Yesterdays rain is the lead in to the first real seasonal thunderstorms for spring which they will be hitting the Northern Rivers in the next few days thanks to ideal summery conditions.The broad low pressure system that has moved through South Australia last week will continue to shift into the north eastern parts of NSW.Combine this with high humidity and high air moisture content and we have the typical summer thunderstorm pattern that will bring some decent rain.Depending on how lucky or unlucky you are, the range for the rainfall from these coming thunderstorms is more than we have seen through the more stable winter predictions. Today we should get 6 to 15mm, the same range for Monday, Tuesday is 5mm to 15mm while Wednesday is 0 to 10mm.Jake Phillips from the Bureau of Meteorology says the reason for the range is that summer systems are a bit 'hit and miss'."One town can feel the effects of the thunderstorm while not far away, another town will get nothing," Jake said.So, depending on where you live will determine how much rainfall and thunder activity you get in the coming days.It is a good time to clear the gutters and make sure you are prepared for the storm season which as we know will be stronger this year thanks to the La Niña effect.If you do need help, the SES number is 132 500.

Patients in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) continue to report very high levels of satisfaction with their hospital care, according to the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) 2019Adult Admitted Patient Survey.NNSWLHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones said the report shows that 95 per cent of patients across the District rated their care as either ‘very good’ or ‘good’.If asked by family and friends, more than four out of five patients (81 per cent) said they ‘would speak highly’ of their hospital experience.“Our staff should be really proud of the results in this report, in which the overwhelming majority of respondents have rated both the care, and the individuals providing that care, extremely highly,” Mr Jones said.“One of the most pleasing aspects is the fact that these results build on previous years of consistently good results. This shows that patients in Northern NSW are regularly receiving excellent care, thanks to the expertise and compassionate care of our staff.”On a local level Lismore Base Hospital statistics, although high were slightly down compared to their counterparts in Ballina, Byron Bay and Casino but well above the NSW average.(Nurse Unit Manager Kym Hickey and staff from the F10 Surgical/Orthopaedic Ward. Photo: supplied)Nearly nine out of 10 patients (88 per cent) said emergency department staff were always polite and courteous. Four out of five patients (80 per cent) rated their nurses as ‘very good’ with the NSW average of 75% while doctor satisfaction was 70% (NSW average 67%).The Emergency Department is an area of concern with the amount of people that left the emergency department in under 4 hours was 69% (NSW average 75%), the amount of people who received elective surgery on time was 79% (NSW average was 85%).Three-quarters of patients (75 per cent) said the care they received in hospital was ‘very well organised’, the highest result in NSW.Nearly nine out of 10 patients (89 per cent) said they were ‘always’ treated with respect and dignity, and 95 per cent of respondents said they received the ‘right amount’ of information about their operation or surgical procedure before arrival at hospital.Between mid-2012 and mid-2020 the Northern NSW Local Health District increased its workforce by an additional 1008 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 26.7 per cent including 171 more doctors, 367 more nurses and midwives, and 121 more allied health staff.The 2019–20 budget for Northern NSW Local Health District was $875 million – an increase of $37 million on the previous financial year’s budget.

Images of a mystical otherworld will adorn the walls and plinths of Serpentine Community Gallery tonight at the opening of a new exhibition ‘Otherworldly’.Otherworldly is a group exhibition featuring the works of local artists Dougal Binns, Kane Bowman, John Adams, Julia Lincoln and Inara Kent – whose art depicts mystical and transcendental worlds of an imaginary or spiritual natureAn image of crystals in the afternoon light is one of the featured artworks- by local artist Julia Lincoln. Her work ‘Morning Vision’ is an example of her energy photography in a mixed media form. A Quiet Place by John Adams.Gallery founding member Corinne (Rin) Batt-Rowden said the theme brought together a wide variety of media, including photography, sculpture, paintings and mixed media, but it was “the diversity of artists who contributed which created the depth and breadth of the exhibition”. “Visitors of the gallery are welcome to attend the opening tonight from 6 till 8pm and chat with the artists about their work,” Rin said.“Julia’s energy photography art is for sale and is displayed in a frame, but the buyer can choose the frame which best suits their home.She is always happy to discuss her energy work and what inspires her to create.“Covid safe policies are in place and masks are welcome and hand sanitising is mandatory - as is social distancing."Life size torso by Ray Moller.Rin said Serpentine Gallery is also currently exhibiting a collection of hand built ceramics made by Ray Moller, many of which are on sale. “Ray has been exhibiting work around the globe for the last 20 years,” Rin said. “Ray’s beautiful pieces explore the human figure, spirituality and organic forms. We have sold a lot of his sculptures since we opened 14 years ago. His work is quite popular.” ‘Otherworldly’ opens 6pm, Friday, October 23 and runs until November 16. People are invited to drop by during the gallery’s regular opening hours.The Serpentine Gallery is a local not for profit community run artist initiative located at 17 Bridge Street, North Lismore.You can contact the gallery on 6621 6845 for more information or check them out on Facebook. 

