LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin is calling on the Berejeklian-Barilaro Government to deliver urgent financial support to businesses on the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands and to strategically establish a Special Activation Precinct to turbo charge the regional economy."it will help our region climb out of COVID. We have projects ready, the collaboration and the will, but we need our share of New South Wales’ available resources, including the $1.75 billion owed to regional and rural NSW from Restart NSW," Ms Saffin said.Ms Saffin has used a series of Notices of Motion to NSW Parliament to focus the Government’s attention on the Electorate of Lismore, still recovering from 2017’s major flood, drought, last year’s bushfires, this year’s COVID-19 lockdown and the Queensland-NSW border closure.Ms Saffin said that while she had successfully lobbied for the Border Bubble to include the Lismore City, Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes Local Government Areas, many businesses were still hurting economically.“NSW Business Northern Rivers estimates that businesses have been losing an average of $10,500 a week in revenue so there is still an urgent need for the Government to come good with a rescue package like the $45-million one it offered to NSW businesses near the Victorian border,” Ms Saffin said.“I thought it was important for me to advocate for our region through a combination of Notices of Motion, Questions on Notice to Ministers and direct reps to Ministers, and at next week’s meeting with Regional Development Australia-Northern Rivers, we can flesh this out in more detail.“Having a Special Activation Precinct here on the Northern Rivers, and all of the extra government support that comes with these precincts, would give real teeth to my earlier calls for a Regional Jobs Plan.“Another major issue is that the NSW Government has introduced a Whole of Government Procurement Policy for collecting waste from Health, TAFE and caravan parks on Crown reserves, squeezing out our local regional companies in favour of the big multinationals, and killing off local jobs.”Ms Saffin has moved Notices of Motion on the need to develop and fund a Regional Jobs Plan; expanding Special Activation Precincts to the region; supporting small businesses impacted by the Queensland-NSW border closure; unlocking Restart NSW funding; and fairer Procurement Policies.On a Regional Jobs (Employment Development) Plan, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:1. Notes the Regional Development Australia’s Remplan Report estimates 15,471 jobs have vanished from the Northern Rivers regional economy between February and May 2020, with accommodation/hospitality and retail sectors hardest hit.2. Notes job losses are similar in the New England North West Region.3. Notes the Government needs to develop and fund a Regional Jobs Plan, coordinated by the NSW Department of Regional Development and enlisting the expertise of Regional Development Australia, Business NSW, local chambers of commerce, local government councils through joint organisations, business leaders, trade unions and all local Members.On Special Activation Precincts, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:1. Notes the Government established Special Activation Precincts in Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Snowy Mountains, Moree and Williamtown to turbo charge these regional locations to become thriving business hubs through infrastructure investment, Government-led studies, Government-led development and business concierge services.2. Recognises the need to expand the network of Special Activation Precincts to the Northern Rivers region, home to many cutting-edge entrepreneurs in its stated range of industries, including freight and logistics, defence, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, renewable energy and tourism.On Queensland-NSW Border Closure – Small Business Support, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:1. Notes the Government moved quickly to provide a $45-million rescue package for New South Wales small businesses adversely impacted by its decision to close the NSW-Victorian border to prevent the spread of COVID-19.2. Notes there is an urgent need for the Government to extend a similarly generous grant program to all local small businesses in Northern NSW, which, having endured drought and bushfires, are now really struggling to cope with the Queensland-NSW border closure.On Restart NSW Funding, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:1. Notes the Government has failed to deliver the legislated commitment to allocate 30 per cent of Restart NSW funds to regional and rural New South Wales in any year since its inception, delivering only 18.9 per cent of $3 billion instead of $4.75 billion from 2012 to 2019.2. Calls upon the Premier and the Deputy Premier to deliver the promises Restart NSW funding of 30 per cent each year and to pay the debt of $1.75 billion owing to the people of regional and rural New South Wales.On Procurement Policies, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:1. Notes the Government’s Expression of Interest (EOI) for NSW Whole of Government Waste Management for Health, TAFE and caravan parks on Crown Reserves favours large operators and squeezes out small and medium size Australian-owned regional companies because the EOI effectively makes redundant the Government’s Small and Medium Enterprise and Regional Procurement Policy.2. Recognises the need for an urgent review of these procurement policies and consultation with small and medium size regional companies to ensure that they still have a seat at the tendering table and are not disenfranchised to the point that their revenue streams can be reduced by a third, leading to job losses in Northern NSW during an economic recession.

There has been some confusion regarding the Queensland Border Passes that will be available from this Thursday October 1.Some people who have filled out the necessary forms before are questioning the "have you been in a hot spot in the last 2 weeks" question. As we are currently a hot spot does this then mean we have to wait another 2 weeks before being able to enter Queensland?"No", was the reply from the Queensland Government spokesperson.The forms will change on Thursday October 1 so if you do go on early and try to get a border pass in advance, you will be viewing the current forms not the new forms which begin at 1am Thursday.All of NSW is still considered a 'hot spot' by the Qld Govt. This will still be one of the first questions asked when you apply for entry into Qld. However, we were told that Q2 will be about living in a border zone area which is where you will need to include your address. This will be recognised by the website making you eligible to complete the border pass form and not having to isolate for 14 days upon entry into Qld.This is confirmed on the Qld Govt website. The section you are looking for is Border Restriction Direction No. 15, this is what will change on Thursday.Below is a screenshot of the explanation from the Qld Govt border restrictions direction no. 15 about Border Zones:Plus the link from above displays this map of the upcoming inclusions into the NSW border zones:Another question we have received is "can we travel anywhere in Queensland?". Yes, is the answer. You are not restricted to just entering the Gold Coast or Brisbane.Of course, if you are suffering from any flu like symptoms then you will be required to have a COVID test and isolate until those results are returned.If you will be travelling over the border during the school holidays, allow extra travel time for border control measures.To read the full statement on Border Restriction Direction No. 15 push on the link.

