In Councillor Neil Marks' Blog on Saturday morning, he said he is putting forward a motion at tomorrow night council meeting to see if there are any legitimate parties that would be willing to take over the land on which the Lake Pool is located.As most people in the community would know, this is an ongoing saga since its closure in 2012. It has been debated in council more times than the Lismore Base Hospital has had COVID tests with no resolution found.It sits a sad and forlorn reminder of what the Lismore Lake district and Pool used to be in its heyday.So why now?"We don't have the $450-500,000 to bulldoze and repatriate the pool so it sits in never never land," Cnr Marks said,"Here is an opportunity for a group that have the technical and fundraising ability to take ownership of of the site and the pool itself to apply for grants and maintain and run the pool.""We can lease the land or gift it to the group but there will be strict guidelines that will be stipulated in the agreement that if were not met, the land would be re-gifted back to council."Cnr Marks said he has been contacted already by one not-for-profit group that expressed interest in helping with the fundraising, help apply for grants and make a sizeable donation.Another group that has been a huge supporter of bringing the Lake Pool back to life is Lismore Lake Incorporated. This group has been vocally behind the restoration of the Lismore Lake district and the Lismore Lake Pool.President of Lismore Lake Inc. Big Rob said he his vision was to have a mini Centennial Park in Sydney. "I want to see people enjoying themselves through picnics and bbq's as well as bringing back what is a beautiful eco system," Big Rob said, "I am passionate about this area and I will do my best to save it."Can politics be pushed aside?As many readers know, there has been a lot of disagreement between Big Rob and LCC over numerous matters but maybe this is one project that both parties can agree on a collaboration between Lismore Lake Inc and other like minded partners to make the Lismore Lake Pool repatriation come to fruition.Big Rob has applied to speak about Neil Marks motion but is not confident of being granted the right to speak because of historic alleged inappropriate behaviour. Which leads us to two other motions being put forward tomorrow night, these by Cnr Nancy Casson. But that is a different story.Step 1 is to wait for the result of Cnr Marks' motion at tomorrow nights monthly council meeting.

Lismore City Council have released a statement today saying that all-day paid parking along Hunter and Dalziel streets and time-limited parking along Weaver and McKenzie streets and Laurel Avenue will be re-introduced from Monday, 19 October 2020. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lismore City Councillors voted in April to ease parking restrictions around the Base Hospital for a six-month period for healthcare workers and the general community. Now that the six-month period has ended, parking restrictions around the hospital will return to normal from 19 October.Naturally, not everyone is happy about the decision as the COVID-19 pandemic still surrounds everyday life. This is apparent when schools are sending letters to parents saying that students with allergy symptoms will still need a negative test result to return to school.The Health Services Union is calling on Lismore City Council Mayor Isaac Smith to intervene urgently this Tuesday (13/10) to retain free on-street parking around Lismore Base Hospital.HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said Mayor Smith needed to introduce a mayoral minute at this Tuesday’s council meeting that would extend free parking.“Health workers at Lismore Base have been under extreme pressure this year, yet they have tirelessly focused on keeping the community safe and healthy. The least they should expect is to be able to park for free when they go to work,” Mr Hayes said.“Parking costs can be a significant expense for all health workers – and especially for lower-paid workers like cleaners and kitchen staff.“Although the response to the pandemic has been pleasing so far, we are hardly out of the woods. Even if the virus does not take hold in New South Wales, the economic pressures being felt will only grow worse in the coming months.“We need to do everything we can to ease the stress on patients, visitors and staff. It’s exactly the wrong time to be slugging people with parking costs when they need to be at Lismore Base Hospital.Lismore City Councillor Darlene Cook has said she will table an urgent motion in tomorrow nights council meeting to defer the start of the parking restrictions around the Base Hospital."We need to get more and updated information on how much it has cost us as a council and how much it will cost us in the future," Cnr Cook said, "we need a workshop so we can see exactly what we are dealing with then make an informed decision in the November Council meeting.""We need to determine what is best for the community and our budget."The Lismore App will have the outcome from tomorrow nights council meeting first thing Wednesday morning.

