten years,” He said. “there was also one in China that was found after 50 years. – but maybe I’m the local record holder now.“It’s an amazing story and I still can’t believe it. I’m going to get it framed up and put it in a glass box.”

We are in store for a perfect weekend weather wise with maximums of 30 and 31 with no rain in sight.The weekly Lismore Farmers Markets are on again tomorrow morning from 8 with coffee, breakfast, fresh fruit & veg and some Christmas goods starting to appear. The markets will close at 11:30am.The Blue Know Community Markets are running a Trash & Treasure tomorrow to add to their freshly grown fruit &vegetables as well. Gates open at 8:30am and stay open until 12pm this weekend.This weekends Sunday Markets are in Nimbin with the leisurely start of 9am and closing at 3pm.The 2020 Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize is still showing at the Art Gallery between 10am and 2pm both Saturday and Sunday.For live music the Great Southern Nights tour continues at Lismore City Hall with Tainui Richmond tomorrow night from 7:30pm.If you haven't been on a bush or town walk lately, check out your options here Walks and if you find yourself with some time on your hands, have a look at our Games & Puzzles Games & Puzzles.If you are an early reader of the Weekend Wrap you will have time to organise the kids or grandkids to head to Crozier Field by 4:30 this afternoon. NSW State of Origin Coaches Brad Fittler and Greg Alexander are in town as part of the Knock-On-Effect Regional Roadshow talking road safety and putting the kids through their paces with the some rugby league drills too.Good luck to the Lismore Storm mens and women's basketball teams tomorrow as they play the Sunshine Conference Semi-finals. The women will take on the Ballina Breakers, who finished top of the table, at 4:30 while the men are at home in a sudden death game against the Grafton Vikings at 7pm.With the weather looking good we will get two great days of cricket played. Check out our Sport page for the latest results (Sport).The Sunday Profile is well worth a read when it celebrates the life of well known and much loved local artist Mike King-Prime. Mike passed away a few weeks ago from cancer so his wife Evelyn tells his story (Sunday Profile).As usual, let's kick of the weekend with some humour:

In our series 'Let's Recycle Right', this is tip number 7.Keep it simple, keep it clean and keep it coming.With the Lismore City Council Material & Recovery Facility now operational once again, the Lismore App wanted to answer the ongoing question of what is and isn't acceptable in your yellow recycle bin in a week long video series from the NSW Environment Protection Authority.If you missed it, here is Tip 1 (Our Material & Recovery Facility is operational again following last years fire), Tip 2 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 2), Tip 3 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 3), Tip 4 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 4) , Tip 5 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 5) and Tip 6 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 6).

In our series 'Let's Recycle Right', this is tip number 6.Keep out soft plastics, plastic bags, degradable's, biodegradable's and compostable bags.With the Lismore City Council Material & Recovery Facility now operational once again, the Lismore App wanted to answer the ongoing question of what is and isn't acceptable in your yellow recycle bin in a week long video series from the NSW Environment Protection Authority.If you missed it, here is Tip 1 (Our Material & Recovery Facility is operational again following last years fire), Tip 2 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 2), Tip 3 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 3), Tip 4 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 4) and Tip 5 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 5).