Vistara Primary school in Richmond Hill is one of our smaller independent not for profit primary schools with a focus on Neo Humanism. Neo Humanism is based on the understanding of inter-connectedness between self, others and the natural environment.Each year Vistara create an art exhibition which is normally displayed on the school grounds in Richmond Hill. This year due to COVID-19 the students exhibition was forced to be displayed outside the school and is now on display in the glass room at the main entrance of Lismore Square, opposite the escalators. During the next two weeks of school holidays take a minute to view the students work which was completed every recess and lunch break during Term 3.(The Vistara Primary School 'Rhythms of Nature' art exhibition at Lismore Square main entrance)‘Rhythms of Nature’ is the title of this years exhibition. Using critical and creative thinking skills, Kindy to Year 6 students explored solutions to repurpose objects and materials that would normally end up in landfill. Students’ works also celebrate our connections with nature and natural materials were also incorporated into their exhibition pieces. “If you look closely you can spot shower sponges, a cleaning glove, toilet rolls, a foil baking tray, keys and a zoingo boingo to name a few”, said Phoebe Sweet, the Kindy and Year 1 teacher. (Ella Duckett working one her creation. Photo:supplied)In STEAM, (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Kindy and Year 1 dismantled two computers to see how they work and what’s inside. This process inspired excitement and fuelled their imagination to create their ‘Cities with the nuts and bolts people’, transforming landfill into works of art. “We know that plastic isn’t fantastic for our environment” says Hannah, one of Vistara’s Year 6 students.(Student Hannah Fryer with parent and mum Tanja Taljaard working on this years art project. Photo:supplied)Hannah reclaimed unwanted plastic cups that were found at the recycle centre and upcycled them to create a beautiful chandelier. The ‘Rhythms of Nature’ art exhibition is now on display at Lismore Shopping Square’s main entry foyer. For more information about Vistara Primary School visit www.vistara.nsw.edu.au

As the weather warms up and visitors begin arriving, Northern NSW residents are reminded to be COVID-safe while enjoying the holidays. "Particularly with the expected influx of tens-of-thousands of visitors, maintaining our COVID vigilance during the school holidays is vital to support the great position we currently are in,” Mr Jones said.“Testing numbers have declined in recent weeks and we are appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. “If people don’t come forward and get tested, we can’t keep the pandemic at bay.” In the past seven days only 1,345 people came forward for testing, but we would hope to be seeing about 3500 a week in the lead up to the holidays  “With extra visitors coming to our region, and more of us catching up with friends and getting out and about, it is more important than ever to get a COVID test,” Mr Jones said. We are encouraging all residents and visitors to: • If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay. • Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.• Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. • Wear a mask on public transport, ride share, taxis, shopping, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. COVID-19 testing clinics can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect yourself-and-others/clinics or call your GP.

For those of you without children or grand children, school holidays begin tomorrow across NSW for the next two weeks, and for those that are not aware, daylight savings begins next Sunday morning (October 4).Check out our Things To Do button for Family Fun (like rollerskating at Rollerworld, North Lismore) and walks/bush walks Things To Do.A reminder that people in the Lismore 2480 postcode plus those in Ballina, Casino and Byron can enter Queensland once again from next Thursday October 1 after applying for a Qld Border Pass. This is because these areas have now been included in the Qld border zone.If you are heading south, you will experience the newly opened 34 km Pacific Highway upgrade between Pimlico and Woodburn saving you 10 minutes on your journey to Yamba, Grafton or Coffs. Even if you use Wyrallah Road to get to Woodburn you will still save time by easing onto the new section of dual lane highway. We have been notified that there will be changed traffic conditions between Woodburn and New Italy due to earthwork, paving, drainage and asphalting so if you travel this coming week there may be some reduced speed limits and short stoppages between 6am and 6pm. Happy and safe travels.The weekend weather could not get any better with slightly cooler maximums of 24 and 23 degrees, once again not a cloud in the sky.The Lismore Farmers Markets strut their fresh farmers produce at the Showgrounds from 8am where you can pick up your spring vegetable seedlings as well as coffee and breakfast. The Blue Knob Community Markets start their day at 8:30 tomorrow morning.The bigger Sunday markets this week are out at Nimbin (Cullen Street) between 9am and 3pm.It is a huge weekend of Grand Finals coming up involving football, netball and hockey.The Far North Coast Football Premier League GF is a repeat of last years teams with South Lismore up against old foes Byron Bay at Nesbitt Park, Caniaba Street, South Lismore with a 3pm kick off.It was 2-1 in the 2019 GF and hopefully it will be back to back GF's for the Celtics.The women's Premier League GF is tonight when Alstonville meet Lennox Head at Freebourne Place with kick off at 7pm.The GF program for Lismore netball starts at 10am tomorrow with the Division 1 GF starting at 1pm. COVID restrictions still apply to spectators.In hockey Northern Star take on Ballina in the A Grade GF at Hepburn Park on pitch 1 at 1:45.It is round 7 of the NRRRL with the Marist Brothers Rams home at Crozier Field to Casino on Sunday while in the other game Ballina take on Mullumbimby with Northern United having the weekend off.The cheap petrol is everywhere if you are buying diesel, look for 117.9 around town. E10 unleaded is 112.9 at United on Ballina Road while unleaded 91 also cheapest at 114.9 at United and Caltex near the Square.A few memes to get you into the weekend spirit, enjoy.