Australians suffering from liver cancer, myopia and Parkinson’s disease will soon have new treatment options, with amended PBS listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) coming into effect. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Federal Government will provide over $230 million to expand the listing Tecentriq® and Avastin® (atezolizumab and bevacizumab) on the PBS for use in combination to treat patients with advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. “Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer, which often occurs in people with other chronic liver diseases. It also has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancer types,” Mr Hogan said. “From 1 November, more than 500 patients per year could benefit from PBS listing of this treatment, which would otherwise cost more than $170,000 per course.” “Australia will be the first country in the world to have this combination treatment publically funded for this type of liver cancer.” As at 1 October, PBS listings are now helping Australians living with eye conditions and Parkinson’s disease: Eylea® (aflibercept) will be expanding the listing for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation due to pathologic myopia. This condition is associated with unwanted growth of new blood cells in the eye that impact vision through a type of extremely acute near-sightedness. Without PBS subsidy, approximately 500 patients could benefit and would otherwise pay more than $5,000 per year of treatment.Apomine Solution for Infusion® and Apomine Intermittent® (apomorphine) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease will be extended, to include access to maintenance treatment through community pharmacy in addition to hospitals. Without PBS subsidy, patients could pay more than $7,500 per script for this medication. These listings have been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. Since 2013, the Australian Government has approved more than 2,450 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $11.8 billion.

When you walk into Tracey Ryan’s new Fashion Profile shop, you may notice there’s something familiar about the way it looks. That’s because the shop has been kitted out with the now-closed Tahiti Hut shop fittings.“Tahiti Hut was on Molesworth Street for over 40 years and when the owner Reg closed a few weeks ago, he wanted to sell the fittings and we got a great deal on them,” Tracey said.“Reg was so proud that it is still around, because he put so much work into designing it and building it – and it suits the new shop perfectly.”Bigger markLast week, Tracey moved her shop from its old location in Woodlark Street’s Mathers Arcade to a much larger space on the same street – to where Daley’s used to be. Now she is ready to make a bigger mark on Lismore’s fashion scene with a broader range of clothes and jewellery.Moving her shop after trading for 30 years in the same location was something Tracey shared with Daley’s owner Matthew Healy. Earlier this year, Matthew had also decided to move his shop around to Keen Street, after trading in one location for decades.“Matthew and I had already opened an Emporium business together in Evans Head, along with Trea’s Shoes - and so we chatted about me taking over his old shop space,” Tracey said.“I spoke to the owner and he was happy to see a long term business take over the space and gave me a good discount off the rent for me on a 12 months lease, which was a great incentive.Cooperation“The building has been locally owned for about 80 years – so it’s great to see these long established businesses cooperating – and on the walls now we have Reg’s old Tahiti Hut fit out too.”While Tracey’s new shop space is about four times bigger than the old one, she said there’s not much more stock, but it seems like so much more. As you look around at the racks, beautiful boho dresses and natural fibre garments seem to smile out at you, asking for attention.“We would usually double hang at this time of year, but now we can spread everything out,” Tracey said.Swimwear for ‘real’ women“We still have the sale and out of season clothes racks at back I have a nice range of ladies swimwear arriving soon. It’s for women with real bodies,” Tracey laughed.“ Women who need swimwear to suck them in in places and cover bits they are uncomfortable with. We sell them in Evans Head and I thought we would give them a go here.”Classy JewelleryTracey said while she still sells the same kinds of bling and beads costume jewellery as before, she has also has been buying some classy jewellery pieces to sell.“I have a range of Milan hand blown glass pendants inspired by the sea,” she said. “They are gorgeous and individually hand blown.“I also have local, hand-made pendant ornaments made with stained glass that a friend makes.‘Younger’ fashionTracey recently began to branch out into fashions more suitable for younger people. There’s a boho range, but also clothes that are suitable for all age groups.“My 24 year old hippie daughter loves a lot of the stuff here,” Tracey said.“I’ve always loved jumpsuits and big wide leg linen pants – now I have a broader range of them. Like these camoflage print pants that are all stretch cotton and made in Italy.“Our clothes range has always been is 90% cotton or natural fibre.Clothes sizes range from 10 to 20, but some brands can be special ordered in at bigger sizes.With Christmas coming, Tracey has also been making sure there’s some red and green dresses on the racks and Tracey invites everyone to come in and say hi to the friendly staff Sandra, Carla and Karen.Fashion Profile is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. You can find the new shop at 21 Woodlark Street, Lismore. \

UPDATE 7PMThe East Lismore fire reported at 5:41 this afternoon was caused by a car on fire in the northern region of the East Lismore cemetery.Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control with the mission "routine" said a spokesperson at Lismore Fire and Rescue.NSW RFS is on scene tidying up the scene.ORIGINAL STORYThere have been reports of a fire off Military Road in East Lismore, at the top end of the cemetery.Photos have been sent to the Lismore App of the fire but no confirmation from official agencies as to the source of the fire.Police and Lismore Fire and Rescue are in attendance.More news as it becomes available.