Tonight, the first performance of O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible at Lismore City hall opens up audiences to a world where people dance their dream of life as they want it to be.Produced in association with NORPA, Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre’s latest work is a moving journey into the minds and dreams of seven dancers with disabilities.The production was co-devised by the dancers and brings to us stories that the world needs to hear.Through the lens of seven young, imaginative and curious minds, we rediscover the power of dreams. Dreams that summon the optimism and strength to overcome the doubts we all share about life.Sprung!! Company Dancer Tallula Bourne said “we’re creators, we’re dreamers, we design our reality. Oh, how we dream of things impossible.”Described as a physically dynamic and hopeful work, O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible reframes our perspective and shows that Impossible can be transformed into I’m Possible.Sprung!! Company Dancer Zac Mifsud said “I think of many, many things about myself [when I make dance]. About emotions, suffering and pain too, and heartbreak…”O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible will perform over three nights this weekend, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 22 to 24 at Lismore City Hall.The performance on Friday 23 October will be Auslan interpreted and will also feature an up close and personal Q& A with Sprung!! dancers after the show.For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://norpa.org.au/events/o-how-i-dreamt-of-things-impossible/

With lots of water play equipment, it’s going to be a cooler summer at Heritage Park this year.The water play features were turned on today for The Lismore App to get a sneak preview of what’s to come over the warmer months - and we took a jump on the new in-ground trampolines and walked the new adventure play equipment.In-ground trampolines in front of the tower.Water play With a coconut palm, the rings, an umbrella, bottom squirts, the flower and the water cannon, the park’s new water play equipment features 12 water burst cycles. Big and little kids will have a lot of fun getting wet.Lismore City Council’s open space coordinator Martin Souter said this water play equipment was chosen because it is more water sensitive and the water pressure can change depending on the wind and weather, so no water is wasted.Water play features include the coconut palm, the rings, an umbrella, bottom squirts, the flower and the water cannon.“We can use recycled water or mains water,” Martin said. “Water recycling is more problematic though and we’d need big tanks and add chemicals. So, we are opening with safe, drinkable water that will go into storm water system and flush through the creeks.”Martin said the water will be switched on about 9am each day, until 6 or 7pm in the evening.The building of the new play equipment beganduring March in the Covid shutdown period, and it’s been a long time getting materials and contractors into place.Today, Council staff were laying turf around the new areas. New features include two in-ground trampolines and a tower and chute made of recycled materials.There’s also new sandstone seating and another new area where kids can play with natural materials, step on a rope bridge, wooden stepping blocks and explore plants and rocks.Martin said stage 2 of the park redevelopment will include adding shade sails, paths and making the area accessible to people with disabilities.“We’ll be looking for ideas from locals about what they would like to see,” Martin said, “We will be almost shovel ready and will look for grants from the State and Federal Government to fund it.”Tomorrow, the railway driver will be arriving to troubleshoot the new equipment and test out the new carriages on the train to see if everything is performing.While the gates open today, it won't be officially opened until next week. Once the final pieces of turf are laid and the new train is fully operational, we can all go and explore the new park.The Lismore App will keep you posted.