A pinch of dirt from the rugby field was rubbed into Eddie Allen’s pink coffin today by his dad Nick, before the funeral director drove it from the Lismore Rugby Club grounds.Watching were over 400 people who had gathered for the memorial tribute to the 17 year old Richmond River High student who had been loved by many - and tragically died in a car accident nearly two weeks ago.Read more news: Lismore Rugby Club mourns the death of rising starAfter a moving and emotional ceremony, Eddie’s casket was taken from its position framed by the rugby goal posts and carried around the oval by his rugby team mates. The attendees formed two long rows for the coffin to be carried between - until it reached the waiting hearse.There, Eddie’s rugby team mates huddled together, arm over arm, and sang the Lismore Song in tribute to their friend.Some of Eddie’s friends had already cut their hair into new and unusual haircuts, like mullets, in tribute to Eddie – who was known for continually changing his hair.Special permissionThe memorial tribute event had been granted special permission by the NSW health authorities to allow up to 500 mask-wearing people attend the ticketed event. This was welcomed by funeral director Warwick Binney who said the past week and a half had been an emotional roller coaster for the family and everyone who had known Eddie.The memorial was also live streamed online to friends and students in local schools.Music tributeDuring the ceremony, Eddie’s friend Georgia played guitar and a song for him, and Daniel Moses from Richmond River High School wrote and recorded a special song for him - the words for which were included in the memorial booklet printed for the event. Laughter and tearsEddie’s dad Nick Allen gave a beautiful and moving tribute to his son, which brought both laughter and tears to everyone gathered.“I called him Ed - he was born on February 6, 2003 and was named after his two grandfathers. He gave me joy from the first day he was born,” Nick said.“His first report card read ‘Ed likes to take toys off other children and then stand his ground when they want them back’.Hospital visits“Hospital visits – he had a few. Once he cut his eye open with a spoon trying to get ice cream.“He would always bring animals home, catching redback spiders, chooks, cows and sharks… and he’s been bitten by redbacks, chooks and sharks and chased by a cow… and then there were the wasps.“He kept cane toad numbers down and at 14 years old he showed off the art of catching carp with a shovel.“The tooth fairy forgot your first tooth, and then sent you a letter. Then teeth were removed to increase your revenue, sometimes with the gum attached.”RugbyNick Allen, also a rugby player, said Eddie had played rugby since he could walk.“I enjoyed playing rugby with you,” Nick said.“This outlet of rugby was a god send for your energy. You would tackle charge at first – sometimes without the ball, but then as you knew the rules, you improved.“You always loved understood the importance of team.“Once another team had four really big fellas and Ed said 'they got us for size, but we got ‘em for looks'. Then he played the game with a comb in his pocket.“He went missing once and we found him holding camp with the other rugby team which had two girls on it.Fiji“Then there was Fiji. He had the best two days of his life there playing in the local church games and hanging with the local kids, singing – and I’m sure he drank the kava too.“Ed has his tour gear on today – he’s ready for the game. I felt the pride in the club – seeing you enjoy the community sport.“You never missed touch footy night at the Channon.“You were always kind and gentle to the little ones, and helped develop others.Expelled“You were expelled from your first kindy – you chased kids with a cane toad.“You were expelled in Year 4. School was a challenge for you and us.“When you were asked 'have you learned your lesson?', you replied 'I’ve never been suspended for the same thing twice'.“You were raised in a Christian family. You helped old ladies with their shopping and supported the underdog. You were strong, courageous, vulnerable, adaptable and reliable.“At times, you were hard to live with and teach – and a joy to coach.Sadness“The sadness I feel now is nothing compared to the love I feel for you.“I’m so grateful to be witness to your life.”Hailed as a natural leader, who often got into trouble and was expelled from school more than once, Eddie was also a talented sportsman, who championed the underdog and helped those who needed it.Eddie’s sister Gabby said “you taught us how to love deeply and look out for the vulnerable”.“This has been the worst week of our lives,” she said.High achievementLismore Rugby Union Club president Peter Everingham said Eddie liked to be called Eddie the eel or Eddie the eagle or Eddie the magpie.“Everybody knew who Eddie was on the field – he was known for his skill and played on representative teams, NSW Country and the under-18 Colts , who won their grand final last week,” he said.“He was a leader and made first grade which was a high achievement at a young age He had a great future in sports, and made people smile and laugh at his antics.”While Eddie Allen has left our community, he has left behind a legacy of a young man who was a natural leader and who will never be forgotten

After being struck by a van travelling at approximately 100 km/hour in Alstonville this morning, a pedestrian is lucky to be alive.Just before 4am, Friday 25 September, emergency services were called to the Bruxner Highway, near Duck Creek Mountain Road, Alstonville, following reports a man had been struck by a Toyota Hiace van at a speed of approximately 100 km/h.The pedestrian, a 23-year-old man, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team for multiple injuries - including leg, pelvis and head injuries.The man was placed in a medically induced coma before being airlifted to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition by Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.The driver, a 64-year-old man, was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.Officers from Richmond Police District attended and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.The Bruxner Highway is open to traffic but travellers can expect delays.For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com.