Police are re-appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from a property about 15km north of Ballina.Elizabeth Forman, aged 72, was last seen walking on her property in Brooklet about 11.40am on Thursday (1 October 2020).Police were notified when she failed to return home and began searching the surrounding area, without success.Police are urging local residents to conduct a thorough search of their properties in nearby suburbs, including Brooklet, Newrybar, Nashua, Possum Creek and Bangalow.Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Officers from Richmond Police District have continued searching with assistance from the Police Dog Unit, Police Rescue, SES volunteers, NSW Surf Lifesaving and Westpac Rescue Helicopter; however, Mrs Forman is still missing.Following further inquiries, Richmond PD officers – assisted by Police Rescue, the Dog Unit and SES volunteers – will conduct a further land search today (Friday 9 October 2020), in an area approximately 3km north from where she was last seen.Police and her family have concerns for her wellbeing due to her having a medical condition.Elizabeth is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of a thin build, about 173cm tall, with dyed short blue hair. She was last seen wearing a navy top and black leggings.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Lismore City Council Mayor Isaac Smith yesterday withdrew council support over the newly formed Northern Rivers Times newspaper following a front page story that appeared to slam General Manager Shelley Oldham.Ms Oldham had recently been nominated in this year's NSW Government Minister's Awards for Women in Local Government.The Northern Rivers Times newspaper then ran this front page.In a statement from LCC, Mayor Smith said "The Northern Rivers Times must immediately apologise to the General Manager of Lismore City Council Shelley Oldham, the Lismore community and their own readers for the very personal hatchet job they did on its front page this week.""The attack on our General Manager is totally without substance. It is cheap lousy “journalism” and our community deserves better.""The Casino-based paper appears to have a personal vendetta against Ms Oldham and Lismore City Council. It is the second time they have personally attacked our General Manager. Last time they were forced to print a retraction for its factually incorrect story.""The current article, which was mostly a lazy cut and paste from social media, claims that “more than 3000 readers made comments (on Facebook)” or contacted its office following Ms Oldham’s nomination for a NSW Government Ministers Award for Women." "This not only reflects badly on Council but on all the great women nominated for these awards and the Minister’s office who promoted it.""In fact, just over 50 people made a comment across a number of Facebook pages.""Many of us in the community were very keen to support this new paper and were prepared to accept early missteps, but it has gone from bad to worse and has now lost our trust.""Newspapers and the media have great power in our society, but with it comes great responsibility.""The Northern Rivers Times has failed the responsibility test and must apologise.""Lismore City Council will no longer support the paper or assist its “journalists” as the paper has shown it is has no journalistic integrity and does not even attempt to provide fair, accurate and balanced reporting."Director and Co-founder of the Northern Rivers Times Jeff Gibbs had this reply."This was not false journalism, it was simply voicing the frustrations of the community of Lismore CC and its GM, they put out the Media Release. We have heard these sorts of frustrations before aimed at the GM, not only from the community but from her own staff and councillors and on social media.""Isaac Smith is acting very let's say ‘Trump-ish” in his rebuttals by LCC. These are bully tactics by the Mayor.""Then there is the gender narrative, these opinions of the people of Lismore aren’t based on the GM’s gender, these are attempts at deflecting away from the performance of the GM.""The Northern Rivers Times simply posted a Media Release that came from the LCC, did the LCC not think there would be backlash?""As far as not talking to our Journalists, this would be perfect for the LCC to keep it all hush hush and nothing more be questioned about their running of LCC.""It was only weeks ago that LCC and the GM named and shamed rate payers, Why? What was the benefit of doing this to people going through a Pandemic and harsh times. These are the type of questions that need to be asked."This war on words between Lismore City Council and the Northern Rivers Times doesn't appear to be done quite yet.Watch this space.

