If you’ve been making money out of recycling bottles and cans, you are probably already aware that the Return and Earn recycling machine at Humbly Oval near Lismore Shopping Square hasn’t been operational for a while. And while the Goonellabah one is working – do you know where it is?The Lismore App investigated to find out what was going on with our machines - and also found out just how much the people in Lismore have recycled through the Return and Earn scheme since it began.Who runs Return and Earn?Despite popular thought, Lismore’s two Return and Earn reverse vending machines (RVM) are not run by Lismore City Council, they are actually coordinated by NSW organisation Exchange for Change. However, a third location - the bulk return facility at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre - is run by Lismore City Council.The container deposit scheme network is operated by TOMRA Cleanaway – which manages 635 return points in NSW as well as the logistics and sale of the recyclable commodities. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is responsible for regulating the scheme.Shirani Glover from Exchange for Change said NSW’s container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, marked a major milestone recently with over 4.8 billion containers recycled since the scheme began in December 2017.In a recently released report, Shirani said across NSW, the latest research found 3 out of 4 NSW adults have participated in the recycling scheme.“The Lismore community are enthusiastic contributors to this success with more than 42.5 million containers returned through its local return points since the scheme launched,” she said. “That’s more than $4.2 million in refunds given back into the hands of the community.”NSW Local Government Areas Return and Earn network collections by material type (volume of containers)Humbly Oval flooding Shirani said the reason the Return and Earn reverse vending machine at Humbly Oval hasn’t been working is because it was impacted by the flooding a few weeks ago.“This resulted in damage to the machine and the site,” she said. “Our network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway, has been working closely with the site landlord, Lismore Council, to safely access the site and replace the machine as quickly as possible.“We can confirm work on site to replace the machine began this week, unfortunately, a ‘go live’ date is not currently available, but we’ll provide updates online when an opening date is confirmed.”Shirani recommends visiting the Return and Earn website or downloading the MyTOMRA app to check the live status of the return point. Customers can also contact the network operator’s customer service hotline on 1800 290 691.The Humbly Oval RVM.The Goonellabah RVM on Simeoni Drive.Where do I do return my containers to?So, the advice is to either hold on to your containers and return them once the Humbly Oval RVM is back online, or return them to:The Return and Earn RVM at 2 Simeoni Drive, Goonellabah, behind Woolworths, or to Lismore Council Automated Depot at 313 Wyrallah Rd (Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre), - where you can return in bulk, with 100 containers or more.Lismore's recycling statistics The following image shows Lismore's recycling statistics, compared to other Council areas in NSW.It was taken from the Local Government Network Collection Volumes Report for the last three years, which also showed that the Lismore City Council area recycled 3698 tonnes of aluminium, glass, plastics and paper materials in total over the period.NSW Local Government Areas Return and Earn network collections by material type (tonnage)Local charities benefitShirani said Return and Earn is becoming an increasingly important fundraising avenue for charities and community groups.“Overall more than $15.5 million has been returned to not-for-profits and community groups across NSW through donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme commenced,” she said“Lismore City Lions Club, Alstonville P&C Association and NNSW Helicopter Rescue Service are some of the Lismore charities and community groups who have benefitted from the scheme as donation partners at local return points, giving participants the option of donating some or all of their refund to them.”For more information about Return and Earn, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.

