As many residents of Lismore and the Northern Rivers know, there are holes in mobile phone coverage all throughout the region, with block spots on the Bruxner Highway, Goonellabah (now that the tower on Rous Road has been removed) and along the M1, north and south.Farmers are also not happy as they accuse the federal government of delivering a lacklustre response to a major telecommunications review. On Thursday, the federal government finally issued a response to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review, promising little to improve the rural connectivity divide after spending nine months reviewing the report. NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee member Sarah Thompson said the lack of government action on the issue was bitterly disappointing as many farm communities continued to struggle with poor or non-existent mobile coverage. “We know mobile coverage maps have not told the truth, and many farmers and communities were stripped of what little mobile coverage they had when the 3G networks were shut down last year,” Mrs Thompson said. “There’s gaping holes in our connectivity, and nothing’s been done to deliver the mobile service we need to stay safe, let alone connected.” Draft legislation to establish a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) was released by the federal government this week – but farmers urged this must guarantee reliable and affordable mobile service, and complement other efforts in the space. Work to expand mobile coverage, reduce blackspots, boost data capacity on networks and increase access to connectivity technologies was urgently needed to deliver acceptable connectivity in the regions, Mrs Thompson said. “Both the Regional Telecommunications Review and a recent Senate inquiry told us plain and simple what work needs to be done to fix our connectivity crisis, and our governments must listen,” Mrs Thompson said.“Our federal government has promised us universal mobile coverage, so they must deliver it – alongside better oversight, strategy and competition in the telecommunications space. “We can’t continue with mobile coverage like this, and farmers, the people who literally feed the nation, deserve better than this.” 

The Lismore Library is excited to announce the launch of a new weekly program aimed at supporting writers, students, researchers, and creatives in the community. The library will host “Shut Up & Write” sessions every Tuesday afternoon from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, starting this Tuesday, 23 September.  These sessions offer a quiet, structured space for individuals to focus on their writing projects, whether it's a novel, thesis, journal entry, or grant application. The format is simple: arrive, set a goal, and write in silence alongside others. No critiques, no pressure, just dedicated time to get words on the page . Lismore Area Librarian Michael Lewis says, “Our library is more than books; it’s a space for creativity, connection, and community. Shut Up & Write gives people the chance to carve out an hour each week where their only focus is the joy of getting words on the page.”  “These are not writing workshops, and there is no reading of your work or giving feedback. The format is simply to ‘Shut Up and Write’ and there is something about doing that in a room full of other writers that works.”  The Details: · What: Shut Up & Write – Silent Writing Sessions · When: Tuesdays 1.30 to 2.30 pm starting 23 September · Where: Lismore Library, 110 Magellan Street, Lismore. · Who: Open to those 18 years and over.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own writing materials, laptops, notebooks, or tablets, and arrive a few minutes early to settle in. Tea and coffee will be available, and no registration is required.  For more information, contact the Lismore Library at 6621 2464 or visit rtrl.nsw.com.au and go to ‘events’. 