The school holidays enter their final weekend, daylight savings is now in full swing as is the warmer October weather. The Bureau of Meteorology have said there is a 30% chance of rain today with a possible thunderstorm. As I write there is some thunder and very little rain but the radar does have clouds building across the Northern Rivers, any rain is set to be isolated. Check out the weather radar here Weather Radar.The weekend is once again, pretty idyllic with highs of 26C. Today was a summery 31C so the five degree difference will be noticeable over Saturday and Sunday.While most sports have finished, cricket is just fixing the nets and rugby league is entering the first week of finals in the NRRRL. It will be a blockbuster tomorrow afternoon at Crozier Field when the Marist Brothers Rams take on Northern United at 4:30 in Semi-Final number 1. It is a winner take all game with the victorious side moving into next weekend's Grand Final.Going into this Preliminary Final the score is one each with Northern United 34-22 winners in round 3 then the Rams turning it around in round 5 running out convincing 44-14 winners. The other Preliminary Final is on Sunday between the NRRRL Gold League favourites, the Ballina Seagulls, and the Casino Cougars.In Reserves, the Rams take on Casino at Crozier tomorrow at 2:50pm for a place in the Grand Final. On Sunday, the top of the table Ramettes take on the Mullumbimby Giants and the U18's battle with the Byron Bay Red Devils at 11:30am for spots in their respective Grand Finals with games being played at Kingsford Smith Park in Ballina.The markets in action this weekend are the Lismore Farmers Markets tomorrow morning from 8am to 11:30 with succulents and slices the go!While the Blue Knob Community markets are on from 8:30 to 11:30am with a snapshot of what is on offer.Sunday's market this week is at The Channon.With Xmas only 10 weeks away, yes 10 weeks, it maybe a great idea to look for some early gifts.There will also be some live music throughout the day for those that have been starved of this entertainment since COVID burst into our lives in March.The cheapest E10 unleaded is at the familiar United station on Ballina Road at 112.9. Unleaded 91 will cost 114.9 and can be found at United and the Caltex near the Square while you should be paying 117.5 for diesel at United then 117.9 at a host of others in South Lismore.The much talked about Lismore Lake Pool gets some attention in Neil Marks' Blog tomorrow morning. It will be on the agenda of next week's Council meeting.Local business legend AJ Magnay is this weeks Sunday Profile. Alan has been in business for 37 years so we ask to share his stories over the journey and discuss what's next?A quick heads up for next week with school back on Monday or Tuesday depending on private or public, so look out for those 40 zones to be active from 8am Monday.The Lismore Chamber of Commerce have their first official function since March with a 'Pivot and Popcorn' night at BCC Cinemas on Wednesday night the 14th. Any small business owner should attend with talks from ABC's Craig Reucassel and Sunrise co-host David "Kochie" Koch. Tickets available from this link https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pivot-and-popcorn-futureproof-your-business-with-craig-reucassel-lcci-tickets-120934531439?aff=eand.On Tuesday night there is an Army Reserve night being held at the Lismore Army Reserve Depot at 108 Military Road, East Lismore. The night will be about what jobs the Army Reserve have for the Lismore area. Push on the link for more and to register https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events/events-detail/qnkevcj.Have a great weekend, here are some memes for a laugh:

Hailed as a “small part” in the effort to slow the spread of Covid-19 in Aboriginal communities, digital thermometers have been donated to four Lismore organisations.The NSW Government has donated the thermometers to Jullums Aboriginal Medical Service Lismore, Ace Community Colleges, Rekindling the Spirit and Jarjum Centre Inc (Jarjum Preschool).Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said Transport for NSW donated the thermometers to support the work being carried out by a number of organisations who have a lead role in Aboriginal community health and other essential services. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, different parts of the NSW Government have been working together to manage the risk of the virus and assist people in Aboriginal communities across the state,” Mr Franklin said. “COVID-19 has been a challenging time for all communities across NSW, and Aboriginal people aged 50 and older with one or more chronic medical conditions are at higher risk, so it’s important we do everything possible to help slow the spread of the virus. “Six organisations across Ballina and Lismore are among the more than 220 organisations across the state to receive the donated thermometers, which have made their way to areas as far north as Tweed Heads, as far south as Moama and all the way inland to Broken Hill. “These thermometers may seem like a small part in the overall fight against COVID-19 but the additional support will allow these organisations to better protect staff, customers and their wider communities while they continue to deliver frontline services. “We will continue to do everything we can to manage the risk of the virus and assist people in Aboriginal communities across NSW.”The local donations are part of more than 700 thermometers given out across the State.

You can help design mental heath literacy in our region by taking part in an upcoming workshops with Healthy North Coast.People with a lived experience of mental ill-health, health service providers and community organisations are invited to help co-design a new Mental Health Literacy Project.What is the Mental Health Literacy Project?The Mental Health Literacy Project is funded by the Commonwealth and led by the NSW Mental Health Commission.This project aims to make it easier for people to get clear and simple information about their health, and to make it easier to access mental health services that are right for them.Working with people with a lived experience of mental ill-health, Healthy North Coast will design, test and evaluate education and training activities for health professionals to ensure they meet people’s needs.Why?Health information can be difficult to understand. The right mental health services can be hard to access. If we can make these things easier we can help people improve their health or stop their health getting worse.The project will listen to people who have a lived experience of mental ill-health, and their carers and kin, to understand their experiences. This information will be workshopped with people with a lived experience of mental ill-health and health providers to come up with a range of ideas to improve their experience. Education and training activities will then be developed for health providers to improve their health literacy based on these ideas.Co-design workshopsA series of co-design workshops will be held in the last week of October. During the co-design workshops, Healthy North Coast will provide a summary of the data gathered from a recent health literacy survey and the discussions held during the ideas generation workshops. Together, we will work to prioritise solutions for our region.The three areas of focus are:1. What are we already doing well, what can we do to support existing activities?2. What are the gaps or challenges?3. What capacity building activities could be developed/utilised to support health professionals to improve health outcomes for people experiencing mental ill-health?RegisterTo register for the co-design workshops, visit https://hnc.org.au/mental-health-literacy

