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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alan Raabe used to be a professional magician – but now he’s gathering a troupe of performers together who want to be part of a new cabaret cooperative to perform locally new year.If you are a juggler, magician, contortionist, burlesque performer, musicians, foot juggler, pole dancer – or have any other weird and wonderful skills and tricks - then Alan calls you to join this semi-professional troupe.Inspired by a cabaret he saw in Berlin, Alan is ready to direct and bring to life the cabaret show ‘Dr Freudelstien’.CooperativeNot only will it breathe life back onto the arts scene, it will give local performers paid work under a cooperative model – where everyone shares in the profits.“The cooperative idea came from people I know in Sydney, where performers banded together to out on shows because there was so little work,” he said.“It’s a great model because everyone – the tech crew, writers and performers are part of a profit share scheme and get work and financial reward from it.”Read more news: Carols in the Heart Couch Choir calls you to sing on videoDr FreudelstienAlan said ‘Dr Freudelstien’ is set to be a bit different to other cabaret shows.“I didn’t want a cabaret where a compere introduces a string of acts, so in the Berlin cabaret style, we’ve put together a story line.“The line ‘Dr Freudelstien will see you shortly’ is a link to the story, set in a ficticious asylum, where lady visitor comes to see someone at the facility and meets people there – and they are all a bit warped.“They all have little quirks and talents - which is where the ensemble of the cabaret is so important.Variety acts“We are having trouble getting variety acts – like the ones I saw in a real Berlin cabaret where everyone was insane. The knife thrower threw knives at people – he was someone who was taught how to turn that skill into an act.“Now we need to find the offbeat whacky skills that people have here – and if we the cast have fun, then the audience will have fun."Covid considerationsWith Covid rules still restricting how events can take place, Alan said the set up for the cabaret show is already planned.“Because the show is set in a canteen in an asylum, it makes it easy for us to book local halls and venues and have people book a table and still all be separated,” he said.RehearsalsRehearsals begin in January 2021 and the show will (hopefully) be performing by the end of March, beginning of April, 2021.ApplyIf you are interested in joining the cooperative, apply by sending a brief resume and contact details to Alan Raabe by email anr454@hotmail.com or phone 0427038185.

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

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

Losing his left hand when a military bus he was in rolled over didn’t stop Nathan Parker from achieving amazing things. In fact, the 25 year old Goonellabah resident has just been named NSW Young Australian of the Year at an awards ceremony in Sydney.With one robotic arm, Nathan is now a flying instructor at the Northern Rivers Aero Club (NRAC). But achieving his dream of flying planes has come only after his persistence, strength and resilience saw him emerge from a major setback. “I see myself as a normal guy,” Nathan said. “I just want to make the most out of opportunities despite the challenging situations I’ve been dealt.”Nathan said the NSW awards were about recognising people who are achieving and working to make a difference in their communities. “I hope winning the award will allow me to keep doing the work I’ve been doing, working with young people and as a motivational speaker,” he said.“My passion to inspire others to turn the toughest times into greater opportunities and not let setbacks stop them pursuing what they want to achieve in life.”Nathan said it was a surprise to him to learn that he had been nominated for the NSW Young Australian of the Year award.“The first I knew of it was when the award committee rang me up in late October,” he said. “I feel privileged to have been one of the 16 finalists over the four awards categories.“I got to meet so many other inspiring people who are all doing amazing things and we had an awesome afternoon meeting the Governor of NSW in Government House, before we went to the awards ceremony at Luna Park.“I’m still pinching myself that I was a part of all that – It’s still surreal to have won.“Now, I will progress through to the national awards Australian of the Year awards on January 25, 2021. “I could still win next year, I don’t know what will happen. I just love the idea of meeting other people and learning about what they are all doing in their communities.”Read more about Nathan Parker and his life on Sunday November 29 in this week's Sunday Profile section on the Lismore App. Sunday Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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