Last Thursday, the Federal Government announced its ambitious 2035 climate change target range of 62% to 70%, which was recommended by the Climate Change Authority (CCA).The Federal Government said, "It is an ambitious but achievable target - sending the right investment signal, responding to the science and delivered with a practical plan. It builds on what we know are the lowest-cost actions we can deliver over the next decade while leaving room for new technologies to take things up a gear."It also said that, according to the best available analysis, the majority of the reductions for Australia to reach the initial stages of our 2035 climate change target range can be achieved through actions in five priority areas, building on its existing policies. These are:Clean electricity across the economy: more renewable electricity generation, supported by new transmission and storage (including household batteries)Lowering emissions by electrification and efficiency: our New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, supporting consumers switch to EVs and improving energy efficiencyExpanding clean fuel use: establishing a low-carbon liquid fuels industry and supporting green hydrogenAccelerating new technologies: through Future Made in Australia investments, and innovation support through ARENANet carbon removals scaled up: enabling landholders to earn money for eligible carbon storage and a robust ACCU schemeIn points two above, the CCA has said that, at some point before 2035, half of the light vehicles sold should be electric vehicles (EVs). The Lismore App asked the question, Is that achievable? After all, Australia is larger than all of Europe; we have a very large country and a love of caravanning.To give you an insight into the gains that need to be made, the Australian Automobile Association shows that so far in 2025, 72.19% of all new light vehicles sold are ICE or driven by internal combustion engines only. 7.87% are BEV (battery electric vehicles), 4.28% are PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), 15.66% are hybrids, and 0% are hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles).The biggest selling BEV are medium-size SUVs at 4.18%, which account for 24.91% of all new light vehicles sold this year. The largest selling car in Australia in 2025 is the Toyota Rav4, a car that is only available in hybrid, PHEV and petrol versions. Does that show Australia's concern for purchasing BEVs? With range anxiety and charging options a real concern.The next best-selling cars are the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux.According to Tom Rocks from Lismore Toyota, the problem we face is that Australians need and love vehicles that carry a load, something that current BEVs cannot achieve. That could be for work purposes, such as a tradie or a farmer, or it could be the tens of thousands who want to tow a caravan and see Australia."I think the answer is that pure battery electric will maintain a particular part of the market. But will it be 50%? I don't know. It will definitely be a certain percentage of the market. But what percentage by 2035, who knows?"The material science is changing so quickly, you've got zero emission biofuels, you've got hydrogen, you've got fuel and power sources that have a zero carbon footprint, that allow you to have a ladder chassis combination vehicle that can tow, and can weight-load and can go four wheel driving."As an example, the material science at the moment only allows for pure battery vehicles to be aluminium monocoque structures that have an 800-kilogram lithium-ion battery pack at the bottom of the car. And so therefore, even if their charge times increase, they're not going to be suitable for a lot of roads in most countries, including Australia."Currently, your Toyota Hiluxes, Range Rovers, and Land Cruisers have a type of chassis known as a ladder chassis. The engine, drivetrain, and suspension are bolted onto the ladder chassis, offering flexibility for different builds (single cab versus dual cab) and offering the high ground clearance and extensive wheel articulation needed for rough terrain. This allows larger cars to weight-load and/or tow.(An example of a ladder chassis)Lithium-ion battery packs that are used in BEVs cannot be weight-loaded."You've got an 800-kilo battery pack at the bottom of the car. If you put two batteries in the car, it turns into 1,600 kilos and but you don't get double the range. You only get a 25% increase because you've added so much weight to the car. Will we get to 2035, and it will be all electric? No, it won't be. But will we be carbon neutral in our automotive industry by that point? Probably, but it's by other means," Tom said.So, the difference in the way the cars are built is a significant challenge. However, there are alternative solutions to achieve zero emissions other than all-electric that will help achieve the Federal Government's climate change targets.Tom said that Australia's mining companies are using synthetic diesel fuels as a way to transition to zero emissions by 2050 because the technology does not exist for them to use 100-ton trucks using batteries.On its website, Mining Technology said, "BHP has teamed up with BP to trial the use of a blended HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) diesel at its Yandi iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The trial “provided valuable insight and knowledge in renewable diesel”, with BHP saying that the results will be used to determine how renewable diesel may be “a practical complementary transition pathway” to its operational decarbonisation plan."Mining giant Rio Tinto has already made the shift to biofuels. In May 2023, its Boron operation in California became the world’s first open-cut mine to fully transition all its heavy vehicle fleet to renewable diesel, reducing emissions by up to 45,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of CO₂ equivalent."  