A Parliamentary Inquiry into rural and regional health in New South Wales is on its way – and it’s long overdue, according to Lismore MP Janelle Saffin.“Avoidable deaths can be twice as likely to occur in rural and regional communities, compared to cities,” Ms Saffin said. “And the median age of death for those in Sydney (79) is more than a decade higher than residents in our most remote communities (66).The NSW Upper House inquiry will highlight issues of concern to country communities and make recommendations for change. Ms Saffin said managing the public health system was complex and challenging, and patients and their families rightly had high expectations of standards of medical care.“Our doctors, specialists, nurses and midwives, and administrative staff do their very best to provide that care, but funding for clinical resources always seems to be tight,” Ms Saffin said.“We scrambled well here in preparing for the Covid-19 pandemic, and have been relatively fortunate so far this year.“However, the Covid-triggered Queensland-NSW border closure has shown up the interdependency between Northern NSW and South East Queensland for specialist care.“Our reliance on the Queensland hospital system, public and private, or Queensland specialists who treat us here, is very apparent.“This inquiry may provide an opportunity to take a closer look at these kind of issues. How we could perhaps be less reliant and invest in building up our system where we can?”Ms Saffin said an inquiry was timely because the wide disparity in health outcomes between city and country areas was laid bare in data from the Public Health Information Development Unit which showed that the highest rates of preventable hospitalisation and preventable chronic diseases are in regional and rural areas.It will look at health outcomes for people living in rural, regional and remote areas; access and availability of health services; planning systems; capital and recurrent health expenditure; and staffing challenges and allocations.

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Lismore and the Far North Coast region today.The fire ban is due to the forecast hot and windy conditions with the BOM expecting a top of 30 degrees with strengthening northwesterly winds between 15 and 25 km/h.The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has provided the following advice:Under Very High and Severe fire conditions:Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety during a fireFollow your Bush Fire Survival Plan and remain vigilantYou can keep informed by reading the Lismore App, listening to local radio, watching television news broadcasts and monitoring www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Wearing a hot pink dress, Our Kids fundraiser and fashionista Rebekka Battista stood out on the trackside at Lismore’s annual horse race day today. Next to her, in a matching hot pink bow tie, her husband Gianpiero looked just as dapper in his stylish Italian shoes and a new floral shirt he bought from Gooleys in Lismore.Read more news: Lismore Cup's winning horse is on a winning streakSeated fashion While there is no runway showcasing Fashions on the Field this year, due to Covid mingling restrictions, many regular race day goers enjoyed still being able to dress up and get out in the sunshine.With the word on the street being that people were not buying new dresses, it seems people are recycling outfits they already had.Read more news: Is fashion fading for Lismore's horse racing holiday?Rebekka said her yellow and pink hat was made by local designer Hats by the Sea was recycled out of her wardrobe to match her pink dress that she bought while she was in Sydney donating a kidney to her son Isaak.“The outfit is a re-run this year – I’ve been busy,” she said. “We’ve also been so restricted about where we can go to shop because of Covid.”Sarah Moore and Sue Whiting from Plateau Sports Bowling Club in Alstonville.Sarah Moore, from Plateau Sports Bowling Club in Alstonville, said she was the normally the compere for the Fashions on the Field event.Without the signature runway event to spur her on, she still made an effort to dress to the nines in a vintage green dress and matching fascinator. Her frien Sue Whiting said she shopped local and bought her fascinator from Candy Lane in Alstonville.New layoutWith less people at this year’s event and a new layout, Rebekka Battista said she came along to see how the Turf Club ran the event.“I’m impressed,” she said. “I like the outside sitting and trackside tables and the white picket fences.“It’s like a picnic in the park.”Covid marshalls“The Covid marshalls are doing a good job too ensuring people remain seated,” Rebekka said.Gianpiero Battista said while he is no longer on Lismore City Council as a councillor, he is still in touch with what is going on.“I wasn’t enjoying my work on Council, but I’m enjoying my work as a volunteer firefighter with the Goonellabah fire brigade,” he said. “We’re getting ready for a busy season.”Rhianna Matthews and Josie Murphy. Rhianna Matthews was the overall winner of last year's Fashions on the Field event. She said this year she didn't make as much of an effort as normal, but did get a special matching purse for her outfit.Emma Wallace from Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Emma Tulk.The two Emmas - Emma Wallace from Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Emma Tulk - decided to dress in a maatching black and white theme and bought special hatinators to go with them.The Lismore App team.