When Tracey Parish opened L’Amour Emporium on Woodlark Street three weeks ago, she wanted a shop filled with eclectic things that people would love. And that’s what she got.Searching for a shop name, she decided it could only be called the French word for love - l’amour.Tracey said she greets every customer who walks into the shop, because “there’s nothing worse than being ignored in a shop” and often hears them say ‘I love that dress, I love that smell.’Tracey has worked in optics, then hairdressing, and has now opened a shop with giftware, clothes, and jewellery. So, why?“I always wanted to shop local, but struggled to find anything in Lismore that was good for gifts for weddings, birthdays and Christmas here,” She said. “So I decided to bring it here.Read more news: Alleged 3D-printed firearms manufacturer faces Lismore court“Everything I stock here is Australian manufactured or Australian imported. It was all about supporting Australian jobs - in these times, jobs are hard to come by and I would rather pay the Australian importer and give someone a job.“So I did a lot of research to make sure I was buying things supporting Australian businesses.Have a crack“My motto is have a crack. I can’t physically keep running a salon and I was getting older and thought work is getting hard to get.“So I thought I would start a business with a girlfriend who lost her job in Covid and I’ve given two people a job. I also have an 18 year old junior working her first job here too.”Eclectic giftwareFrom candles to pots that look like faces and hand made Turkish bowls, there are beautiful objects everywhere you look and every item had a story and a background.“The Turkish bowls are imported by an Australian company, so that’s’ supporting jobs here too,” she said.“I have hand made, ethically sourced leather belts and bags imported from India by a lady in Brisbane who works with a family in India. She makes sure she pays them the correct wages and looks after them and improves the family’s living conditions – so I’m supporting this too.”Affordable“When I buy giftware, I get what I like and look at the quality of it - and keep the pricing affordable – there’s no point having beautiful stuff if people can’t afford it.ClothingTracey has lots of loose boho type dresses, mostly made of good quality Italian linen and some of the designs are made by designers in Sydney.“I would walk around Byron Bay and see these type of dresses and wanted the same in Lismore – but at a price tag less than $100,” she said.The dresses come in sizes 8 to 22 and Tracey said they are popular with all age groups, from people in their 20s up to 80s.“I had one lady say she was 80 and on a pension and she wanted something nice, but would wait and save up and come in and get what she wanted later,” she said.QuirkyIn the shop, there are signs that say Genius at Work and Man Cave and gemstone jewellery made by Freya in Federal.There are unusual rusty sculptures for the garden and rain gauges, picnic tables for a sandy visits that don’t fall over and pack down easily made by an Australian business.“I have Mojo candles, made in recycled wine and beer bottles that are made with love in small batches,” Tracey said.“I also have organic face products and body balm and the people make their own pots to put the balm in, so the pots can be refilled or put in the compost.”Pet plaquesThere are even plaques for pets that have passed away – and Tracey has one on her dog’s grave.“You would be hard pressed to come in and not find something for someone,” Tracey said,.L’Amour Emporium can be found at 2/13 Woodlark Street, next to Hortons. It’s actually in the old Hortons Fashion shop – and Horton’s has moved next door.It’s open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. Come in and say hi to Tracey. Read more business news: Lismore fashion shop opens with a new profile Lismore's Indian restaurant to close this week

A motorcyclist has died in a crash near Nimbin today.Read more news: Covid restrictions ease for gyms and religious gatherings This morning, emergency services were called to Kyogle Road at Lillian Rock, north-west of Nimbin, after a motorcycle and a van collided about 9.45am.The motorcyclist, a 64-year-old man, died at the scene.The van driver, a 24-year-old woman, was uninjured and taken to Nimbin Hospital for mandatory testing.Officers from Richmond Police District are investigating the crash and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Little Delhi on Carrington Street has been serving home cooked southern Indian food since it opened its doors in 2013 but Thursday will see those same doors closed for the final time.Owner and cook Chris Warid told the Lismore App that the long hours and the slow decline in customers is the main reason for the closure.After coming to Lismore to study Business and Accounting at Southern Cross University in 1993 Chris always had a secret desire to open his own restaurant. His passion for cooking comes from being a round the family restaurant in Fiji, "it is in my blood," Chris said, "I am not a trained chef but I have a passion for home style southern Indian cooking."His first night was as a pop-up restaurant on the night of the Lismore Lantern Parade in 2013. From that moment, Chris kept the doors open for the next 7 and bit years."Buttered Chicken and Spinach were my two most popular dishes," Chris declared, " every time I would change the menu people would always ask to bring back their favourites."Chris Warid in his Little Delhi restaurant on Carrington Street. Photo: Simon MumfordWhy are you shutting the doors on Little Delhi?Chris explained the last twelve months have been slower, even before COVID."Business picked up after the flood but not long after that I noticed the evening trade was slowing down. The Thursday night was a big success because of the markets but outside of that there was little traffic after five when the other shops closed."As the cook for Little Delhi, Chris was around the restaurant for 13-14 hours a day and with the evening trade dipping he decided to open just for lunch from 11am to 4pm."This was my initial goal when I started," Chris said, "to provide a lunchtime service for the people of the CBD."Are there too many Indian Restaurants in Lismore?"I think there is, seven to eight is a lot, I think the market is saturated for Indian cuisine."Chris is moving back to his study roots of business and accounting, he starts a full time position at Biztax on Monday."When I finished my degree I worked in finance at SCU until I opened Little Delhi.""I have achieved what I wanted to do," Chris stated, "Seven years is a long time and owning your own business does have an impact on your family life, the business consumes you.""I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life."Chris is selling Little Delhi so if you are interested in a well set-up food business, you can call Chris on 0422 938 248 or email him info@littledelhi.com.au.For the lovers of Chris' dishes, the door is ajar. He may return with a delivery service of the same food. Stay tuned.Little Delhi is the second restaurant business to close its doors in the last three weeks with Italian and pizza restaurant Fire In The Belly announcing its closure on October 1, 2020.