Tom said that a major benefit of synthetic fuel mixes is that they can be used retrospectively."You can put it in older cars, so all of a sudden you don't have to scrap every car in the country, you can just use a biofuel of some description that lowers the CO₂, but you still get the same output. So you can say, caravan. You can put all your tools in the back. You can have all of that trade, utility, work and still have that CO₂ output."There is so much on the runway that will drop in the next sort of four or five years. As an example, once they produce solid state batteries, which are very different to a lithium-ion battery, you're going to have way shorter charging times, and you're going to have way longer range, but you're going to also have a slightly lighter car. That solid state battery will be paired with a small combustion motor of some description, whether it's a two-litre diesel or a 1.8 litre petrol, and those two components together, you're going to get a couple of 1000 kilometre range, and that's coming from a 50 to 55 litre tank."The CO₂ outputs will be within the NVES (National Vehicle Efficiency Standard) range. It aims to reduce emissions from new passenger vehicles by 60% by 2030 (currently 141 grams per kilometre). But you're talking 2000 kilometres or 1800 kilometres, with a 1.8 litre petrol motor, with a solid state battery pack, and it can weight-load. That's probably where it will go."The you look at vehicles that are completely battery electric. The battery technology hasn't really developed much. If you look at the range of the Tesla ten years ago, and you look at it now, it is five to seven and a half per cent better over 10 years. They're already at capacity with that type of material science."Hydrogen-powered vehicles are another technology that is making progress."In Japan and America, you can get a hydrogen Toyota. We've had them here in Australia, but unless you're the government or a university, you can't buy them because you can't fuel them. The hydrogen fuel cells take about 45 litres of gas, and they do 600 kilometres, and they emit water, but it's got a really high power output as well. So, once that is mastered, there won't be battery anything. You'll be filling your car up with hydrogen or some type of gas that will give you 2000 plus kilometres, and 300 kilowatts. That will happen in our lifetime."There is so much stuff on the runway, and I'm just sort of predicting what I've seen and what I'm told is going to happen, but we'll get there. China's about to release a V12 engine, so this combustion thing's not over."Pure electric has a very definite place, and it has one now, and it will continue to have one. But will it be the main power source? I don't believe so, but it has a very definite place across the world."As the proverb says, "There are many ways to skin a cat".

The NSW Government has passed legislation strengthening protections against image-based abuse by outlawing the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfakes.The Government has zero tolerance for image-based abuse, which is disproportionately targeted at women and girls and is the latest frontier in gender-based abuse. AI-generated sexually explicit deepfakes are increasing in prevalence and have become more realistic amid advances in technology.The material can be used as part of sextortion schemes, including where perpetrators threaten to release further explicit content unless victims comply with demands.  The circulation of this material can be extremely distressing, humiliating, degrading or intimidating.The reforms expand offences related to the production and distribution of intimate images without consent, including covering those created entirely using artificial intelligence.The amendments to the Crimes Act 1900 make the production of a sexually explicit deepfake designed to be a genuine depiction of a real, identifiable person an offence punishable by up to three years’ jail.Sharing or threatening to share such images, even if the person hasn't created them, is also a crime punishable by up to three years’ jail.In addition to these new offences, the Government has criminalised the non-consensual creation, recording and distribution of sexually explicit audio, whether real or designed to sound like a real, identifiable person.The Crimes Amendment (Intimate Images and Audio Material) Bill 2025 passed the upper house late Thursday.It is already a crime in NSW to record or distribute intimate images of a person without their consent or to threaten to do so. This includes distributing photos that have been digitally altered, but not images wholly created using AI.Existing court takedown powers will apply to these expanded offences.The changes do not affect existing child abuse material offences that already criminalise the production, possession and dissemination of explicit material of a child.Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said, “There is no place for gender-based abuse in NSW, and that includes through the use of deepfakes."These are important changes to keep women safe from this insidious form of abuse.“This legislation sends a clear message: those who seek to target women using this technology now face serious consequences."Attorney General Michael Daley said, “We are making sure our laws keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and ensures women are better protected from all forms of AI-generated sexual exploitation.“Non-consensual, sexually explicit deepfakes are a form of abuse disproportionately targeted at women and young girls.“This bill ensures people who seek to objectify, intimidate or degrade women using AI can be prosecuted.”Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “The passing of this bill is another way the Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales for women and girls. “These new laws build on and modernise the existing framework by strengthening and expanding current offences to protect women from exploitation through explicit deepfake material. “I thank the many stakeholders, including Full Stop Australia and Domestic Violence NSW, who provided crucial feedback in the development of this bill.”NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said,  “I’m pleased that we have seen the passage of legislation to criminalise AI-driven deepfakes. Sexually explicit deepfakes can be weaponised to cause immense harm in the real world. “Women and girls are the main targets of deepfakes, and the impacts of their dissemination can be devastating.“This legislation sends an important message that image-based abuse will not be tolerated, and it brings NSW in line with other jurisdictions that are striving to limit the impacts of this terrifying technology.”Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan said, “We welcome the passage of this legislation, which strengthens legal protections for victim-survivors of image-based abuse.“Technology-facilitated abuse is growing rapidly, with perpetrators continually finding new and dangerous ways to exploit emerging technologies.“The legislation sends a strong message that this abuse is unacceptable, and perpetrators will be held accountable.”Support: Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 424 017.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin handed over the keys to a brand new Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Class 2 Pumper to the Deputy Captain of the Goonellabah Fire and Rescue team, Tara Blunn, yesterday.As the name of the new vehicle was a mouthful, Ms Saffin jokingly called it the super, duper fire truck."This is something that the team here has wanted for a while," Ms Saffin told the media, "I can remember when they first raised it with me. So, I'm really happy to be here and say job done."The half-million-dollar new CAFS Class 2 Pumper is a significant upgrade from the two-decade-old model fire truck."Two things I know about the truck is that it uses five times less water, and it has the ability to put out a whole range of fires," Ms Saffin said.Fire and Rescue Acting Inspector for the Northern Rivers, Price Conlan gave more detail as to the benefits of the new fire truck."It is a compressed air foam system appliance. It mixes foam inside the truck with compressed air and provides us with a really effective extinguishing medium. It allows us to put out fires using approximately five times less wate. The truck actually replaces a very old truck that has been servicing the area for quite some time, and the truck is a brand new, state-of-the-art piece of equipment that's going to serve the local community for the next couple of decades."It covers a range of fires. And the way it works is that it provides the foam that smothers a fire. It cuts out the oxygen from allowing the combustion process to continue. So, you also get the cooling effect of water, but we also have the foam, which puts a blanket on the fire, cutting out the oxygen. It's much more efficient at putting out a fire for us."Acting Inspector Conlan also said that reliability was an issue for the old fire truck."It's a lot more reliable than what the old appliances are, the old one here at Goonellabah was not so reliable. When trucks get old, they start to break down a little bit. So that's why this new appliance, apart from having the new equipment and the new system for putting out fires, just having a new appliance is a game changer for the local community."As for the fire season ahead? Acting Inspector Conlan said the wet weather over winter has meant a lot of undergrowth, and that no hazard reduction was