Homes that look like hobbit houses could be the future of living in Goonellabah - if a new development goes ahead according to plan.Platypus Park at 805 Ballina Road is set to become “a new way to live with nature” and features 90 dome shaped homes, built into the landscape and covered with soil. They use 75% less energy to heat and cool, have a year-round internal temperature of about 22 degrees, recycle grey water and have a life expectancy of 300 years.The development is the brainchild of Lismore local John McMahon. John is passionate about underground homes and said when he found the land on Ballina Road, it was perfect for his vision.“I’d been working on the idea of underground homes for years and I could see there was something better on offer in building them – especially for cooling, heating and insulation advantages - and these homes are totally fireproof.“I partnered with Green Magic Homes who had the architects and know how, so we could build some properties."The siteJohn said the Ballina Road site was an infill site and not an easy site to build on.“It’s very steep,” John said. “Building brick and tile house construction would be cost prohibitive, but these underground homes are built into the contours and slopes of the site. It’s very different to other residential subdivisions.“Some of the homes are 40 metres long and are actually so strong, you can drive a semi trailer on top - and you won’t be looking into neighbour's windows as the build takes advantage of the topography.”Inside the homes, the rooms have high ceilings and big windows and John said people living these wouldn’t need to use air conditioning in the hot summer.“We propose to sell it as a house and land package,” John said. “We will build uniform hedge fencing between homes, instead of colorbond fences – and they will be animal proof for dogs.Hobbitville“It will look a bit like Hobbitville in New Zealand – where your view is rolling green hills.“It will be the first subdivision housing estate in the world to be built entirely out of homes like this.“People can still have creativity with their gardens and land, build patios or pools, but there will be uniform driveways.”John said the site joins a Goonellabah industrial area and Tucki Tucki Creek, which he said is going to be used as a feature of the development.Magical“It will be magical, because Platypus Park will link up with the forested Birdwing Butterfly Park and walk,” he said. “It’s only a few hundred metres through to Kadina Street and we also propose to go through to Oliver avenue.“The development will also feature observatory decks where you can see the creek and watch the platypus and fish swimming.”“I’m excited about it.“It’s only in the early stages and the Development Approval is lodged with Council at the moment – but we have already had over 600 enquiries about it and some people want contracts already.”CostJohn said the cost of a home at Platypus park would be about 20% more expensive than a conventional home, starting at $500,000. There are options for homes with two to four bedrooms each.Green Magic HomesGlenn Stevenson, the founder of Green Magic Homes said there are five main designs of homes available and they are hoping to soon get a display home built."Green Magic Homes has been building homes like this for 18 years and has built houses over the world," he said.Even season six of the TV show “Building off the grid” has featured one of their houses being built.Glenn said the dome shape of the homes made them the strong and meant the homes did not need internal supports.Recycled“They are built using recycle PET plastic bottle resin to create a shell that looks like fibreglass,” he said. “The pieces of dome look like lego that we put together when we build.“They are treated with fire retardant so they can’t burn, which also makes them resistant to bushfires. The tops of the domes are sealed with three sealants and have a membrane over the top then covered with earth.“It’s a passive house and uses 75% less energy to heat and cool. “When you are inside, you notice the grandeur and height and see the light reflect off the roof and it creates lighting effects.Unique“It’s perfect for people who want to be unique and not have a big ecological footprint, with a home with a long life expectancy and is energy efficient“You never have to paint the roof or fix the tiles and there are no gasses or toxic fumes released, like when other buildings like earth ships break down.“We also use clay based paints -no acrylics. So that’s great for people who are sensitive to toxins and who need to change the way we live“With lots of circulating air, it’s better for our health and psyche as well as being unique and beautiful.”To find out more about Platypus Park, visit http://www.platypus-park.com.au/