When a number of people reported to NSW that their Snapchat accounts had been compromised, the NSW Police Force quickly acted to warn people to be vigilant.If you have teens or tweens, you will know probable know what Snapchat is. The messaging app is popular with young people and users exchange pictures and videos (called snaps) that are meant to disappear after they're viewed. It's advertised as a "new type of camera" because the essential function is to take a picture or video, add filters, lenses or other effects and share them with friends.According to the Snapchat terms of service, users must be 13. You have to enter your birth date to set up an account, but there's no age verification, so it's easy for kids under 13 to sign up.Common Sense Media rates Snapchat OK for teens 16 and up, mainly because of the exposure to age-inappropriate content and the marketing ploys, such as quizzes, that collect data..Suspicious behaviourIf you have noticed any of the following suspicious behaviour with your Snapchat account, then it's possible that your account may have been compromised:spam sent from your account;an alert that someone logged into your account from a different location, IP address or device;having to continually re-log in to the app;new contacts being added to your list without your permission;the mobile number or email address associated with your Snapchat account was changed without your consent.If you believe your, or your child's Snapchat is compromised, or has been hacked and you’re experiencing unusual activity, contact Snapchat Support via https://support.snapchat.com/en-GB/a/hacked-howtoYou can also get further advice at https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/snapchat

Local businesses with innovative ideas are called take part in three challenges to address how Covid-19 has affected our communities.With a total funding pool of $500,000 up for grabs, the first Covid-19 R&D Challenge is now open to Expressions of Interest.Your product or solution needs to address a health, wellbeing and resilience theme– and needs to be up and running, on the market within 12 months.ChallengeThe challenge is run by Southern Cross University (SCU) and the NSW Government through the Boosting Business Innovation Program (BBIP), with the objective to identify and support small to medium enterprises that have a product or solution that directly addresses the impact of Covid-19.SCU Vice President (Engagement) Ben Roche, at Southern Cross University noted the important role Universities play in nurturing the development of new solutions to pressing global challenges.  “The Northern Rivers and Coffs Coast is renowned for its track record in developing saleable enterprises that respond to new economic opportunities that address collective challenges,” Mr Roche said.“The Covid-19 pandemic has amplified the need for such products and solutions, so we are enthusiastic about the response our Innovation District will receive.Health and wellbeing theme“In exploring the health and wellbeing theme of the challenge, the first Innovation Challenge will focus on how can we grow our resilience to future shocks while positively growing the health and wellbeing of the people in our region.“This may include businesses developing new products from existing production processes, new forms of service provision in a COVID safe world or new technologies or approaches that enhance our resilience to withstand future pandemics.”The challenges include State Government funding for NSW’s 11 universities to run them and for NSW CSIRO and businesses to take these developments to consumers.Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the theme of the challenges aligned with the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.“In January while the state was fighting bushfires, we’d never have expected that this pandemic was still to come,” Mr Ayres said.“But where there is a challenge, there is opportunity for innovation, and the NSW Government is tapping into this creativity and expertise by investing $3 million to take products to market.“Out of the first challenge we hope to see innovative and ways of addressing the impact of COVID-19, whether assisting in detection of the virus, improving patient care or solutions that help the people of NSW safely get back to activities they enjoy.”FundingThe total funding pool available for each Challenge round is $500,000. Businesses are asked to submit their EOI through the Southern Cross University website, whereby an independent judging panel will nominate the top three eligible applicants in their area to be assessed and ranked for grant funding by NSW Treasury.Southern Cross University will partner with Sourdough Business Pathways to ensure all eligible applicants are provided with mentoring in the delivery of their pitch.ApplySubmit EOIs before 5pm Monday, November 2 here: https://www.scu.edu.au/enterprise-lab/innovation-challenge/Eligibility criteria for Challenge One:To be eligible, businesses must have:· an ABN registered in NSW and is based in NSW· fewer than 200 employees· operated for at least 12 months, based on date of ABN registration· at least $75,000 in sales revenue within the last 12 months or predirectly vious financial year· a product or service (which may still be in development) that addresses the health and wellbeing impact of COVID-19 that it intends to market within 12 months· ownership that is at least 75 per cent Australian and is not more than 50 per cent owned by another business.Eligible businesses must also provide:· an operating profit and loss statement for the last 12 months or previous financial year· brief profiles of key personnel such as CV or LinkedIn accounts· nomination of their primary innovation district partner.Exclusions:The following will not be considered eligible for funding:· solutions that do not directly respond to the challenge statement for health and wellbeing solutions that address the impact of COVID-19· solutions designed to improve internal business processes· a Commonwealth, state or local government agency or body including government business enterprises.  [lf1]