It is official, the Lismore Lantern Parade will not be lining the streets in 2020 after CEO and Artistic Director Jyllie Jackson announced the cancellation this afternoon.The coronavirus pandemic has claimed a lot of scalps since March including live music, music festivals, theatre, speedway, ANZAC Day, Relay For Life, Gemfest and now the Lismore Lantern Parade.Initially, the Lantern Parade was postponed from its usual June winters solstice calendar date to Saturday November 14. With that date rapidly approaching and the crowd restrictions still in place in NSW plus financial problems caused by the lack of events thanks to COVID-19, Jyllie has made the call to write off 2020 like many businesses.“It is with much sadness and disappointment that we must announce that the Lantern Parade we had hoped to hold on 14 November is not able to go ahead," said Festival Director Jyllie Jackson.“After much discussion with the powers that be, researching the new Covid rules and meeting the requirements to hold a popular event open to everyone, it is just not viable”.“It became apparent that a street parade would not be permitted. We would require so many COVID Marshalls and Security we simply do not have the human or financial resources to manage such an event.(The crowds at the 2019 Lismore Lantern Parade)“Right now, we are working hard fundraising. It is our priority to keep LightnUp Inc alive so that we are able to do something really special for the Lismore Lantern Parade next year.” Jyllie explained.“We have had a few wonderful donations – especially from Dirty Wilson who donated $1000, and the Northern Rivers Conservatorium who recently donated $500. The Lismore Vet’s donation of $1000 a few weeks ago was terrific” said Jyllie.“We are so grateful that in these difficult times those who are doing OK are showing their appreciation for what the Lanterns do for our community.” “Generally, the donations have slowed down a lot, so we will be putting some more energy into fundraising soon, any help with that would be wonderful!” laughed Jyllie.In the meantime, the Lanterns will have two small outings to Queensland before Christmas – one to the University of Queensland for their Bloom Festival. Then early in December LightnUp will take some lanterns up to Mount Tamborine for the delightful Scarecrow Festival.The Lantern Parade is at the Saturday Lismore Farmers’ Markets and the Carboot Market running lantern decorating workshops, with take home lantern kits, t-shirts and lamps for sale. You can support the Lantern Parade by participating in the lantern decorating, buy a kit, a T-shirt or one of their very beautiful table lamps.‘And watch this space, I don’t think we can stop ourselves doing something very special for Christmas!!” hinted Jyllie.You can donate towards the Lantern ParadeOnline - https://www.givenow.com.au/lightnup-lanterns-sosOr if you prefer by direct debitSummerland Credit UnionBSB: 728728LightnUp Inc  a/c #22291137Ref: SOS your name

Nominations for Lismore City Council’s 2021 Australia Day Awards are now open.The awards are held annually to recognise people who give back to the community through volunteering or community work, or those who are excelling in sport or other endeavours.Last year David Henderson was named Lismore City Council Citizen of the Year with Macy Butler named Young Citizen of the Year. David is a highly respected member of the Richmond Police District and a long term member of the RFS, playing a huge role in last years bushfires. Macy represented Lismore in netball, volunteers as a surf life saver and has been involved in numerous fundraising activities including selling legacy badges.Lismore City Mayor Isaac Smith said this is a chance to recognise our unsung heroes who put in many hours as volunteers to make our community a great place to live and raise a family.“Australia Day Awards give us a chance every year to honour those passionate people in our community who dedicate a large part of their lives to building a stronger and healthier community with no thought of personal gain," he said.“If you have a friend who works hard for a volunteer group, know a student who is kicking goals in life or admire a person for the work they do for our community, please nominate them.“It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete an online nomination, so please get online before the deadline and nominate today.”Categories in 2021 are:Citizen of the YearYoung Citizen of the YearAboriginal Citizen of the YearServices in Community (Individual)Services in Community (Group)Sportsperson (Senior)Sportsperson (Junior)Sports (Team/Group/Organisation)Sustainable EnvironmentArt/CulturalNominations close on Friday, 27 November 2020.Council now only accepts online nominations. Nomination forms are available at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au