Destination Motorcycle is ready to fill a big two wheeled niche in Lismore. The new motorbike dealer is opening this Saturday, November 21, and is ready to sell, service and fix motorcycles.Tony Williams, the shop’s sales and parts manager said the shop will specialise in Triumph and Kawasaki bikes – and he’s passionate about both brands, having owned six Kawasakis and seven Triumphs over the years.“I ride a Triumph now and love it,” Tony said. “Triumph have a good resurrection story because the company got wiped out by the Japanese in the mid-70s and ceased to exist - but a clever English man resurrected the company.“I used to work for Harley Davidson and we always kept our eye on Triumph and now they have passed Harley Davidson in sales. They are a reliable and value for money product.“I also used to race Kawasakis - you can’t kill them with a stick.Authorised dealershipTony said the business was currently in the process of getting approval to be an authorised dealership for new Triumph and Kawasaki bikes and would be an upmarket modern dealership.“We are preparing the showroom for it, and will sell adventure tourers to sports bikes,” he said. “Both brands have particular expectations for a showroom – Triumph demands we have tiled floor for the bikes because it is a high-end product.“When we open this week, we will start by selling quality second hand motorcycles, apparel, and parts.”Vintage and classic In the store, there is currently an un-restored ex-RAAF despatch bike from the second world war.“It’s from the African campaign, so it’s in desert colours,” Tony said. “The allied troupes were big on dispatches because radio was unreliable – that made dispatch riders highly regarded.WorkshopOut the back of the showroom, there’s a service department with a modern workshop fitted out with new gear – from tyre machines to welding and grinding machinery.There’s also a collection of second hand and classic bikes – including Harley Davidsons.Tony said the shop’s owners Andrew and Vicki Lawson have a collection of vintage and classic motorbikes, so it was natural for them to open a motorbike business.“They are the ones who enticed me to come here,” Tony said. “The shop is going to fill an important niche market in the area.“It’s a rural area so there’s a big dirt bike community here as well as a big market for touring and off road riders here – we cover it all.”Destination Motorcycle is opening in the same location as City Bikeworx - a previous motorbike business that closed down earlier this year.It’s located next to Marques Automotive Repairs at 232 Union St, South Lismore.Read more news: Bentley's small bridge gets a big upgrade

In yesterday's NSW State Government Budget for 2020/21,Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said "we will continue to ensure our regional and rural residents have access to vital, world class services, and across the regions, projects big and small are laying the foundations for future growth, from schools and hospitals to national highways, metro-quality internet, and regional rail".In Lismore App's budget story yesterday (NSW budget hands down vouchers to every adult resident), you read how we, in Lismore and surrounds, will benefit from next year's budget.One of the announcements was a further $21.4 for Lismore Base Hospital as part of the $312.8 million Stage 3 Redevelopment project. Northern NSW Local Health District Acting Chief Executive Lynne Weir, told the Limsore App that Stage 3A and 3B are now complete - with Stage 3C consisting of the refurbishment works component of the overall redevelopment project, which are expected to commence in the first half of 2021 and are currently out to tender. "The scope of these works is expected to include refurbishment of existing inpatient units, education and training facilities and expanded community and outpatient services on the existing Lismore Base Hospital footprint," Ms Weir said. The redevelopment works started in 2013 and have included a new Emergency Department and Renal Unit which opened in late 2016, followed by the completion of the South Tower in mid-2018 which includes Women’s Care, Paediatrics, Surgical Services and inpatient units. (Admissions area on Level 4 of the North Tower in 2019 under construction. Photo: Supplied)The North Tower was completed in December 2019 and comprises inpatient wards as well as medical imaging, Critical Care, pathology and admissions. Building hospitals and healthcare facilities is a complex process, to find out more click here. As Lismore Base Hospital is the centre of medical care as well as one of the largest employers in the Northern Rivers, any extra funding to build and enhance that reputation is welcome.

In our series 'Let's Recycle Right', this is tip number 5.Keep it small - nothing smaller than a credit card.With the Lismore City Council Material & Recovery Facility now operational once again, the Lismore App wanted to answer the ongoing question of what is and isn't acceptable in your yellow recycle bin in a week long video series from the NSW Environment Protection Authority.If you missed it, here is Tip 1(Our Material & Recovery Facility is operational again following last years fire), Tip 2 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 2), Tip 3 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 3 and Tip 4 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 4).