“I’m not an extreme feminist,” Lismore mum Christina Sharman says when her daughter Izzy introduces her to Locky - this year’s star of TV show The Bachelor.“I’m just an ordinary feminist,” Christina laughed.It’s Wednesday night at Christina Sharman’s home and the champagne is flowing. The TV is turned on to The Bachelor, and Christina and her good friends are preparing to watch her and Izzy together on screen as Christina meets Locky for the first time.Because 29 year old Izzy (who grew up in Lismore) made it through to the final four out of 22 women on the show - that meant Christina, as Izzy’s mum, got the chance to travel to Sydney and grill the bachelor on life, love and feminism.Read more news: 'Horrified' Lismore mum Christina Sharman watches daughter on 'The Bachelor'Love?Christina knows that Izzy went on the show to raise her profile as a HR consultant and was not too invested in the ‘love’ outcome spruiked by the show’s producers.“She didn’t put a foot wrong and I’m glad she didn’t get bitchy,” Christina said.There’s a lot of laughing in the living room as Christina sees for the first time how she looks on the screen. There’s a lot of shots of her from a side angle, looking like she’s scowling at the bachelor.Witchy“They really want me to look witchy,” Christina says. “But we actually laughed a lot and had a good time. I wasn’t nervous and he put me at ease.”Christina was to flown to Sydney for the meeting and put up in a Sydney hotel, with food paid for – except the food that was served at the house where her meeting with Locky was filmed.“We never got to eat any of it,” she said, “It just looked good for the camera and was taken away – but I was hungry and ate a bit if it.”What to wear?Christina said she had to send pictures of what she intended to wear to the show’s producers before she even left Lismore.“They don’t like dark colours and didn’t want me to wear my Doctor Martens boots,” she said. “So I bought a new pair of shoes for it.”Christina said the girls get given clothes to wear – lots of nice dresses and cocktails frocks, which they get to keep after the show.Hard questionsChristina had to give the questions she wanted to ask Locky to the producers of the show the week before the meeting.Is this really love? What are your values in life? How do you feel about feminism? - all were on her question list.After a week of being able to think about the answers, Christina is not really surprised when Locky still fails to answer the feminism question.“I loved seeing her hit him with some hard questions,” Izzy said.“She’s my precious best daughter,” Christina tells Locky.“I want the world to see how awesome she is,” says Locky.“Yeah, correct,” says Christina.Then Christina asks the hardest question: “If my daughter doesn’t make it to the final cut, can we have a little bit of your sperm?”In Christina’s lounge room, everyone is laughing now.“I’m just thinking of myself,” Christina laughs. “The producers actually said we are the funniest parents who have been on the show yet.”The rose ceremonyAt the end of the show, Izzy is not given a rose by Locky - which means she is not one of the chosen final two women. There are teary goodbyes and Locky tells Izzy ‘this is really hard’ as he hugs her goodbye.Izzy joins the chatAfter the show finishes, Izzy joins Christina’s living room on a video call and chats to her mum. Now she has left the show and the episode has screened, she’s allowed to talk. Today she also featured on the TV show Studio Ten.Izzy said there’s already someone else in her life that she met once she got back from Sydney and she and her new man have been watching The Bachelor together on TV.“He’s been so supportive,” she said. “It’s been weird – it’s not a normal situation watching the person you are dating making out with someone else.When asked about Christina’s sperm question, Izzy replied:“Mum suggested I freeze some eggs and Locky is 6 foot 5 and tall - he said yes to the sperm.”Dating scenesWith a TV camera and a producer in the room while she and Locky were on dates, Izzy said it wasn’t too awkward with the producer there and the camera.In one scene, Izzy gets Locky to put on yoga pants and takes him through a yoga lesson, telling him her mum was a yoga teacher.“I spent a lot of time on the mat as a kid,” she said.SecrecyChristina, sworn to secrecy until this week’s episode screened said she doesn’t know who the winner is yet. Tonight’s episode of The Bachelor will tell all.Yoga classesAs well as being a nurse at Lismore Base Hospital, Christina is a yoga teacher. Now she’s allowed to talk about it, it is possible that her own public profile might be lifted a bit.If you want to meet Christina, she teaches yoga at Inner Light Centre on Keen Street on Saturday mornings at 9am.

The Nimbin Pool will remain closed during the September school holidays, which begin next week.Council must have people on site at the free pool to monitor COVID-19 safety measures during opening hours, which is cost prohibitive for Council.Council is currently working with the Nimbin community and Friends of Nimbin Pool to establish a volunteer roster and provide training so the pool can open with the help of community volunteers.“We need to work through some complex logistics and unfortunately we will not have this complete in time to open for the September school holidays,” Council’s Assets Manager Scott Turner said.“While we understand this is disappointing for the community, it is essential that we follow the COVID-19 Public Health Orders set down by the NSW Government and find a solution that we can implement permanently over the summer months.”Council will provide a further update about the Nimbin Pool in early October. Anyone interested in signing up to volunteer should email Friends of Nimbin Pool at friendsofnimbinpool@gmail.com.

While Lismore’s annual horse racing half day holiday is going ahead tomorrow, September 22, at Lismore Turf Club, it seems the buying of new frocks by fashionistas has petered out.With reduced numbers through the gates and ticketed seating the only options for Lismore Cup punters this year, it seems local fashion shops have also paid the price.Read more news about the Lismore Cup: Lismore Cup 'Sold Out', no walk-ins allowed in 2020They're set for the running of the 2020 Lismore Cup on ThursdayQuiet on the fashion frontAccording to clothes shop keepers in Lismore’s CBD, it’s been quiet on the fashion front with very few women shopping for new dresses, shoes and accessories for the big day.There’s also been a drop off in dress sales due to the fact that there are no school formals to attend this year and few big events like weddings to attend.On Molesworth Street, Sportsgirl manager Lauren Kaehler said she had been busy selling the usual clothing items, but that many young women were not going to the Lismore Cup this year.“Heaps of young girls would normally go - it’s a big social event,” she said.“They would go to their friend’s house first and at the event, walk around and mingle with friends – but that won’t be happening this year.“People are not even buying accessories. I used to get special dresses in for the cup but I haven’t bothered the last couple of years.“People don’t make as much effort as they used to – they don’t seem to have a sense of style and will wear a playsuit that they wear to the beach to race day.Traditional race day dress“The tradition for race day fashion should be a nice dress or tailored dress, with some sort of heel. You should do your hair and wear a feature like a fascinator, hatinator, or a hat or clip to match your outfit. Not short little playsuits and dresses that you wear to the beach. It should be more formal.”Lauren also speculated that many young people are changing their opinions on horse racing and choosing not to go because they don’t like the sport.Petria Powell in Trea's Shoes.FascinatorsTrea’s Shoes on Molesworth Street is one of a few shop windows in the CBD adorned with race day fashion items like fascinators.Shop owner Trea said people had been buying shoes to go with dresses they already had.“I’ve also sold a couple of fascinators,” she said.She said she luckily bought the fascinators from Reg Bailey, the owner of Lismore’s popular dress shop - Tahiti Hut - before it closed earlier this year.“He asked me to at least make a display of them in the window and make it look like race day, even if I don’t sell them,” Trea said. “George Gooley’s shop has also got horses in the window.”Trea said in previous years, she would have gone to the race day for the social element.“But Covid has affected the event and it’s smaller and you have to stay seated, so I’m not going,” she said.“I know someone else who is going and had five friends. She booked a table for ten, but had to get another five women to take up the other end of the table.”Gloves feature in the Lifeline shop.Sad story for fashionThe same sad story for fashion was reflected at the Lifeline charity shop on Magellan Street.Lifeline shop manager Julie said there had been so little interest in people buying fancy race day clothes that she had decided to take down the themed window display earlier in the week.There are still a few items of formal dress on display at the front of the shop, including gloves – which Julie said she had sold a couple of pairs of.Fashions on the FieldWhile fewer punters are going this year, there’s no doubt that those who will go will be dressed to the nines.The Lismore App will keep you informed about the Fashions on the Field at tomorrow’s event.Until then, stay fashionably dressed!