After going virtual last year, the planning for this year’s Nimbin Mardigrass has begun.Nimbin HEMP Embassy president Michael Balderstone said the MOB (MardiGrass Organising Body) is planning like there’s no corona - but who knows what will be going on with Covid by the first weekend in May.“It could be jabs all round or rampant corona, so obviously we have to wait 'n see,” he laughed.Michael said the weekly Friday meetings to pull MardiGrass2021 into shape will begin tomorrow – Friday, January 22 at 4.20pm in the HEMP Bar - and he invites anyone who wants to get involved to get in touch.“This year will be an all Aussie MardiGrass as we won't be flying in any overseas speakers,” Michael said. “They may join us online but essentially we hope to bring together a bunch of Australian experts on all things cannabis."There will be a big focus on the ridiculous saliva testing by police of drivers searching for minute traces of THC. “These driving laws show clearly just how serious the government is about not supporting medical cannabis. “Fiona Patten is coming to MardiGrass and by then she might have the Victorian driving laws changed for legal cannabis users which would be a start at least. “Ex Magistrate David Heilpern and solicitor Steve Bolt will join Fiona for a Q and A on drug driving.Read more news: Community delays logging plans for Bungabbee ForestMichael Balderstone campaigns for ending marijuana prohibition."There will also be a special focus on veterans with PTSD gaining access to cannabis and the government's lack of support on that. This is likely the tipping point for the American Federal laws to change now Biden is president. The suicide rate of ex military people is shameful and we know cannabis could help many enormously."Michael said last week the HEMP Olympix officials examined the Growers Iron Person and Bong Throw and Yell course and declared there was plenty of room for social distancing should it be needed. “A smaller crowd than usual is expected because overseas flights will keep many champions from getting here,” he said.“This has galvanised locals into early training hoping medals might be easier to score this year."But nothing has galvanised us for MardiGrass like the patheticness of our politicians who refuse to listen to their own experts who keep telling them to change the cannabis laws.“The police apparently are the experts on the drug laws and get the final say. A bit of vested interest in there do you think seeing as half the police work and arrests come from the drug war. “Not just jobs, but the power, the power to search and destroy pretty much if they want to.“Drug use is a health issue and the longer we police it the way we are the worse it will become.Get involvedThis year will be the 29th annual MardiGrass protesting to end the war on cannabis. “For the first decade we cried it's our choice of medicine and they said we were liars,” Michael said. “The second decade they said maybe it helps epileptic children, maybe. “Now they agree it's good medicine for a wide range of issues yet still we are not allowed to grow our own and they control the supply and we must access it via a doctor.“They say our outdoor organic home grown weed is not safe and they wonder why people don't trust the government.”“Artists of every kind are most welcome as well as volunteers to help set up, clean toilets, cook and recycle,” Michael said.“We want musicians, poets and performers, Ubud drivers, in fact any drug free drivers, and Jungle Patrol traffic controllers, market stalls and speakers.“There is a movement for people to walk to MardiGrass this year in protest against the saliva testing roadblocks. “Hitch hiking is acceptable of course and we urge clean drivers to join in helping their druggie friends to join the gathering.”If you would like to get involved in any way with MardiGrass2021 on May 1 and 2, visit http://www.nimbinmardigrass.com or phone the HEMP Embassy on 66891842. Read more news: NSW heat wave warning might not apply to Lismore

Today’s warning from NSW Health to prepare for a heat wave across the State in the coming days may not apply to the Northern Rivers area – according to weather forecaster and storm chaser Michael Bath. Michael, a McLeans Ridges local, has spent 13 years working for national weather outlet The Early Warning Network. Since before the days of the internet, he’s been following his nose into weather systems and said his predictions are often more spot on than many of the national weather predictions made out of computer modelling. While it’s cloudy today in Lismore, Michael said the weather looks warm to hot and dry for the next week and a half – but not reaching any of the heat wave high temperatures that could be on the way for other parts of NSW.“We will only reach the low to mid 30s in Lismore,” he said. “That’s nothing extraordinary for our area.“Then there could be thunderstorms tomorrow on the tablelands, but we probably won’t see any showers or storms here until next week on Thursday or Friday,” he said.“Things are changing, but it’s inconsistent and we are too far out to know."As a storm chaser, Michael said the temperature is one of the least important things he looks at when predicting weather and storms.