Faster broadband communications for business is on the way to Lismore, according to Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers chief executive Tim Williamson.With a major focus on creating jobs and supporting business, this week’s Federal Budget came as no surprise to most people. Mr Williamson said that communications was one of the winners with more investment in broadband service provider NBN Co.Now, along with a co-investment of $4.5 billion, an additional $700 million announced in the Budget will enable nine in 10 businesses to order high-speed fibre broadband at no upfront cost.Regional fibre zone“The government investment will provide higher internet speeds on the NBN network,” Mr Williams said.“When NBN Co rolls out 240 Business Fibre Zones nationwide, including in Lismore and Ballina, we will become a regional fibre zone and businesses will be able to have very fast broadband.”TourismMr Williamson said.tourism was also a winner in the Federal Budget, with a $50 million Regional Tourism Recovery initiative announced to support regional tourism operators.“This is for those who have lost international markets due to the pandemic so they can adapt their offerings, experiences and marketing to attract the domestic market,” he said.In Lismore, with the recent closing of the Tourist Information Centre, and Lismore City Council’s decision to outsource all tourism engagement work, what do these Budget allocations mean?Mr Williamson said it was a loss to the tourism industry with loss of Council funding and support.“But RDA is working closely with Destination North Coast,” he said. "Businesses will get a better hearing if they have a stronger united voice and the tourism industry needs help to get over the Covid impact they have been experiencing."So if any businesses want assistance to help them promote themselves, they can access some of the funding available through Destination North Coast instead.”Future WorkforceMr Williamson said for RDA, the Budget's financial boost to skills and employment marries well with RDA’s focus on helping young people into the workforce.RDA recently launched a new web-based employment platform called Future Workforce to support local employers, jobseekers and school leaving students to find the right match. “We will work closely with employment facilitators – it’s a key part of our employment strategy. We also support the training and reskilling of the workforce,” he said.ApprenticeshipsThe Federal Budget also brings an investment of $1.2 billion to fund 100,000 new apprenticeships through the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements wage subsidy, available to businesses of any size. A new Apprenticeships Data Management system will be created to better support the needs of employers and apprentices to recover from COVID-19. A further 450,000 young job seekers and employers will benefit from the back-to-work subsidy payment of up to $200 per week for those under 30 and $100 for those aged 30-35.Education Other skills initiatives in the Budget include an additional 14,485 places for Skills for Education and Employment places, to support basic language, literacy and numeracy skills for job seekers and cuts to fees and charges for VET programs.Employment specific initiatives include extending and streamlining existing programs. “The Northern Rivers is one of 25 identified regions that will benefit from the $62.8 million Local Jobs Program, which will focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways to assist people back into the workforce,” Mr Williamson said. Creative Industries and CommunicationsThe Budget has good news for the Australian screen industry with an additional $33 million pledged to Screen Australia for Australian screen content.This will see an additional $30 million over two years for Australian film and television drama, children’s and documentary production and $3 million over three years establish a competitive grants program for Australian scriptwriting and script development.Other initiatives in the budget include:$30.3 million national Regional Connectivity Program will help improve telecommunications in the region.$41 million Research and Development Program will support R&D activities, benefitting regional industry.$5.7 million Building Strong Resilient Leaders initiative.Additional 14,485 places Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program to support basic language, literacy and numeracy skills for job seekers.$5 million to Regional Australia Institute to promote regional living.$300 million to help modernise Australia’s agricultural export systems.