Restaurants and cafe owners can celebrate today with the announcement that gatherings in outdoor public spaces and group bookings at restaurants will be increased to 30 people under a relaxation of COVID-19 rules.From this Friday, 23 October:·         30 people can gather outdoors in public spaces (previously this was 20);·         30 customers per booking, and 30 customers per table at hospitality venues (previously the rule was a maximum of 10);·         In addition, as of last Friday 16 October, corporate functions of up to 300 people can now be held at any appropriate premises, including at restaurants, subject to a COVID-Safe plan (previously just function centres).Additionally, from 1 December, the number of people who can attend weddings will be lifted to 300 people subject to the four square metre rule indoors and two square metre rule outdoors. This will allow people to make plans and book venues knowing the capacity ahead of time. With Christmas parties being planned in the coming weeks, this is particularly good news for local business owners.Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government remains focused on managing COVID-19 and opening up the economy in a COVID-Safe way.“These changes will provide a big boost to our hospitality venues,” Ms Berejiklian said.“As we ease restrictions and find new ways to get businesses moving it is vital that customers and venues continue to be COVID-Safe.”Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this was another important step in driving our economic recovery while returning to life in a COVID-Safe way. “We continue to remain focused on stimulating the economy, keeping businesses in business and people in jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.“The easing of restrictions and safely increasing capacities will lead directly to more jobs and more opportunities for businesses across NSW, which is integral for the State’s recovery.”Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said lower case numbers are a good sign but we are by no means out of the woods.“It is vital as we ease restrictions people continue to do the right thing, stay home if unwell and get tested, even with the most minimal of symptoms,” Mr Hazzard said.Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government remains focused on creating jobs and stimulating the economy, key goals of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.“We want to see NSW get back on track in a COVID-safe way and this is another important step,” Mr Ayres said.NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said people still need to continue to follow the personal hygiene recommendations, maintain physical distancing and wear masks in indoor settings where you cannot physically distance.“As we ease restrictions, we all need to maintain COVID-safe behaviours and practices,” Dr Chant said.Businesses wishing to take advantage of the relaxed restrictions must use electronic methods, like QR codes, to record and keep contact details.

Today is the start of National Water week. A week where everyone is made more aware of how to use and save water in and around your home.Rous County Council has launched an interactive online home water calculator for residents seeking to know more about their town drinking water consumption.Rous County Council’s General Manager, Phillip Rudd says, “there is a need within our community for greater awareness of individual water use, something particularly evident during and after the recent drought.” “In response, Rous County Council has launched the home water calculator, a purpose-built tool to empower individuals with data about their own water use in various areas in and around their homes,” he says.The home water calculator is a free and easy to use online tool that allows people to better understand their water use without having to measure every device in the home. It is useful for residents who may not see a water bill or who are unaware of their own water use including renters or residents of medium and high-density dwellings.For residents who receive a quarterly water bill, they may be able to identify problem leaks by using the calculator and comparing their usage to their bill and water meter reads. “Better understanding of your daily consumption is the first step in saving water and reducing demand on our town drinking water supply,” Mr Rudd explains.Rous County Council has released the home water calculator as part of a catalogue of water saving resources, factsheets, and short videos covering various easy-to-action ways to save water in each area of the home.The resources have been launched by Rous County Council in partnership with Smart Approved WaterMark’s Smart Water Advice, a leading industry initiative. They can be accessed by visiting www.rous.nsw.gov.au/yourhome. When accessing these resources, Rous County Council encourages the community to take the 160 Litre Challenge - a water saving challenge to reduce your use to less than 160 litres per person per day.The launch of these resources coincides with National Water Week (19 – 25 October). The theme this year is Reimagining our Water Future. “This theme is particularly relevant for our Northern Rivers community,” Mr Rudd highlights. “The Future Water Project 2060 is investigating options for the future water supply of our region. Councillors are meeting later this year to review community comments received about the project during the public exhibition period. This work emphasises the need for continued focus and commitment to demand management.” To understand your water consumption and access the free home water calculator visit www.rous.nsw.gov.au/watercalculator. 