“I’m looking at the interesting weather systems, so the temperature doesn’t matter as much to me on the day to day,” he said.NSW Health adviceIn case you are wondering what advice NSW Health gives to take steps to beat the heat, here it is: Plan for the upcoming heatwave by checking your fridges, freezers, fans and air-conditioners work properly. Set your air conditioning to cool; a setting of 24 degrees can keep you cool while helping to reduce electricity demand. Put jugs of water in the fridge and cool packs in the freezer. Also ensure your blinds are closed before the sun hits your windows. Plan your activities safely on hot days. Protect yourself during the heatwave by postponing or rescheduling your outdoor activities. Reduce the impact of heat by avoiding being outside during the hottest part of the day; keeping well hydrated with water; and looking after vulnerable neighbours and relatives.Signs of heat related illness include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion.” People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention and, in an emergency situation, call Triple Zero (000).NSW Health Acting Director of Environmental Health, Dr Adi Vyas also urges people to continue to practise COVID-19 safe behaviour during the heatwave. “If you’re able to keep cool at home using fans, air-conditioning and closed blinds, please do so and stay at home. That way, we won’t compromise physical distancing in public indoor venues, such as shopping centres, libraries and other public buildings where people may seek respite from the heat,” Dr Vyas said. “If you do leave your home to attend other indoor spaces, please physically distance and wear a mask in places where you cannot maintain 1.5 metres distance from others. “It is essential to keep in touch with relatives, neighbours and friends; especially those living alone or who are isolated. Be COVID safe; check in with them through a phone call or video call.” More information can be found at the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat

In a turnaround and seeming victory for the local community, Bungabbee State Forest has been delisted from the planned schedule of logging on NSW Foresty Corporation’s website.Read more: Community mobilises to stop logging in Bungabbee State Forest After intense campaigning to see the planned logging halted, Rock Valley resident and wildlife carer Renata Phelps said it was good news that the April logging date had been removed - but that it was only a temporary cause for celebration.“We haven’t had any official notice that it was delisted, but they could at any point again list the forest for logging - and they only ever need to give the community three or four days’ notice before logging operations start.“It would appear that NSW Forestry have noticed our community mobilised and they responded by pulling it off the books, along with Myrtle State Forest which was also planned for imminent logging.“It shows that if a community is cohesive and collaborative and shows it doesn’t want something, it can make a big effect.”ReclassificationRenata said the campaign to see all logging plans scrapped for Bungabbee would continue and the next step was to see the forest reclassified so it couldn’t be logged in future.“There are a number of different possible zonings it could be reclassified to,” Renata said.“It could be a nature reserve – at the moment, Bungabbee is sandwiched between two smaller nature reserves and it would be great in terms of biodiversity to link them all up.”Renata said the type of reclassification would need to be carefully considered because some zonings would limit the current recreational uses allowed in the area – like dog walking or horse riding.“It could be a national park or a regional park or state conservation area, or a community conservation area – or a flora reserve,” she said. “All have varying degrees of opportunity for recreation.“We are also exploring the queen’s canopy project option. It’s a Commonwealth scheme to help protect forest.“At least the immediate logging is off the radar and now need to start talking with National Parks staff and community to see what status we can achieve for the area,” Renata said.Read weather news: NSW heat wave warning might not apply to LismoreMP Saffin visits Bungabbee ForestLismore MP Janelle Saffin visited Bungabbee State Forest yesterday and met with Renata and other community members.Ms Saffin was presented with a petition of 8,000 signatures, all requesting that the forest be reclassified and exempt from logging.MP Saffin said she had already been lobbying government at the State level and intended to present the petition in State Parliament.“I’ll make sure it gets on official public record in Hansard," Ms Saffin said. “Last year, I sought advice from the minister to see if Bungabbee was on the logging schedule and he said it might be up in April, but it wasn’t clear and I thought ‘that’s good – it’s not definite'.“I recently wrote to the deputy premier John Barilaro and asked him to consider not logging Bungabbee for its inherent conservation value and the 27 endangered species there."I said it’s like a little beautiful oasis in the middle of cleared farmland and people use it for lots of activities.”Childrens’ bookRenata said she had already had an amazing response to the call out for local art to be included in a new digital childrens’ book about the forest.“We’ve already had 30 artists donating time and art to the book – and the story will always be relevant because it applies to all forests,” she said.“We are still looking for children’s art to be included, so if you have any some, send them to us."To find out where to send the artwork, read: Local children's book needs artwork to help save Bungabbee

Northern Rivers organisation Healthy North Coast is preparing to coordinate the complex task of rolling out the Covid-19 vaccination program across the local primary care network in mid to late February.Healthy North Coast acting chief executive Monika Wheeler said the organisation will work in partnership with local general practices, GP respiratory clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services and NSW Health, to help deliver the vaccine.“The local health workforce is gearing up for the vaccine rollout,” Ms Wheeler said. “New referral pathways, education and practice support are being developed by Healthy North Coast to assist with the implementation of the program.