Should planning controls be changed to allow additional forms of rural tourism? That's the burning question Lismore City Council is asking residents, particularly those living in rural areas.Council has received numerous enquiries from landowners in recent years about developing facilities for weddings, day spas, yoga retreats, micro-breweries and other similar activities in our rural areas, all of which are currently prohibited for areas zoned for Primary Production (RU1).Before any changes to planning controls are considered, Council wishes to hear the community’s views on:What, if any, activities should be permitted with Council consent?Where should they be allowed or excluded?Council also wants to hear ideas on tourism and related activities in our rural areas and suggestions on the types of controls Council could implement to manage these opportunities.Council’s Strategic Planning Coordinator Paula Newman said “it’s important that before we look to change any planning controls, we understand how the community feels about rural tourism and the ways in which people may want to see this industry grow".“Rural tourism has the potential to provide significant economic benefits to our community, but it can also create traffic and noise issues, and have impacts on agricultural land and our natural environment," she said."It is important that we consider the future character of our rural areas and understand how our community feels about increasing tourism opportunities so we can manage any changes to reflect the wishes of our community.”The rural tourism survey is open until 16 November and can be accessed via Council’s Your Say Lismore online community engagement hub at http://wwwyoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au

A new Festival is coming to Lismore next year. Modelled on Sydney’s Shine Festival, it will see the laneways in the CBD become a hive of activity.Yesterday, Page MP Kevin Hogan announced almost $600,000 of Federal Government funding for Lismore City Council to put the festival on. He also announced funding to resurface Eggins Lane, to improve drainage and roof water discharge, as well as install power infrastructure to support community events, festivals and pop-up businesses.Back Alley GalleryEggins Lane is part of the Back Alley Gallery network of street art and will become a focus of the festival in the heart of Lismore’s CBD.Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said the upgrades to lighting, roads and drainage will make the popular laneways safer for visitors.“People always come to see the Gallery when they visit Lismore – you have to go as far as Melbourne to see something similar,” he said.“The upgrade will take away trip hazards and new street lighting will make people feel safer when they walk through Lismore CBD.”Grants a big step forwardThe funding for the laneways is part of a multi-staged upgrade and Mayor Smith said it was a “big step forward” as Council worked with government grants to make it happen.Shine FestivalThe Shine Festival is set to be a week-long event to “re-illuminate the region's 'shine' attracting visitors and reigniting tourism in the region”, Cr Smith said.“The program will include streetscape illuminations, visual art show of indigenous storytelling, live multimedia art exhibitions and a live sculpture walk.”Lismore Councillor Elly Bird the festival will showcase the area and revitalise the heart of the city.“It will be held over a number of locations and involve local musicians and performers in the festival,” she said.“We are an innovative and creative region and will be looking to involve local artists,” she said.2021 dateThe Shine Festival is currently set for September 2021, but Cr Bird said because of Covid, “we don’t know what it will look like 12 months from now”.“We hope we will have more free movement and enjoy the Festival.”She acknowledged that the festival and street upgrade will also create jobs, generate income for local businesses, as well as boost tourism.Lismore City Council received over $1 million as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program. $447,570 has been allocated for the reconstruction of Eggins Lane. Councl also received $145,000 through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants for ‘Shine Festival’.