possible. Already, they have seen a number of grass fires happening in the district."The long-range forecast, as far as I'm aware, is for a reasonably wet spring and summer. So hopefully that comes true. I know everyone's sick of the rain, but it makes our job a little bit easier as far as putting out or stopping bushfires to start with. Now, that kind of kicks the season further down the road. Sooner or later, it's going to dry out. This wet period that we've had creates a lot of growth, and sooner or later, we're going to be back to where we were in 2017 so unfortunately, but at the moment, things are looking optimistic for the fire season."The advice to prepare for the bushfire season has not changed."The normal bushfire preparation, making sure that around your house is clear from any debris. Gutters are clear. You've got a constant water supply that you can call on, a little panic bag to take, pre-plan, make sure if you're going to leave, you leave early. All that preparation stuff is available on our website and also the RFS website. Get ready, because sooner or later, it's going to affect us."If you have been thinking about a career as a firefighter, the Fire and Rescue team at Goonellabah are looking for a couple of people to join them. This is a paid, part-time position."I'd encourage anyone who's interested in firefighting and lives in the area of Goonallabah to apply or certainly make some inquiries on the fire brigade website. As for on-call firies, have a look at what they do. It's a very rewarding experience if you end up qualifying and then getting employed. It's a paid position. We pay to train our fires. They're very highly skilled, and they consequently attain other skills that they wouldn't necessarily get outside of the fire service."It's a very rewarding role as well, helping the community, and you're getting paid for your time as well, which is another bonus. So, anyone who's interested in applying at Goonellabah, I'd highly recommend it."An excited Deputy Captain Tara Blunn said she was so happy to receive the new CAFS Class 2 Pumper."The compressed air foam system brings with it a big improvement to our service. It's the only one in the Lismore area, so hopefully you'll see it out on the road soon."As Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said, "The new state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles like this will help keep regional communities safe, and ensure our firefighters have the tools they need to tackle a range of fires.”This weekend, the NSW Fire Service (RFS) will be throwing open station doors as you are urged to begin preparing for the upcoming bush fire season.The events will include firefighting equipment displays, information stands and workshops at various venues. The list for Lismore and the Northern Rivers includes:Lismore Bunnings 8am and 4pmTulera Rural Fire Station (Flick Road) 9am and 11amJiggi Hall 4pm and 8pmWyrallah Hall 4pm and 8pmThe Nimbin Show 7am to 4pmNewrybar 9am to 4pmRiver Festival at Wardell (3 Sinclair Street) 11am to 4pmCasino Town Centre (Walker Street) 7am to 3pmCrawford Square Casino (car Centre & Light street) 8am to 2pmLennox Head Rural Fire Station (9 Byron Bay Road) 11am to 1pmBallina Emergency Services Expo (Missingham Park, Kingsford Smith Drive) 10am to 2pm

Livestock producers are being reminded to monitor their stock for barber’s pole worm, with the recent wet and warmer weather increasing larval pasture burdens, making stock more vulnerable.Barber’s pole worms (Haemonchus contortus) are about 1.5 to 2.5 centimetres long and are blood feeders, which attach to the lining of the stomach of livestock including sheep, goats, alpacas and cattle, causing anaemia. The current conditions across much of NSW are ideal for egg hatching, larval survival on the paddocks and reinfection of stock. Integrated control programs, including paddock management, worm monitoring and quarantine drenching, can help reduce the negative impacts of barber’s pole worm, according to Local Land Services Principal Program Manager Animal Biosecurity and Welfare, Lyndell Stone.  "Producers should be doing worm tests to work out how high their worm burdens are,” Dr Stone said.  “Talk to your Local Land Services District Veterinarian or private veterinarian about doing a worm test as they can advise on the timing and type of testing and help interpret the results to guide a treatment and management plan, keeping in mind a long-term strategy is best.  “Proactive producers who have worm tested regularly, understood their property’s drench resistance status, used effective drenches only when necessary and utilised the environment to kill larvae, have had low egg counts, which is pleasing.”  Clinical signs of stock that are affected by barber’s pole worm may include: pale gums and conjunctiva (inside the eyelid)  bottle jaw (fluid collecting in a pouch under the jaw)  lacking stamina, for example they want to lie down when being mustered or moved losing body condition and stock deaths.    If you have any concerns about barber’s pole worm, or you notice unusual symptoms or stock losses, contact your Local Land Services District Veterinarian on 1300 795 299. 