“This is early days and we will continue to keep practitioners, allied health professionals and the community up-to-date with the latest information as it becomes available.”QuestionsThe Lismore App asked Healthy North Coast about which vaccines we could expect to see here and how ongoing availability will be administered.A HNC spokesperson said the finer details of the rollout are still being worked out and would be guided by the changing map of the national COVID-19 Vaccine National Rollout Strategy – as announced by the Prime Minister on January 7. See the Vaccine Roadmap hereThe strategy prioritises frontline health workers and older people living in residential aged care facilities as the first to receive the vaccine.Across Australia, there are many questions being raised about the vaccines and the rollout strategy – from the potential dangers of adverse reactions to the vaccine – to whether there will be different vaccines made available for health workers and the general population.There are also questions about the effectiveness of the two available AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines.AstraZeneca or Pfizer?ABC News reported earlier this week that it was likely we would see the AstraZeneca variety made available in remoter areas of Australia, because of the lack of availability of the minus-70 degrees Celsius cold storage needed for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.Complex logisticsHealthy North Coast has identified there are complex logistical and operational requirements for rolling out a coordinated, large-scale vaccination strategy, such as:Identifying competent and credentialed staff to administer vaccinesCoordinating education and refresher skills training as indicated by workforce skills surveysCommunication of key information to service providers and the general population in a way that is clear and easy to understandSecure storage, maintenance, transport and delivery of vaccinesAppointment scheduling for initial vaccination and follow-up booking management for second dose vaccination (likely to be 4 weeks after the first dose)Implementation of a standardised care pathway incorporating pre-screening assessment, vaccine administration and post-vaccination monitoringIdentifying accessible, clinically appropriate and safe locations to administer COVID-19 vaccines, including areas for post-vaccination monitoringDocumentation and recording of vaccine administration in the Australian Immunisation RegisterQuality and safety aspects such as infection prevention and control practices, maintaining physical distancing, management of adverse events for vaccine recipients and/or staff including adverse reactions, anaphylaxis, management of needlestick injuries, bodily fluid/blood exposure incidentsRecording consent and privacy of informationMatching demand and capacity for vaccination service delivery and having the ability to ramp up in the event of emerging needs, changes to timelines or vaccine supply availabilityThe Lismore App will keep you updated about the local rollout strategy as more information is released.

A long awaited new world-class wildlife hospital for the Northern Rivers has finally been given the start to life in Wollongbar.Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) chair Ninian Gemmell said the journey that started over a decade ago with a group of dedicated local wildlife carers and veterinary nurses is about to become a reality. “After much investigative work, a two hectare site containing a building has been selected for the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital at Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute,” Mr Gemmell said.“The Wollongbar site is ideally located in the middle of our identified case-load catchment region, with good access.”“A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the landowner and discussions are well under way with the planners in order to lodge a development application (DA) and prepare the site for a wildlife hospital.”Read more news: Lismore's 2021 Australia Day Award nominees announcedNorthern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) committee members gather on-site at Lindendale Road last September.Mr Gemmell said the board hoped to lodge the DA early in 2021. “The application will address use of the land for the wildlife hospital, secure access, water, waste management as well as finalise the wildlife hospital design,” Mr Gemmell said."The NRWH Board is currently being guided by Ballina Council and an expert independent planner and the goal as outlined in the business plan, is to build a world class ‘bricks and mortar’ facility that will accommodate expert veterinary services for wildlife, research and educational programs for the community. “We are focussed on the long term as well as the immediate needs of our wildlife, carers and the broader community. The project will be strategically focussed and will work with and compliment the expertise of the existing carer network.“We are grateful for the support we have received from our veterinary advisors, our stakeholders and in particular the management and staff at the Department of Primary Industries."Funding developmentsMr Gemmell said the development funding was secured early in 2020, but a well known environmental organisation has now signed up to a ‘collaboration agreement’ and will provide short to medium term funds to renovate the building on the site and partly equip the hospital ready for operations. "There is a lot of work to do under this agreement, and we will be launching an appeal soon to cover an aviary and other necessary equipment prior to the hospital opening,” Mr Gemmell said.He said while the project has secured some funding, donations are always welcome. Donations to NRWH in excess of $2 are tax deductible, and may be made directly by contacting Elly on info@nrwh.org.au Member and community baseAs a registered charity and not-for-profit community focussed organisation, NRWH welcomes individuals and organisations into the membership base. “It is only through the diversity of our membership, that we ensure we meet community need,” Mr Gemmell said. “Since day one, we have maintained that this is the correct governance structure to meet the community need and expectation. We are ultimately accountable to our members."To keep up to date with developments, you can also follow the NRWH Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northernriverswildlifehospital