With every adult resident in NSW to each receive four x $25 vouchers to spend at food and entertainment venues, it could sound like the announcement of prizes in a competition - but it's actually part of the NSW Government's budget for the coming year.Not such great news for our regional communities immediately though, because the NSW Government will run a trial of the program in the Sydney CBD over December, before a full rollout in early 2021.Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the budget, handed down this afternoon, focuses on COVID-19 recovery, increasing employment and supporting families and businesses to come out the other side."Despite the unique challenges that COVID-19 has presented to the State, this budget proves that NSW is on track towards getting people back into jobs, assisting small businesses and supporting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the community," Mr Franklin said.“No one could have predicted this one-in-one-hundred-year pandemic and the devastating impact it would have on so many people’s lives,” Mr Franklin said. “This budget is all about supporting our community to recover, rebuild and help people get their lives back to normal. “There are lots of winners in this budget and there is significant support to help people re-enter jobs in hospitality, entertainment and construction. There is support to help small businesses recover and grow. There is also support for medical research and access to palliative care and mental health care.”In the Northern Rivers region, hospitals, energy, housing and schools were also winners in the budget's money allocations. Across NSW, the budget will deliver:Four x $25 vouchers to every adult resident in NSW to spend at food and entertainment venues$1,500 worth of digital vouchers for small and medium businesses to help pay for Government fees and charges$17 million to support pregnant women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum $56 million for more palliative care services$49.6 million for lifesaving gene therapy for blood cancer patients$57.4 million to help mature workers and women take up a trade$39.3 million boost for the Business Connect program$10 million grants program to assist women back into the workforce with up to $5,000 available to individualsWhat does the budget hold for the Northern Rivers?Mr Franklin said that he had again pushed hard to make sure the Northern Rivers got their fair share of investment and support. “The Electorates of Ballina and Lismore are home to over 140,000 people who play a crucial role in our economy and I fought hard to make sure this was not forgotten,” Mr Franklin said. “The Northern Rivers, like much of regional NSW, has helped carry the State this year, especially through tourism, and it is only fair that our communities receive the support they deserve and will continue to see investment from the NSW Government across the region." Some key highlights of the 2020/2021 budget for the region include:$21.42 million for the Lismore Hospital Redevelopment$1.5 million on Essential Energy connection for Casino to Urbenville subtransmission line$335,000 for Fire and Rescue NSW$36.25 million for the new Murwillumbah Education Campus$1.35 million for social housing upgrades and improvements$1.03 million to construct and upgrade walking and cycling paths$8.31 million to complete the Mount Lindesay Road Upgrade$621,000 for upgrades to Bexhill Public School Further details on the 2020-2021 budget can be found at www.budget.nsw.gov.au

In our series 'Let's Recycle Right', this is tip number 4.Keep it safe, nothing hazardous that could harm workers or damage machinery.With the Lismore City Council Material & Recovery Facility now operational once again, the Lismore App wanted to answer the ongoing question of what is and isn't acceptable in your yellow recycle bin in a week long video series from the NSW Environment Protection Authority.If you missed it, here is Tip 1 (Our Material & Recovery Facility is operational again following last years fire), Tip 2 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 2) and Tip 3 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 3).

In our series 'Let's Recycle Right', this is tip number 2.Keep it clean so rinse food containers and food scraps, no nappies, general waste and fabric.With the Lismore City Council Material & Recovery Facility now operational once again, the Lismore App wanted to answer the ongoing question of what is and isn't acceptable in your yellow recycle bin in a week long video series from the NSW Environment Protection Authority.If you missed it, here is Tip 1 (Our Material & Recovery Facility is operational again following last years fire) and Tip 2 (Let's Recycle Right: Tip Number 2).