Ten new Australian citizens emerged from Lismore Council Chambers recently on Australian Citizenship Day 2020.For Thailand-born Malivan Powley, it was a joyous day as she took the pledge and was conferred citizenship by Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith.Mailvan said she first came to Australia in 2004, and 16 years later, in 2020, she finally took the step to become a citizen of Australia. So, why wait so many years?“I’ve applied for permanent residency a few times and now I’ve decided I want to live here forever,” she said. “I love Australia."Lismore's citizenship ceremony welcomes 10 new AustraliansBecause Covid restrictions limited numbers of people in Lismore Council Chambers, Mailvan was part of the first of two citizenship ceremonies scheduled for the same day.Each of the new citizens only had one or two friends to see their special moment - Malivan was cheered on by her husband Alan and their friend Scott Forster.Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said one of the best parts of being mayor was being able to confer citizenship upon new Australians.Malivan said she met her husband Alan Powley in Thailand in 2004 and they both reminisced about their first meeting.“Alan was lost and then he met me and I helped him and he came to stay with me,” she said.Then they fell in love, got married, and she came to live in Australia.If you’ve never attended an Australian citizenship ceremony, it’s an interesting experience. Full of joy for those making pledges to be loyal citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia. It’s pledge that people born in Australia have never actually had to make.All attendees standing for the national anthem.The pledge acknowledges a belief in democracy, freedom, resilience and an equal society. It expresses a desire to share a common future, a promise to uphold and obey the laws of Australia and to defend and protect our freedoms.People taking the pledge get to choose between two different pledge versions - one referring to God and the other not.Speaking the pledge while standing on their feet was a legal requirement, as was listening to the Australian anthem which followed the pledge taking.Maria Elena Foss.Our ten new citizens in the Lismore region are:Michael Stuart Merritt, Kristina Brodie, Ben William Cummings, Maria Elena Foss, Calum Alexander Horn, Ngoc Quynh Nguyen, Malivan Powley, Poonam Sharma, Niall Stanton, Krai Netsena and Nuananong Puangkhamkhong.Kristina Brodie.

Help for pregnant women to quit smoking is on the way with over $1 million in funding announced for an innovative new project.A University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH) team of researchers are now ready to trial the new program – MOHMQuit (Midwives and Obstetricians Helping Mothers to Quit). It is a designed to help managers and clinicians to better support pregnant smokers to quit. It takes a whole-of-system approach and was developed collaboratively with project partners. The program will be implemented in eight public hospitals to provide antenatal care and then test whether it is successful in helping mums to quit. The project will be led by Associate Professor Megan Passey, with funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).The Lismore team is collaborating with the Northern NSW Local Health District, four other Local Health Districts, the Ministry of Health, the Cancer Institute NSW, the NSW Cancer Council and colleagues from the University of Newcastle. “Smoking is the single most important preventable cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth, preterm birth and low birth weight,” Dr Massey said.“These harms are reduced if women stop smoking during pregnancy. Many pregnant women are motivated to quit but face significant challenges including a lack of effective support from health professionals.”Dr Passey said the project builds on six years of work the team has been doing with Clinical Midwifery Consultant, Cathy Adams, and others at the Northern NSW Local Health District.“It’s great to see this partnership enter another phase,” she said. 

Small business owners have not had a lot to look forward to since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March. There have been lockdowns, crowd restrictions and event cancellations.One of those cancellations has been the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) monthly 'After Hours' networking and business events. Well LCCI are back with a bang, putting on a huge event for small business owners next week called 'Pivot and Popcorn'. It is their way of celebrating NSW Small Business Month in October. “LCCI are best known for our business and networking events and Covid-19 has affected us alongside our members and business owners. We wanted to give come back with a bang and give Lismore and the Northern Rivers business communities a truly helpful and inspiring event that could also be a fun night out,” says event organizer and Executive Officer Emma Wallace.“In a community that has been affected by flood, fire and now Covid-19, we are empowering local operators to take the initiative, come out and learn how to implement a plan to ‘Future-proof’ their business NOW. Be entertained and inspired to make changes that marry profits with a brighter and more sustainable future for all.” Pivot and Popcorn will be held at 5:30pm next Wednesday October 14 at the BCC Cinema's on the corner of Zadoc and Keen Streets, Lismore.There are some big names appearing via Zoom to participate on the night, like the ABC's comedy and climate change hero Craig Reucassel (A Fight For Planet A and The Chaser) and small business champion and Channel 7 Sunrise co-host David "Kochie" Koch.There will also be live presentations from Peta Tillett, Sean Martyn and Allison Rainbird.Peta Tillett is an entrepreneur and Director of Lazuli & Co as well as the winner of the 2019 Lismore and Regional Business Awards - Excellence in Retail and Personal Services.You will hear how Peta developed her own ethical and Australian made product line, Peta Elizabeth Cosmetics, diversified her business model and allowed her to not only survive but increase her business in the face of the Covid-19 impact to her bricks and mortar salon. Sean Martyn is the Head Coach of Business By Design.Sean is passionate about nurturing the leadership and business skills of the business owners and executives he advises. He aims help businesses overcome the growing pains often experienced by success and to help build a business legacy for future generations.With 30 years experience Sean will demonstrate the 2 types of businesses theory- those that are created by default and those that are created and GROW by design. Sean will share insights and practical tools you can use immediately to re-design your business for growth and scale. Allison Rainbird is an Innovator and owner of Northern Rivers Tiny Homes as well as the winner of 2019 Bronze Medal National Innovation Games.Listen to Allison's story and insights into how she came to embrace a global movement and philosophy, with an 'act local' mindset to create a multi-market business which will be part of the way we live, into the future. PLUS...Bespoke presentations and community engagement from: Red Cross Lifeblood and TAFE NSWPivot and Popcorn will take a dive into* Benefits and advice on creating diverse business models* How to leverage and create growth* Innovation and adaptable thinking* Sustainability and reducing your costs AND your footprint* Inspiration and long term vision If you are running a small business or thinking of starting one, this will be a night where you will learn a great deal as well as network with other local business owners.Tickets available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pivot-and-popcorn- futureproof-your-business-with-craig-reucassel-lcci-tickets-120934531439 