Rock Valley resident and wildlife carer Renata Phelps has taken up the fight to save Bungabbee State Forest from imminent logging and wants the community to join her. Situated between Bentley and Rock Valley, a 20 minute drive from Lismore, Renata said Bungabbee is an important forest remnant, wildlife corridor and nature reserve. “Lots of Lismore locals don’t even know Bungabbee Forest exists,” Renata said. “It’s highly accessible and used by bush walkers and horse riders.“We have been reforesting on our property and we always envisaged we were creating wildlife corridors to link up with Bungabbee State Forest.“There are so many different animals and birds live there, it’s a special area. Lots of locals here are also reforesting properties to create corridors for wildlife to travel in.“Bungabbee forms part of the Mackellar Wildlife Corridor, connecting to the World Heritage Border Ranges. When you see the forest it on satellite image, it indicates clearly how important a remnant it is in the middle of otherwise clear farmland.”MobiliseRenata said the next few months is critical to stop the logging by mobilising the community and raising awareness of the logging plans.“A lot of people feel affinity with that area having worked hard to save it from CSG – I’m sure they will want to see it saved from logging once they realise how important it is.”Logging schedule discoveryRenata said she only became aware of the fact that the forest was scheduled for logging when a group of locals were reviewing the maps and schedules of NSW Forestry Corporation.“We saw Bungabbee had been listed for logging over 12 months ago, and there was only four weeks till logging was due to start," she said. “Forestry are required to do community consultation but they hadn’t and we were concerned and asked them why hadn’t they talked to us.“Then forestry revised the logging date to April 2021.”“They are only required to give the community two days' notice before their logging trucks come in and they said they will consult with us and give us as much notice as they can.“What we need is to have a community meeting with forestry in person in a hall – it’s an important obligation for them.”Read more news: Workers Union challenges 'shameful' pay rates for farm workersSquirrel glider.NEFA Forest surveyLate last year, the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) organised a group of renowned ecologists including Dave Milledge, to do a weekend survey in the forest.NEFA spokesperson Dailan Pugh said, as well as the known 27 threatened species found there, ecologists found more species not yet recorded, including the Long Nosed Potoroo and a population of Marbled Frogmouths – as well as critically endangered plants like native guava.Threatened species"The population of Marbled Frogmouths is one of only a handful of species that the Forestry Corporation is still required to protect additional habitat for, though in this case there is no requirement to look before they log. Luckily we did," Dailan said."It was particularly disturbing to find significant populations of the Critically Endangered Scrub Turpentine and Native Guava. The very survival of these species is threatened by the introduced fungus Myrtle Rust, they are unlikely to regenerate and now the Forestry Corporation are intending to bulldoze over the survivors.  "Our results clearly demonstrate the need for pre-logging surveys to identify the presence and locations of threatened species so they can be appropriately protected."MacropodsRenata said she was a macropod carer with Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES) and it was incredible to find Palma wallabies there."They are a tiny wallaby species and rare to find," she said. "There are red legged pademelons there and they are a threatened species too. “There are also yellow belly and greater gliders and at the moment they are listed as threatened, but after the fires last year, they are probably critically endangered now.Bentley communityRenata said the proximity of the forest to Bentley where the community staged a successful action to stop CSG from taking off in the area gave her hope that locals could again be motivated to save an important natural asset. “A lot of people feel affinity with that area having worked hard to save it from CSG – I’m sure they will want to see it saved from logging once they realise how important it is.”Renata said a petition had been created, targeted to local and state representatives such as Lismore MP Janelle Saffin to get the issue known to them. Black cockatooHow to helpIf you are interested in being part of the Save Bungabbee campaign, you can join the Facebook Group, “Bungabbee Forest Friends” https://www.facebook.com/groups/3470743116309388/ or subscribe to the email list at http://eepurl.com/hhtdOrChildren’s book art neededRenata is also coordinating a new digital children’s storybook aimed at saving Bungabbee Forest and is calling for local artists to contribute art to the project.Read more: Local children's book needs artwork to help save Bungabbee Forestry roading workLate last year, Forestry Corporation said it would be entering Bungabbee to repair the road network in the state forest.Forestry Corporation Roading Manager Craig Busby said the work was to address significant damage to the roading infrastructure and “improve public access and safety, including the repair of an important fire trail network”.  “Maintenance of these roads is important for the environment (soil conservation), safe access for forest visitors and the broader community in terms of fire management, strategic fire protection and the provision of forest products," he said.Indigenous cultural heritage“This work has been planned to ensure the highest standards are met, with surveys conducted to identify and protect any Indigenous cultural heritage and threatened species prior to any onground work starting," Mr Busby said.“A number of sites have been identified with Aboriginal cultural heritage values and these areas will be protected during the remediation work.  “Likewise, ecological surveys have identified numerous threatened species within the operational area, such as brush sophora, bog onion, native jute, thorny pea, rainforest cassia, scrub turpentine and pointed trefoil.”