A wet Saturday morning, then partly cloudy conditions for the rest of the weekend is the forecast from the BoM.There is a chance of thunderstorms this evening and tomorrow. If they are severe, the Lismore App will put out a notification.The warmer spring weather is a sign of more community events in the lead up to Christmas.The 105th Nimbin Show will take place at the Nimbin Showgrounds, 33 Cecil Street, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to around 5pm.The annual Nimbin Show features horse and livestock competitions, plus local entries of food, flowers, produce, arts & crafts, and much more displayed in the Pavilion exhibit. There is Sustainability Alley with lots of information, produce stalls, and activities.The annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival is on now at Oakes Oval until Sunday from 9am to 5pm each day.There are road closures on Dawson Street between Rural and Magellan streets. Detours are available.The Zonta Open Garden is on this weekend at 131 Platypus Drive, Uralba at Crew Garden between 9am and 2pm each day.View the beautiful sub-tropical garden with feature ponds and paths. Plants are for sale as well as food and drinks.Entry is $12 or $10 concession, with the proceeds going to support women and girls in the Northern Rivers through the Zonta Club.MARKETSThere are three markets on this weekend.The Lismore Farmers Markets kick off proceedings tomorrow morning from 7:30 at the Lismore Showgrounds.Fresh fruit & veg, orchids, breakfast, tea and coffee, and other items will be for sale. The CWA Ladies Evening Branch make their monthly visit, and Georgia Cortes Rayner will be playing live music this week.The Bowlo Markets have over 30 stalls for you to browse on Sunday between 9am and 2pm at the Lismore City Bowling Club on Molesworth Street (171A).You will find Trash and Treasure, vintage clothing, bric-a-brac, plants, honey, plus more on sale.Also on Sunday is the Lismore Free Market between 9am and 11am at the Lismore Community Garden, 50 Brewster Street.The Free Market is exactly that, everything is free and cannot be sold, bartered or traded. Every item or service is given away for free.ARTSThe Lismore Regional Gallery has the Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali exhibition displayed over the weekend. In the exhibition, nine ancestral woven objects held in the Australian Museum collection are in Lismore until November 9.The Lismore Regional Gallery is open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.COMING UP2025 Lismore Workers Club Lismore Cup - Friday, September 26, from 12 noonDaylight Saving Time starts Sunday, October 42025 Lismore Show Thursday, October 162025 and final Nimbin Roots Festival Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26LIVE MUSICThe Lismore Heights Sports Club (181A High Street) has the Roxy Rose Spring Garden party on Saturday night from 6 pm.Bookings are essential on 02 6624 3040, and a courtesy car is available after 4pm.It is a big night of classic music at the Lismore Workers Club on Saturday night when Oh What A Night! takes to the stage at 8pm. The musical tribute to Frankie Valley & The Four Seasons.Sing-along to all your favourites like Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like a Man, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Sherry, Who Loves You and more.Book your tickets by clicking here.Coming up at the Lismore Workers Club:The Flying Forties - Penny Pavlakis, Greg Gould and friends celebrate the music of Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole and more with their 9-piece big band: October 4 at 8pm.The Noughty Nineties Party featuring all your favourites like Blink 182, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Beyonce. Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 7:30pm.CHEAPEST FUEL PRICESFuel prices have been steady this week. As usual, Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 176.9 at the EG on Diadem Street near Lismore Square and Coles Express on Dawson Street, 172.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 174.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 183.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, and the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, 198.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 191.9 at the Liberty's on Union Street, South Lismore and Ballina Road, Lismore and the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, 194.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 180.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street, and the two Liberty's on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 185.5 at Metro and the Mobile on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