Four years old is a crucial age for kids to get their eyes tested and avoid vision problems. That’s the message coming from the health authorities today, October 8 – on World Sight Day.Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) team is encouraging all parents to get their kids tested and identify any eyesight issues early.Northern NSW StEPS Coordinator Jennifer McKay said early screening leads to optimal vision. “It is critical that this screening is provided to four year olds before they start school to maximise clinical benefit and outcomes for children,” Jennifer said. “If a child has blurry vision, they will think this is normal as they don’t have a baseline to compare it to, this is why it is so vital your children get screened.” Free screening is available to all four year old children. StEPS visits preschools and long day-care centres in Northern NSW. Children who do not attend centres (aren’t in care or are in home care) can also get access to the free service. In Northern NSW, the StEPS Program has made additional catch-up clinics available at local Community Health Centres for children who may have missed out on vision screening in 2020 while the program was deferred for a few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The StEPS Catch-up Clinic will be coing to Goonellabah Child and Family Health Centre on Thursday November 5.You can call StEPS on (02) 6620 2836 or for more information, visit the website http://www.nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/kids-families-health services/statewide-eyesight-preschooler-screening-steps/

if you are heading up the coast tomorrow night, be advised that traffic conditions have changed on the Pacific Motorway at Tugun to carry out investigations. The southbound lanes of the tunnel will be closed from 8pm on Thursday 8 until 5am on Friday 9 October. If required, investigations may also be carried out on Friday night. Southbound motorists will be detoured via the Gold Coast Highway exit to rejoin the Pacific Motorway at the Kennedy Drive intersection. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

When virus fragments of Covid-19 were found in raw sewage in Sydney - and Covid testing rates had dropped - it sparked a renewed call from NSW Health yesterday for people in the Hawkesbury and South Western Sydney region to step up and get tested.Lismore sewageWhile we have had no new Covid-19 cases for weeks now in the Lismore area, would a raw sewage testing program be of benefit to our community into the future as an early warning system that the virus is spreading?The Lismore App asked Lismore City Council if there were plans to introduce any testing of the sewage in our area and was told “we don’t do it and don’t have the capability to do so”.SARS-CoV-2The sewage testing in Sydney for molecular markers of SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes Covid-19 - began in July as part of a new research program by NSW Health and Sydney Water.Sydney Water’s General Manager Customer, Strategy and Engagement, Maryanne Graham said virus fragments in sewage can mean that there are active cases in the catchment area.“But people can continue to ‘shed’ virus genetic material for some weeks after recovery,” Ms Graham said. “Our wastewater network can provide data to help the health response to the pandemic."NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the research was still in “early days”, but was “one more way we can strengthen our fight against Covid-19”.“This is a program that will show us where COVID-19 has been. For instance, we would expect to see viral fragments in Sydney sewage where we have consistently had cases in the community or in hotel quarantine.“However, if we continue to have very few active cases, there is scope for this testing to provide early warning in places without known or recent cases.”Treatment plantsMs Graham said there is no evidence COVID-19 is transmitted via wastewater systems.“The virus is susceptible to current treatment processes which are effective in deactivating the virus and there is no risk to the public or to staff who are trained to complete this testing,” she said.Yesterday’s call for Sydney residents to get tested came after the sewage surveillance program detected fragments of the virus at the North Richmond and West Camden treatment plants.The most recent cases in the West Camden catchment were reported in September, but no one living in the North Richmond catchment has recently tested positive for COVID-19.Sydney Water laboratories commenced testing raw sewage from plants at Bondi, Malabar, North Head, Cronulla, St Marys, Quakers Hill, Rouse Hill, Penrith, Shellharbour and Winmalee in the Blue Mountains about two weeks ago.The first round of samples found positive results at Bondi, Malabar, and Winmalee. Further sampling and analysis are required to assess the significance of this initial positive result.