Businesses and communities in bushfire impacted regions will have access to a new fund for local infrastructure and initiatives that will drive economic recovery. The $250 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the NSW and Federal governments, will open to applications on 27 October 2020. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan today encouraged councils, business chambers, joint groups, businesses, charities and local Aboriginal Land Councils to bring forward their recovery ideas. “The funding will be available for a variety of projects, such as community and cultural infrastructure upgrades, regional events, work ready training programs, and tourism infrastructure,” Mr Hogan said. “It is focused on creating jobs, increasing preparedness for future natural disasters and enhancing the natural environment.” “I look forward to seeing what people come up with and the benefits that will flow long-term.”  Nationals MP for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said grants of between $200,000 and $20 million will be available for projects across the region. “Bushfire recovery looks different in each community, and no one is better placed to identify local priorities than local people,” Mr Gulaptis said. “This funding is about assisting communities to lead their own recovery, with governments and local partners funding projects that will make a real difference locally. “I encourage our community to get together and consider what their community needs to boost their economy, their wellbeing and their recovery.” Grants of between $200,000 and $20 million will be available for projects such as: •          Local community and cultural infrastructure •          Tourism campaigns (including digital product development) and regional events•          Workforce adaptation and work ready training programs•          Community wellbeing and mental health programs•          Tourism infrastructure including walking and mountain bike trails•          Neighbourhood safer places. Alongside this open call for project ideas, shovel-ready projects are being identified in bushfire affected areas, so they can be considered and fast tracked to provide community and economic benefit as quickly as possible. Information about these projects will be released in coming weeks. Overall, more than $500 million joint funding from the Australian and NSW Governments will be provided to support local economic, community and industry recovery projects in bushfire affected communities.   Applications open on 27 October 2020. For more information, including guidelines, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/blerfund

After the threat of rain with thunder and storm activity last night, we did finally see some shower activity. We can expect more of the same to start the working week, just a bit lighter.We are talking 6 to 15mm for all of Monday which is good for paddocks and gardens that were starting to look a bit brown.The rain will mostly be in the morning easing to showers by the afternoon as the winds turn south east at a blustery 15-20 km/h turning southerly 15-25 in the late afternoon.That southerly will also keep the temperatures down for the early part of the week with maximums of 26 today and 24 Tuesday then warming to late twenties by Friday.