As you would expect, not everyone is happy about the 62% to 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday.NSW Farmers warned that they must not shoulder the burden of meeting the Federal Government’s new emissions target.“Before government does anything else on emissions, they need to pay their debts and recognise agriculture’s unique capacity to sequester carbon, not steal it,” NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said. “Farmers are apprehensive about what this target could mean for them now, after they have already made, and continue to make, huge contributions to carbon sequestration, with the crops they plant and landscapes they look after sequestering millions of tonnes of carbon out of the atmosphere.“Alongside that, Australian farmers are driving a huge number of carbon sequestration activities and projects on-farm to hold carbon in soils or trees, both under management programs and informally. The fact is, we’re well and truly paying for everyone’s carbon sins.”Engaging properly with the agricultural industry on sustainability was essential, Mr Martin warned, with farmers and food security already under the pump thanks to renewables and reams of green tape that had been imposed on agriculture. “Not only have billions in carbon credits been stolen from us, but our farm communities are bearing the brunt of the impacts in the race to renewable power,” Mr Martin said. “Meanwhile, we’re the only sector in the Australian economy that has substantially reduced emissions over the last 30 years, and that data’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to farmer’s contributions to sustainability over the years. “Farmers have been blamed unfairly and left to foot the carbon bill for too long. That must stop, so we must speak up.”It was expected that Opposition Leader Sussan Ley was directly opposed to the target. She sent an email saying:Labor’s new 2035 emissions reduction target is built on fantasy.  It assumes the government achieves its 2030 target, which experts have overwhelmingly said it will not. Labor refuses to reveal the cost of its 2035 plan, or its economic impact on households, businesses, and regional communities. We have seen this show before. Labor announced its 2030 target, produced glossy modelling, and promised the world.  In reality, costs went up, reliability went down, and emissions flatlined.  Labor promised Australians a $275 cut in their power bill by 2025.  Instead, bills are up by an average of 39 percent, or around $1,300.  If Albanese can’t deliver his 2025 target for electricity prices, how can anyone trust his 2035 target for emissions? Emissions are now stuck at 28% below 2005 levels. This is exactly where they were when the Coalition left office. Australia must act on climate change. However, targets must be grounded in reality, achievable, and protect jobs and household budgets.  Labor’s 2035 plan does none of these. The only guarantee is higher costs. We will oppose any attempt to legislate this target.But then, an independent, not-for-profit group, Rewiring Australia, is a fan.Rewiring Australia has welcomed the focus on cleaner and cheaper energy, and the electrification of homes, transport and industry as the key components of the plan to reduce Australia’s emissions by 62-70 per cent by 2035.  The Federal Government today announced the 2035 target, and sector plans to get there, including electricity generation, the built environment, transport and industry.  The Commonwealth announced $2 billion for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, $5 billion for Net Zero Fund to assist industries in decarbonising and $40 million to accelerate the roll out of kerbside and fast charging for EVs.  “Electrification is the key to reaching this target, and Australians are already well on the way to achieving it through everyday decisions about household energy and transport,” Rewiring Australia CEO Francis Vierboom.   “We know upgrading from fossil-fuelled appliances to electric ones is not only good for cutting emissions, but it’s also great for household savings. Australians don’t have to make sacrifices to help reach this target. They will actually save thousands in the long run by switching to electric appliances and power systems at home, including installing rooftop solar, a home battery and driving an electric vehicle. “We welcome further investment towards electric transport. More EV charging on our streets is a great step. The existing EV tax break and the NVES are helping too, but with the opportunity to save millions a day on fuel imports while cutting emissions, we continue to call on the government to increase their ambition for the switchover to cleaner, cheaper, zero pollution electric vehicles. Going faster on EVs is something we need to do to hit the higher 70% end of the target range,” Francis Vierboom said.  The Federal Government also today announced $85 million for frameworks to help households and businesses figure out how to become more energy efficient, as well as $50 million for sports clubs to reduce their emissions.  “The Treasurer today spoke about the economic opportunity this plan presents, and our research backs that up. We can create jobs in Australia, shore up energy independence, and become more resilient to our changing climate.  “The faster we can help households, including renters and those in social housing, electrify, the sooner we can reach this target. It’s better for the environment, and better for our hip pockets too. We look forward to working with the Federal Government to electrify everything as quickly as we can,” Francis Vierboom said. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen told the ABC he will have to assess whether there is a pathway to legislate the government's coming 2035 climate target. Labor would need the support of The Greens, who were after a target above 70%.For now, it provides a lot of discussion and debate.