The annual Our Kids Calendar was launched on the weekend in time to fill Santa’s Stocking and grace walls throughout the Northern Rivers to raise vital funds for local charity Our Kids. Since 2003, the Our Kids calendar has featured children who have spent time in our Children’s Ward or Special Care Nursery, with local photographer Jacklyn Wagner capturing the calendar children beautifully for the past 19 years. (The 2020 Our Kids calendar photos in the Lismore Base Hospital. Photo: Simon Mumford)“The calendar is one of Our Kids signature fundraises and is a beautiful project that tells the story of the children who benefit from the equipment Our Kids buy,” Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, said. (Our Kids Calendar Covergirl Phoenix McClure who was in the Children's Ward for some weeks earlier this year. Phoenix is now fully on the road to recovery. Photo: Supplied)“This project celebrates the kids who’ve had a tough journey and is a perfect stocking filler as all money raised helps purchase lifesaving equipment for the Children’s Ward and Special Care Nursery in our local hospitals.” (Tane Stavenow with his parents Stacey and Lilo. Tane has been in out of Kids Ward for antibiotics for his pneumonia. He is getting better as he gets older. Photo: Supplied)Due to the generosity of Our Kids sponsors, the full cost of the calendar’s production is covered, allowing all monies raised to go directly to Our Kids. Local graphic designer Soren Hjorth from Lismore’s Graphiti Design, Shaun McGuiness from Lismore City Printery, and Rhonda from Armistead helped create the spectacular calendar, which will hang in the foyer of Lismore Base Hospital for 12 months. (Lawson Bennett has had many operations on his bladder in his short life so requires a lot of visits to the Kids ward. Lawson is coming through with flying colours. Photo: Supplied)The calendar is on sale for $20 throughout the Northern Rivers at Westpac Bank Lismore, Lismore Base Hospital, McDonalds, Greater Bank (Lismore, Casino and Ballina), Be Seen Eyewear (Lismore and Ballina), East Ballina Foodstore, Kyogle Dentists, Lennox head Pharmacy, MacDonalds Pharmacy, Angus and Coote, the Book Warehouse and online at www.ourkids.org.au.(Madeline Chandler has had diabetes since she was 5. Life is improving for Madeline as she learns to manage all aspects of her diabetic management. Photo: Supplied)For bulk orders phone Our Kids on 6620 2705. Thank you to calendar sponsors Southern Cross University, Westpac Bank, Richmond Waste, North Coast Radiology, Goonellabah Medical Centre, McDonalds, Richmond Sand and Gravel, Be Seen Eyewear, Sommerville, Laundry Lomax solicitors, WCA Chartered Accountants, North Coast Petroleum, Graphiti-Design, Hurford Hardwood and Lismore Printery. (Aleah O'Keefe was born with a heart condition and this has led to muscle problems now. She requires Botox injections regularly at Kids Ward. Photo: Supplied)

In our series 'Let's Recycle Right', this is tip number 2.Keep it loose, don't bag, flatten your boxes.With the Lismore City Council Material & Recovery Facility now operational once again, the Lismore App wanted to answer the ongoing question of what is and isn't acceptable in your yellow recycle bin in a week long video series from the NSW Environment Protection Authority.If you missed it, here is Tip 1 in our story yesterday about the MRF re-opening Our Material & Recovery Facility is operational again following last years fire.

With no fanfare or ribbon cutting the Material & Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre re-opened in late October following last years fire and began sorting our own recyclable waste once again.No longer do we have to send our recycled waste to Queensland, we can once again process in the East Lismore facility.The MRF was damaged by fire in August 2019. The fire burnt for 10 days due to very dry and windy conditions causing extensive damage.Council's insurance claim was successful so the rebuild of the $3.65 million dollar MRF could begin.The MRF processes around 15,000 tonnes of recyclables per year. It separates, prepares recyclable materials to be sent off and made into new products.Now that the MRF is operational, the Lismore App would like to help you understand exactly what you can and can't recycle. This question is asked by many household residents who are still very confused.The NSW Environment Protection Authority has released a set of short videos explaining what is allowed and not allowed in your yellow recycle bin.The Lismore App will publish one per day for 7 days called Let's Recycle Right.Here is video 1 about recycling hard plastics and containers, steel & aluminium cans, glass bottles and jars, paper and cardboard.To learn more visit the EPA website.