It has been two months since Richmond District Police new Superintendent (Supt) Scott Tanner took over the role. The Lismore App thought it a good time to spend a morning riding along with the man who is in charge of all policing in the Northern Rivers.In his Sunday Profile on August 9 (SUNDAY PROFILE: New Police Superintendent Scott Tanner) Supt Tanner said "I want police to be approachable and for the community to have faith and trust in them". A tall order for a police department that we haven't seen walking the beat in the CBD much especially in the late afternoon when that sense of feeling safe disappears for some members of our community.A short ride out to Nimbin and a walk up and down Cullen Street chatting to the locals soon gives you some perspective as to how Supt Tanner's old school philosophy can achieve his goals.Of course, you had some begrudging hello's and some complaining about the price of tobacco but for the most part the people of Nimbin were warm and welcoming to the big boss.On our drive in we saw the paddy wagon on its way into Lismore, when asked what was going on, the reply was "probably drugs."Nimbin, the home of protests for the legalisation of marijuana in NSW and where you have more variety when buying a smoking implement than you do toilet paper. But it's not about destroying the towns persona and character by stopping a few people drinking out of brown paper bags at 11am on a Monday morning or looking out for casual smokers, it's about finding and arresting the big guys, the large suppliers to the region."Commonsense policing" is the term used by Supt Tanner. This is a term that has gone missing from our society including the police. I heard a story this week where a male was in a coffee shop complaining the police pulled him over for going too fast through a round-a-bout. Did they give him a ticket? No, he got a warning. Commonsense policing in action.The morning started, as you may have read in an earlier story (Meet the new local police recruits ) meeting and talking to the six new Probationary Constables that have joined the Richmond District Police for General Duties (GD) for the next three years. When discussion moved to what policing jobs they would like to have in 5 years, quite a few answered that they want to get the GD done then decide but at this time they want to help people and the community.Hopefully, you will see their new smiling faces walking around the CBD block talking to people and businesses. Say g'day when you do.A trip to the PCYC, next door to Trinity College gives credence to the 'support the people and the community' statement.Acting Sergeant Clare Beek is part of the Youth and Crime Prevention Command, an arm of the police that works closely with the PCYC team, which is a separate non-police organisation. Clare works with young offenders and youth at risk as well as young people in general. In some cases these are the kids that you and I look at and wonder why they are on the street bothering people.The Police Commissioner wanted to create creating pathways for young people to get an education, employment and good health. To achieve these pathways NSW Police have established a number of 'Fit For' programs, there is Fit For Work, Fit For Change, Fit For Stride, Fit Together, Fit For Home (domestic violence) and Fit For Service. A group of boys from Lismore High has just finished the Fit For Service program, where they were introduced to the Emergency Services. Each program is tailor made for different issues.When asked what success looks like for these programs, I received an honest and straight forward answer."It depends what you class as success", Supt Tanner said, "is success getting a youth to school one day a week? To me, it is. Is it cutting his offending rate from 20 cases per month down to ten? Again, to me, it is.""People like the Hollywood story where the bad kid comes good and becomes President of the United States but that's not reality.""We start with keeping kids alive and out of jail, whatever flows from that is all positive."Clare added "we want to see these young people contributing to society and being a good human being."There are so many elements to policing that we, as the public, just don't see.Police officers picking up a child and taking them to school or to work, paying for a new pair of shoes or paying for a program because they can't afford to do it through their family.It sounds like all police in the Northern Rivers are angels, no that's not the case, but this story is about highlighting the good that police do to help people and the community not to highlight the few bad eggs that exist in all walks of life.What is the largest impact on a police officer in today's world?PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.You can imagine being the first officer to respond to a tragic car accident, we have had two 17 year olds killed in the last four weeks. Imagine attending a domestic violence situation that has gone wrong? Imagine someone pulling a weapon on you and threatening your life?The NSW Police Department has professional counsellors as part of the team to work with an increasing demand of PTSD sufferers. The worst part is not knowing how long it will take for someone to be fit again for active duty. In one example, a female officer was assaulted. It was six months before that particular officer went back into active duty.You might be interested to learn that are over 300 different jobs within the police force now. What we see on a daily basis only scratches the surface in what is a very complex and deep structure.When you ride with the top dog for only a few hours, you get a glimpse of the size and scale of the role that Supt Scott Tanner plays in running the Richmond Police District.Is he successful in executing his desired outcomes yet? No, it is too early to tell, but he is not only 'talking the talk' he is 'walking the walk'. So, it appears Supt Scott Tanner has started his new role strongly and is already making a difference in our community.Read more: SUNDAY PROFILE: New Police Superintendent Scott Tanner

A man has been charged after allegedly robbing the Liberty service station on Ballina Road, Lismore early this morning.About 2.50am today (Saturday 17 October 2020), police were called to a service station on Ballina Road, Lismore, following reports of an armed robbery.A man allegedly entered the store, produced a firearm and threatened staff, before ordering a 19-year-old employee to hand over money.The man fled the scene on foot with an amount of cash.Officers from Richmond Police District attended and commenced inquiries.A short time later, police were patrolling Brewster Street, Lismore, when they recognised a man fitting the description entering a taxi. Officers searched the man finding cash and a replica GEL pistol nearby before arresting the 27-year-old.He was taken to Lismore Police Station, where he was charged with robbery whilst armed with a dangerous weapon and robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon. The man has also been charged breach of bail from an offence that occurred in Goonellabah on October 4.The man was refused bail and is due to appear in Lismore Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 18 October 2020).

The Lismore Regional Gallery recently announced the finalists of the 2020 Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize. Drawn from over 220 entries, the 68 finalists illustrate the diverse ways in which the human form can be captured. The award is open to all media, meaning that painting, drawing, video, photography and ceramic works will all be on display when the show opens to the public on November 7th. The winner of the $10,000 award will be announced, online, on Friday 6th November by judge Abdul Abdullah. Abdullah is currently a finalist in the 2020 Archibald Prize. Artists included in the finalist list come from all states of Australia, and the Northern Rivers, with its healthy creative spirit representing 40% of the artists on display.( Denise Alison, A delicate moment in transformation. Photograph on paper)Subjects include a range of known people such as Uncle Jack Charles; artist Guy Maestri, political scientist and biographer Professor Jenny Hocking; classical pianist Simon Tedeschi; film maker Kriv Stenders and musician Warren Ellis. Locally, there are a large number of sitters known among the wider community featured including Bundjalung cultural worker Rhoda Roberts; drag performer Maude Boate (Michael Gates); NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis; visual artist Karla Dickens and the late Aunty Dorrie Gordon. There are, of course, a lot of self-portraits this year. Lismore Regional Gallery Director, Brett Adlington, said: ‘It is unsurprising, that in this most challenging of years, many works offer intimate glimpses into the domestic space. Some of these are self-portraits, while others are of partners. The unifying factor is a sense of the artist looking inward into a safe space.’ The 2020 Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize is supported by Northern Rivers-based company Hurford Hardwood and continues until Sunday 31 January.Audiences will have their chance to have their say in the Peoples Choice Award, with the winning artist receiving $1,000 from the Friends of Lismore Regional Gallery.