“It’s absurd that social media should judge a leader’s fashion instead of their policies". Dr Denise Rall.Whether the media focusses on a woman’s ability to govern or her fashion is something close to the heart of Southern Cross University (SCU) academic Dr Denise Rall. Dr Rall is the commissioning editor of a new book Fashion, Women & Power: The politics of Dress and said never before has the media focused so intensely on women in power - analysing not just their leadership style, but a woman’s right to govern and what she wears.“It is the dilemma of women to dress to promote fashion diplomacy,” Dr Rall said. “The rise of social media is generating a sensationalist controversy. “It’s absurd that social media should judge a leader’s fashion instead of their policies.“However, Julie Bishop and Jacinda Ardern are an exception to the rule, which might have something to do with the fact that they are perceived as slim and attractive.“When Julia Gillard began as Prime Minister, the media focused on a beige trench coat she wore, which she later discarded for a more colourful alternative. But the press then labelled it ‘the technicolour scream coat’ and suggested it looked like a cheap motel bedspread.”Fashion, Women & Power: The politics of Dress brings together contributions by academics to offer a wide set of perspectives on women and their roles in powerful positions in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and the United States. “From the United States comes the troublesome media stories engulfing two significant American Democratic first ladies, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michelle Obama,” Dr Rall said.“Closer to home, the media- spotlight focuses on leaders including Julia Gillard, Julie Bishop and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. “There was a dress for success movement in the 1970s when women adopted the business pants suit as they climbed the corporate ladder, but it backfired.“ Former first lady Hillary Clinton wore the wroth of the right-wing media labelling her trousers as masculine, whereas Angela Merkel as Chancellor of Germany was not criticised for her pant suits.” The book also explores viewpoints from East Asia, such as the constricting role for a woman as ‘commoner’ when marrying into the Imperial family in Japan. ‘The book covers the observations from 10 different contributors and takes the reader on a revealing journey down the catwalk of political fashion over the years.   The COVID pandemic has delayed the publication of Fashion, Women & Power: The politics of Dress, it’s expected to be released in early 2021.Associate Professor Grayson Cooke, Deputy Dean and Director of Research at the SCU School of Arts and Social Sciences, acknowledged Dr Rall’s valuable fashion and textile contributions and observations as intricate and unique.“As this book project shows, she inflects it with political weight and a sense of critique, referencing historical moments and asking questions about gender and power, that are really important in Australia and internationally,” he said.

It wasn’t until a warrant for his arrest was issued that black metal music fan Jackson Marshall realised he’d made a big mistake.Last Friday, the Lismore musician posted on Facebook that he was responsible for setting fire to St Carthage’s Cathedral – it was a joke that backfired and will now see him face a local court later this year.What he didn't know at the time was, the man who was charged with the crime had also confessed to it on Facebook.“It was all a joke that people took the wrong way,” Jackson said. “It was all talk and was never meant to offend anyone - I didn’t expect it to go viral.”Jackson said he had already read in a news article that the police had a guy in custody for lighting the fire before he wrote his fake ‘confession’ on social media. He said his confession was a reference to a singer in a Norwegian black metal band who had burned down a cathedral in Norway.Church burnings“I’m a huge black metal fan and the 1990s band Mayhem from Norway were crazy guys,” he said. “One of the members was responsible for church burnings and his excuse was that the cathedral was built on top of a pagan heritage site and he did it because he thought it was an insult. A movie called ‘Lords of Chaos’ came out about it last year.“As soon as I heard about the cathedral, I thought it’s just like the movie and I quoted him on Facebook. I thought people would get the joke.”WarrantUnfortunately for Jackson, the social media community did not see it as a joke and local police received over 100 calls before they issued a warrant for Jackson’s arrest.“The police rang and told me and said they would be at my house in five minutes, but I said I’ll come to the police station,” Jackson said. “When I got there, I had to wait for an hour because the cops were already driving to my house.“I thought the worst case scenario is if I get into trouble, at least I can say I actually walked into the police station.Publicity stunt“People have accused me of doing it as a publicity stunt because I had two singles being released from my one man metal project Righteous Death the next day.“At the time, that didn’t cross my mind. I did it as a joke, but didn’t expect the backlash.”Public mischiefJackson said the police released him without charge, but later called him back in and charged him with public mischief via social carrier.“I looked into it and this new law came into effect this year. I’m amazed. The cops said it could mean two years in jail.“My defence attorney said maybe it could get a slap on the wrist, possibly a fine and there will be court costs when it goes to court later this year.“I thought it was harmless fun, but I do see we do have laws in place for a reason.”Apology“The cops knew straight away it wasn’t me – but wanted me to take the confession down from the Facebook page.“I feel really sorry for what I did – that people took what I said the way they did. I didn’t try to offend anyone and I’m ready to take whatever is handed to me. I have to live with this now.“I’m not a violent guy and don’t harm others.”FansJackson said his Spotify listener numbers had already increased by the next day after the confession.“I couldn’t predict that – but it seems I’ve gained more new fans than backlash.”Man charged with cathedral fire also used Facebook to confessStephen Luke's picture as posted on Facebook.Stephen Luke, 45, was the person arrested and charged by police for setting fire to the cathedral. He had been tasered and arrested in Lismore on Saturday morning after conducting a series of robberies across NSW. Read more news: The man arrested in the CBD yesterday is charged with Cathedral fire and other crimes in NSWArmed man tasered and arrested in the CBD this morningMr Luke had been reported as a missing person by a friend on September 6. On September 19, he also confessed to setting fire to the Lismore cathedral on Facebook.His Facebook profile also contained multiple pictures of him with a large knife and quoting passages from the bible. He also referred to himself 'doing the work of evangelists'.His Facebook confession stated: “I set fire to Lismore cathedral, Hillsong church Sydney and pastor Brian Houston's house, but why?For no reason?????People need to know the truth about what I'm doing and whyWho is standing up against injusticeWho is defending the poor and oppressedWho will fight for Thier rights and do they even have any?Who are the criminals?Mygov needs Thier pound of flesh from the Centrelink customers. They want Thier money back in taxes, rent and utilities and by exploiting addictions eg Tobacco, pokies, alcohol etcTheir greed leaves us in constant needThis is an act of warBig pharma needs customers. Create a problem and sell the solutionThis is an act of warMental health nutralises all threats to Thier way of thinking. Being different has become a crimeWe must all think and act the same or we need to be permanently medicated according to them.Medication destroys the personThis is an act of warThe church stands by and let's it happen while fleecing the poor. Mygov, mental health and the church all use the same method FEAR AND INTIMIDATION to create slaves for Thier evil systemTHIS IS AN ACT OF WAR AGAINST THE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLEIN WAR ALL IS FAIR, LEGAL AND PERMISSABLE BY GOD. I have not broken the lawI have defended it.Those people who are so concerned about me are not my family and friends but my enemies.”