Life will soon be coming to the empty Mathers Arcade, off Woodlark Street in the CBD when new vegan gelato shop -Space Bars - opens its doors.The gelateria will be selling the creations of Jahli Eves and her partner Kashina – who have been perfecting how to make Italian style gelato over the last six years.Jahli and Kashina.“We starting by experimenting with vegan ice cream recipes at home, because we couldn’t find anything to buy of a good standard – so we made our own,” Jahli said.“Then we realised there was a gap in the market because lots of people are dairy intolerant, so we started travelling around to expos and markets to sell it.“Recently, we did online courses with an Italian gelato expert and it changed everything.“Now we can make traditional Italian gelato that’s vegan and we think we’ve nailed it and can sell something a bit different.”Jahli and Kashina use liquid nitrogen to freeze the gelato order right before the customer’s eyes and take pride in sourcing and using sustainable products taken only from plant-based ingredients.“We’ve also been experimenting with hemp and sugar free gelatos and are keen to test them in a friend’s a gelato lab,” Jahli said. “We are always on the hunt for new products.”The couple intend to sell shakes and smoothies in their shop and have a coffee machine to make affogatos and take away coffees with vegan milks.“We also hope to sell some vegan bakery treats and chocolates made by friends of ours,” Jahli said.“We are both vegans who care about animal ethics and environmental issues – and the health benefit of not eating dairy is a bonus too.”Jahli said they were inspired to open a shop because it was difficult to get stalls at some of the local markets – and that made it an inconsistent and unsustainable way to make money.“Then lockdown came last year in March and we lost a year’s worth of work in one day,” she said. “I’m excited at opening a shop of our own in the CBD.”Right now, the shop is not yet ready to open and the couple are still waiting for the Development Approval to pass through Lismore Council – but Jahli has the new signage for the shop ready to go – including a neon icecream sign that will entice people into the arcade.“We haven’t set an opening date yet, but hopefully we’ll know in the next month,” she said.“I hope it brings the arcade back to life as people walk through it again – and it will be great when the Living School opens up and uses the streets and laneways too.”Read more about the Living School's plans: School ready to bring life back to Lismore's historic CBD building

For the artists with portraits on exhibition in the 2020 Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize in Lismore Regional Art Gallery, there’s only one chance left at winning a prize.Sponsored by Friends of The Lismore Regional Gallery (FLRG), the People’s Choice Award calls the community to choose who they think should win the coveted award in the highly contested competition. FLRG secretary Deepak Khuller said the exhibition has been on for a few months now and will run until January 31. Voting for the $1000 People’s Choice Award will close on January 21.While the overall winner as chosen by the judges was announced last year, Deepak said being chosen as the winner of a national art competition by the members of the public is a high honour.“Local artist and TAFE student Antoinette O’Brien won the $10,000 main acquisitive prize last year for her ceramic portrait of Helen Deravenchecko,” Deepak said. Read more: Meet the winner of the 2020 Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize“Now, the people who come to see the exhibition have a chance to decide whose work they admire the most.“All you have to so is come in and pick a favourite, write it down and put it in the box.”Deepak said the 2020 Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize exhibition has been a popular show, with 6640 people already having come to see it.  “Anyone who has made a vote will also go in the running to win one of three memberships with the Limore Regional Gallery,” he said. “We will draw the winner on January 30 at 11am.”If you are heading to the gallery, an exhibition of work by Aboriginal artist Karla Dickens’ A Dickensian Sideshow’ is also on show and well worth checking out.For more information about the galley, visit https://lismoregallery.org/cp_themes/default/home.aspRead more: Humans of Lismore creator Denise Alison makes the portrait prize final