Heritage Park has been sitting idle since the COVID pandemic saw Lismore City Council close all park equipment, playgrounds and skateparks on April 1 this year.Due to the forced closure for social distancing reasons at the time, Council determined it was perfect timing to begin the $500,000 upgrade of Heritage Park which includes a new water play area, with a range of squirters, misters and water cannons.(Artist's impression of the new water play area in Heritage Park)There will also be a new nature play area with boulders and timber features for children to climb on and new equipment in the tiny tots playground including a carousel, tree-tops tower, whirly dizzy, relocated tortoise seesaw and inground trampolines.The much anticipated opening of Heritage Park has hid some COVID-19 snags.Like many businesses in Lismore, Council simply couldn't get some necessary elements that were coming from overseas and interstate. Hence, why the fences are up and you sometimes see a lack of workmen on site.A spokesperson for LCC said all the parts and equipment has now arrived and there should be no more lengthy delays.What is the timing for the opening of the refurbished Heritage Park?In two weeks time, the end of October."All good things come to those who wait" is the expression, it appears the wait is nearly over.

It is not often sport leads the Weekend Wrap but with the Marist Brothers Rams first grade in the Grand Final for the first time since 2004, they deserve to lead the charge.Not only has the first grade side made the Grand Final in 2020, the Ramettes are looking to avenge last years heartbreaking loss and the Under 18's will be looking to win a Grand Final not only for themselves, but for two team mates who were tragically killed in separate car accidents three weeks apart. The funeral for 17 year old Jaylan Stewart was only this morning. Both boys have been named on the bench as a sign of love and respect.(Rams U18's celebrate. Photo: Christine Butcher)Marist Brothers Rams President Paul O'Neil said "Ballina will be favourites but we can do it, you have to be in the big dance to have a chance and the boys have put themselves in a position to win it.""We're proud of the teams, it's been a tough year for the club, especially recently."All the grand final games will be against Ballina and in Ballina at Kingsford Smith Park tomorrow with the following kick off times:Ramettes 11:30amUnder 18's 1pmFirst Grade 4:20pmIf you can head down the Bruxner highway to give your support, I am sure the Rams and Ramettes will appreciate it. Entry is $10.Another event that begins its season tomorrow is the Lismore Speedway. As with all things COVID, there is a cap of 500 for race fans to enjoy the entertainment with the first race at 5:30pm. Here is the line-up for opening: Night V 8 Dirt Modifieds, Street Stocks, Production Sedans, Junior Sedans, Wingless sprints, National 4’s, V 8 Dirt Modifieds.David Lander will be happy about the weather forecast for the weekend with no rain forecast until a possible shower and thunderstorm Sunday afternoon or evening when the winds change to Northerly's pick up intensity. It will feel like a typical summers weekend with maximums of 30 and 31 degrees.The markets begin with the fresh farmers produce at the Lismore Showgrounds from 8am tomorrow. The Farmers Markets has plenty of flowers in full bloom.The Blue Knob Community Markets kick off at 8:30 with both running until 11am.Sunday sees another Lismore Car Boot Market hit the Lismore Showgrounds with seedlings the go for the avid 'grow your own' gardeners. If you want to beat the heat get in when the gates open at 7:30 and close at 3pm.Neil Marks' Blog tomorrow morning talks about Tuesday's Council meeting where there was interesting and often passionate debates about the Santin Quarry and the Lismore Lake Pool.The cheapest petrol can be found in the usual spots with United on Ballina Road selling unleaded E10 for 112.9 while unleaded 91 is 114.9 there and at the Caltex at the Square. The cheapest U98 is 123.9 at the independent on the corner of Terania and Tweed Streets in South Lismore while diesel car owners should spend 117.5 or 117.9 in a number of locations down town either on Ballina Road or in South Lismore.As always with the Weekend Wrap, here is a fun way to end the week;