Funds from the sale of units on Laurel Avenue owned by the Northern NSW Health District (NNSWLHD) will be used to upgrade the hospital's clinical services.NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones has responded to yesterday's story in The Lismore App saying that the units are "no longer fit for purpose".  Read more: NSW Health's Laurel House sell off prompts social housing debate"Northern NSW Local Health District has declared the block of 12 units in Laurel Avenue, known as Laurel Lodge, as surplus to requirements and available for sale," Mr Jones said. "While previously used for accommodation for junior doctors on rotation, it is no longer fit for purpose.  "Funds from the sale of the property are earmarked for equipment upgrades to clinical services at Lismore Base Hospital; in particular, the cardiac catheter laboratory.  Laurel House on Laurel Avenue.Social housingLismore MP Janelle Saffin, who brought the sale of units to the attention of the community, has suggested the units could be repurposed to become social housing.Ms Saffin said today she has not yet had a response from the NSW Government in regard to her proposal which she raised in Parliament.Mr Jones said "a part of the sale process and as per standard practice, the property has been offered to other NSW agencies by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE)"."interest was registered with DPIE, so the property has been declared surplus to Whole of Government and the sale endorsed," he said."NNSWLHD is progressing with the sale on the market in accordance with Government guidelines."

You would have forgotten it was nearly summer with temperatures in the early 20's and rain falling two hours ago but it has cleared to what will be a fine and hot weekend weather wise. Before we move on there is a 30% chance of more showers or a storm this evening.35 degrees is the maximum forecast tomorrow, which after todays temps will feel like an inferno, followed by 30 degrees and partly cloudy on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday will both in the 30's as well with the small chance of showers.The fine weather is good news for Speedway lovers who look likely to get a full race meet in led by the Wingless Sprintcar Grand Prix. Racing will have an early start of 5pm so gates will open at 4pm with entry via the top gate. COVID restrictions still apply to crowd numbers so first in best dressed to reach 500. Also in action will be the Production Sedans, Junior Sedans, AMCA Nationals, Modlites, Street Stocks and National 4's.With 35 predicted the earlier the better for the markets tomorrow. The Lismore Farmers Markets open their gates at 8am while the Blue Knob Community Markets start at 8:30am.Julie from the amazing charity Who Gives A Cluck will be at the Lismore Farmers Markets rehoming hens to approved mother cluckers. All these chickens have been rescued from a caged egg (Battery) Farm and will be going home with people who will love them. If you would like to adopt a rescue chook that still lays eggs, see Julie.Lismore Car Boot Market lovers will be pleased to know that Sunday at the Showgrounds is the place to be between 7:30am and 3pm.There are only three more market days before Xmas so get to Showground and check out what's on offer as well as some live music with The Clarence Jazzmen.Art lovers can now see the Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize exhibition at the Art Gallery in Rural Street. The 68 finalists work looks at the diverse ways in which the human form can be captured. The exhibition will run until the end of January, 2021 with a suggested $5 donation.Live music has slowly been finding its feet in the Northern Rivers again. Tim Freedman played last night as part of the Great Southern Nights tour for November. Check out what other gigs are coming up tomorrow night and for the rest of the month Gig Guide.Neil Mark's takes a look at our National Anthem tomorrow following Naidoc Week and comments by Premier Gladys Berejiklian to change one word. Check out Neil's Blog tomorrow Blogs/Letters. If you want to write a Letter To The Editor about any news story or blog, email [email protected] or [email protected] Sunday Profile is Lismore City Councils new Executive Director of Corporate Services Kate Webber. Although Kate is a lawyer, however she is not at Council to provide legal advice but look at council operations through fresh eyes.School Formals will be in full swing over the weekend following the end of HSC exams. It is so good to see our Year 12 students being allowed to celebrate their end of high school life even if it is in a restrictive way, two months ago the concern was there would be no celebration at all or virtual at best (Year 12 school formals begin tonight under coronavirus rules).A heads up for Monday when the Dawson and Uralba Street Roundabout gets some attention between 6pm Monday night and 4am Tuesday morning. Expect delays of 10 minutes or take alternative routes.A few funnies to kickstart your weekend:

With the HSC finishing this week, Year 12 students across the region are ready to let their hair down and celebrate. From Richmond River High, to St John’s College Woodlawn, Trinity Catholic College and Wilson’s Park Public School, students are ready to celebrate the end of school with the annual rite of passage – the school formal.  The Lismore App looks at what restrictions are and how the schools will hold their formals.Coronavirus restriction guidelinesUntil recently, coronavirus restrictions created uncertainty about whether the school formals could take place, but the NSW Government has come to the party and will allow them to go ahead. Guidelines the schools need to follow include reduce mingling, holding dancefloors outside or in well-ventilated areas; and only allowing dancing with partners from the same local community.Trinity Catholic CollegeTonight, Trinity Catholic College students will dress up and step out of their fancy cars as they arrive at the school for the Year 12 formal – this year to be held in the school’s sports hall. Due to Covid restrictions, it’s not the same as the usual graduation ball held to mark the annual rite of passage.School Principal Brother John said it was fantastic to be able to have a ceremony and present the students with their portfolios and some awards.  “We have a Covid plan in place and there is no singing or dancing as this is a seated event,” Br John said.“The girls are especially excited to be able to dress up and to have parents here.”Richmond River High SchoolRichmond River High's formal will be held tonight, Friday, November 13, at the Lismore Workers Club.The school formal will only see students and no parents.Richmond River High student Ursula Bennett is going along to the formal tonight. She spoke to the Lismore App about the HSC, the future and the formal.Read more: Richmond River High's Class of 2020 prepares for rite of passage“Normally, we would get to invite parents and guests, and have arrivals out the front on a fancy car," Ursula said.“But, this year, the Worker’s Club policies are for no gatherings outside the club and we can only have our class mates at the formal. “We are allowed to sit at tables of four people and we have to stay at that table through the night."The photographer will take pictures of our table – and we will probably have some dances with a socially distanced dance.”Richmond River High student Ursula Bennett.St John’s College WoodlawnTomorrow night, Saturday, November 14, Year 12 students from St John’s College at Woodlawn will head to the Lismore Turf Club with their parents to also celebrate the end of year.School spokesperson Debbie Melino said the formal would take place in the Turf Club’s outside marquees.“Holding it outside at the Turf Club was the way we chose so we could also have parents invited along – which the students wanted,” Ms Melino said.Being on the grass could mean a few wardrobe considerations for the girls – who will need to consider wearing block heels so they don’t sink into the grass.Awards and flowers handed out at the Wilson’s Park Public School graduation dinner dance.Wilson’s Park Public SchoolWith seven proud graduates this year, Wilson’s Park Public School Principal Helen Rea said the school’s formal is a graduation dinner dance to be held next Thursday, November 19.“It’s an exciting celebration and a rite of passage,” Ms Rea said. “It’s a symbol of the end of an important part of the students’ lives – and also the teachers too.”The school caters for students with a disability from pre-school to Year 12. Ms Rae said parents will be there too and would be seated in small family groups.“We’re having it at Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah which works well for us with special access entrances into a big room and dance floor. “The students can dance, but there is no singing. It’s a change compared to normal, but we are excited that we can achieve something to celebrate the end of the year.”With dinner, presentations and a cake cutting, the event also sees each student present their family with flowers to day thank you.“We are just a small school and this year, we have two girls and five boys girls graduating,” she said. “They all excited about getting ready and both the girls ended up choosing the same dress maker and the boys have got their suits ready.“One student is even organising a fancy car to arrive in.”Other coronavirus guidelines for school formals ask schools to:• ensure the capacity of the event does not exceed four square metres for each guest• restrict tables to 10 people• ask students to bring their own pens for yearbook signing• follow and promote good hand hygiene practices.• avoid mingling before and after events• consider private transport options • follow existing restrictions on catering • restrict the number of guests at graduation events• live-stream ceremonies for anyone not able to attend.

Emergency services were called to a serious car accident at Howards Grass this morning which saw two people taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment.A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said ambulance services received the call at 7.10am this morning and treated two people at the scene for “spinal precautions” before they were taken to Lismore Base in stable condition.The Lismore App will keep you updated as more information comes.