Separated from his daughter by a border bubble and cancer, it’s been seven weeks since Brad Jones’ whole family has been together. Read more about Brad’s story: Border politics still stands between Lismore dad and his sick daughterNow, with today’s announcement that the Queensland/NSW border bubble will widen to include Lismore on October 1, Brad will be able to take all his children from Lismore to visit their mum and sister - four year old daughter Charlotte - who has been critically ill in ICU in a Brisbane children’s hospital. Read more news: Queensland border bubble opens to include LismoreCharlotte in hospital.“The border opening means I am finally exempt to stay in the cancer hospital accommodation with Melissa, my partner, without having to go into a two week quarantine,” Brad said.“It’s a really big lift. Melissa will finally get to see the other kids face to face after seven weeks - and we’ll try to get life back to how it was before the border closed.”Brad said after October 1, he will be able to apply for a seven day border crossing exemption much like he used to. He intends to travel up on weekends with the rest of the family’s children to visit. Special exemptionBrad said he had been granted special permission to enter Queensland last weekend to visit Charlotte.“I applied for special exemption again and instead of waiting weeks like the last time, I was called by the health border police and told I had a pass to travel into Queensland and straight to the hospital if anything bad happened to Charlotte,” he said.Speechless“If I do the right thing, I can get in the car and go at any time and it’s up to the hospital about how long I can stay. last weekend they let me stay for six hours. The nurses were made speechless by it as well.“She wasn’t doing so well and I took up a hamper with toys for her and made her laugh.Recovery“She’s a little fighter and finally made it out of ICU on Monday. Now it’s a big recovery process and she will need lots of physiotherapy to be able to walk again after so much time in bed.“She even had bedsores on her, poor darling.“I’ll never forget her face when she saw me come coming in and I sat on her bed and talked to her and rubbed her belly.Melissa, Charlotte and Brad.Broke down“Melissa broke down when I got there – she’s had four weeks of little sleep. Now I will be able to go and stay at the hospital and let her go back to the accommodation and get a bit of a break.“It’s not a holiday. “We’ll see how it all turns out. Hopefully everyone abides by the new border rules - schoolies week is still to come.“Even last Friday when I was driving past Wet’n’Wild, seeing it packed was heartbreaking.“All I wanted to do was go to hospital and see little girl - but it’s all about money in high places and politics.”MP Hogan respondsFederal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has been campaigning on Brad’s behalf to see the border open and said the border expansion was a good first step, but it should not be closed at all.“We know the border closure has caused chaos every day in multiple cases with people who are in traumatic situations and have loved family members in distress,” he said.Political pressure“The Queensland Premier is under a lot of pressure and gets written to every day by these people and I think she’s seeing close up the disruption and chaos she is causing.“But I’m wary of her motivation regarding the closure and the rest of the bubble. Last week, she spent money on polling to check if what she was doing with the border closure was still resonating with Queenslanders.Advocate“I will continue to advocate for no restrictions. We have no Covid cases and there are no medical grounds for it. The chief medical officer of Australia has never said the border should be closed.“We need to see Clarence and Coffs included in the bubble as well and the border north has not moved. You still can’t roam freely in Queensland.”Lismore Mayor Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said Lismore Council had been fighting for this change for months and it was a “big step for Lismore”.“A survey we conducted showed that more than 70% of Lismore residents had a family member just over the border,” he said. “We know in times of pandemic that mental health is a big issue - this will open up those borders and bring families back together.”

In good news for Lismore, the Queensland Government has announced this morning that the Shires of Ballina, Byron, City of Lismore, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes will now be included in the border zone. From 1am on Thursday 1 October, the relaxed restrictions will come into place.Read more news: Church concerned over St Carthage's Cathedral damage in fire aftermathResidents will need to apply for a border pass to travel into Queensland.Queensland residents have always been able to travel to NSW but will now be able to travel into the border zone areas in NSW without having to quarantine on their return to Queensland. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan welcomed the latest expansion of the Queensland Border Bubble, but said “there is still much more work to be done.” “It is great to see Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle and Ballina Local Government Areas included in the expansion," he said. “However, we can still only travel within the bubble, which currently only extends to the Gold Coast.” “This is very restrictive for people with families anywhere else in Queensland.” “It is also not acceptable that Clarence Valley Council and Coffs Harbour Council aren’t included in this expansion.” “Our region has no community transmission of the virus. We are not a hot spot.” “I have criticised this border closure since the beginning, as it has not been recommended by the Chief Health Officer.”“I will continue to fight until the borders are fully open and we can travel freely through the State.” Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin MLC said the Queensland Government’s decision to keep borders restricted for so long has caused devastating outcomes for many people in NSW and it is about time the border restrictions were eased. “It is incredibly welcome news this morning that more border communities will now be able to access Queensland,” Mr Franklin said. “We have seen and heard devastating and distressing stories from people all across our border communities so it is wonderful to see that common sense has prevailed. “The easing of restrictions will mean more people in NSW and Queensland can access their job, school, health care providers and visit family and friends which will reduce the stresses that many people in our communities have been facing.” There are currently no active cases of COVID-19 across the Northern Rivers and so this decision makes sense to help those in border communities lead their lives with more normalcy and less unnecessary stress. More information can be found at http://www.Qld.gov.au