Teaching skills in working with wood is something that local craftsman Jonathan Smith is passionate about. After 15 years of teaching workshops to people is all ages, he’s bringing this lost art to Lismore in a two day woodworking workshop at Lismore Art Space – beginning tomorrow.“It’s a workshop where creative kids and adults can work together making things out of wood,” Jonathan said. “It’s part of a workshop series of sharing skills in traditional crafts, beginning with wood- and about making them accessible to a whole range of people.”With two young boys of his own, Jonathan loves passing on his skills to them - and he would love to see other families join the workshops.Lismore Art Space volunteer coordinator Susanna Carpi joins in the fun.Make a box“We’ll start by making a box and get an idea of where our skills are at as we learn a process of how to think about and plan a project,” he said.“We learn how to use a range of hand and power tools as we measure and cut wood to length and get it all to fit together by drilling and screwing.“Once you have those skills, you can make pretty much anything that you want - and we will run future workshops that will help you to do it.“People might want to make shelving, benches or fix furniture – whatever you like.”All tools and wood will be supplied at the workshop.Jonathan has been working with wood for decades – and has a history of building structures and useful objects as part of his involvement with dark age reenactment groups.“I’ve worked a lot with bush wood and creating structures,” he said. “I’ve also run woodworking workshops with mens’ sheds and with people with disabilities and for mental health outcomes,” he said.Jonathan checks out the wood pile in the space.Wood neededIf you have any wood at home that you don’t need or want, Jonathan is keen to use it for the workshops.“I’m looking for any wood that can be recycled,” he said. “If anyone wants to clean up any wood around their houses, please let me know,” he said.The workshop runs over two Thursdays beginning tomorrow, Thursday January 14 and again on January 21, from 9.30am until 2pm at Lismore Art Space, 1 Norris Street. It’s $170 for both workshops.Children 5 - 12 require parental or carer supervision (no additional cost). Lunch is bring your own, with light refreshments and drinks available.To book a spot, phone Jonathan on 0411 105 718. You can also visit Lismore Art Space on Facebook for information https://www.facebook.com/lismoreartspace

Having basics like pencils and books to start school with each year is something most kids take for granted. But some families in our community rely on the goodwill of helping organisations like the St Vincent De Paul Society to get what they need. That’s where Operation Backpack, from January 6 to 22 comes in. This is the third year that St Vincent De Paul has teamed up with Lismore Shopping Square to ask the community to donate stationary supplies to kids who need help to get back to school. St Vincent De Paul Society community engagement coordinator Rosie Leo said in previous years, people have donated items to be included in backpacks for kids, but this year she asks people to donate money instead.What’s needed“Last year we found we had too many books but not enough pencils,” Rosie said. “Because of Covid, we will now buy the backpacks and fill them with exactly what is needed for each child and we will use the funds to buy things like school uniforms too. “We also intend to ask parents exactly what it is that they need.Rosie said the St Vincent De Paul Society Conference members were responsible for knowing who needed assistance in the local community.“The ladies in the Conference every week talk to people and families who need help,” she said. “They are a group of volunteers who go in to the community to assist friends in need.“Community members might come in and say they need food, but once you sit there and have a conversation with them, you find out there is lot of assistance they need, from paying bills to getting kids to school.”Lismore Shopping Square centre manager Steven Beaumont.Assistance and volunteers neededAnyone needing assistance, or wishing to volunteer in any capacity can contact the St Vincent De Paul office on 0266 215 835.“We are anticipating that as Jobseeker and Jobkeeper payments lessen, people are going to need more help.DonateIf you want to donate, you can donate any amount from $1 and up at locations in the Lismore Shopping Square, until January 22. When you make a donation, you’ll be given a sticker that you can stick up on the Operation backpack wall opposite Coles. Lismore Shopping Square centre manager Steven Beaumont said there would be staff set up at a table, outside Coles - or donations could also be made at the Centre’s management office.Cr Neil Marks at the donation table.

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.