Healthy North Coast is pleased to announce the extension of the care finder program in Northern NSW for the next four years, ensuring vulnerable older people continue to receive support to interact with My Aged Care, access aged care services, and other relevant supports in the community.The care finder service has been operating nationally for almost three years. Attesting to the initial success of the program, and in light of wide-sweeping once-in-a-generation reforms included in the new Aged Care Act due to commence on 1 November 2025, care finders has been identified as an essential element of the new aged care system.For the 2025-2029 period, following a competitive tender process, the providers of care finder services in the region are:Footprints Community | Kyogle, Tweed, Byron and Ballina regionsEach | Coffs Harbour, Nambucca and Bellingen regions; Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley and Lismore, Port Macquarie Hastings and KempseyCare finders is designed to support older individuals who face challenges accessing aged care services on their own, and came about in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Royal Commission highlighted that the aged care system was challenging to navigate, making it hard for people who were already vulnerable to get the support they need.This initiative is free, fully commissioned by Healthy North Coast through the Australian Government’s PrimaryHealth Network program , with a commitment of almost $14 million to the North Coast over the next four years.Care finders can help people with:talking to My Aged Care on their behalf to arrange an assessmentattending and providing support at the assessmentfinding and shortlisting aged care providers in their areacompleting forms and understanding aged care service agreements+ much more.Most older adults who need aged care should call My Aged Care on 1800 200 244 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to discuss their needs and arrange an assessment. They can also walk into any Services Australia centre.If additional support is needed to navigate aged care options, individuals or referrers such as GPs can contact Footprints Community on 1800 366 877 or visit footprintscommunity.org.au, or contact Each on 1300 003 224 or visit each.com.au.Justine Elliot MP, Member for Richmond said, “For so many in our community, accessing aged care services can be challenging, and that’s why programs like care finders are vitally important.“Care finders provide free individual support for older people needing help to access My Aged Care and other aged care services.“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering almost $14 million in federal funding for Healthy North Coast to commission the care finder program on the North Coast. “As your local MP, I’m always working to improve aged care services in our region.” Monika Wheeler, Healthy North Coast CEO said, “We’re delighted to welcome Footprints Community and Each as the trusted providers of care finder services on the North Coast for the next four years.“The opportunity to operate the care finder service on the North Coast was highly contested, with Each and Footprints both demonstrating strong local knowledge and expertise in supporting vulnerable older people.“The ageing population in our region means it’s essential that all older people can access care and services to allow them to live independently at home for as long as they wish. Part of Healthy North Coast’s ageing strategy is to ensure no one gets left behind.”Tanya Bell, Footprints Community CEO said, “Over the past two years, our care finders have been working closely with older people in the region, seeing firsthand the hardships, barriers and issues they encounter to accessing support.“The launch of 4 more years of the care finder program in the region means Footprints Community will still be there on the ground, assisting older people to connect and navigate often complex support systems and services during what tends to be times of high stress intheir lives.”Natalie Sullivan, Each CEO said, “Each is proud to continue delivering the care finder service across the Healthy North Coast region – now extended for another four years in partnership with Healthy North Coast PHN.“Since we started delivering the care finder service two years ago, we’ve supported hundreds of older people to navigate a complex aged care system. We see the difference it makes when someone has a care finder by their side - when forms become less overwhelming, when connections to housing or health services are finally made, and when dignity and independence are restored.“Together with local providers and community organisations, we’re building stronger, more connected pathways to care.”

Community radio plays an important part in our community. They offer a wide diversity of music programming that is not provided by the two commercial radio stations licensed to broadcast in the Northern Rivers, ZZZ and 2LM.The problem for community radio stations is finding enough money to not only fund their operational costs, but also the expensive capital costs for their broadcasting equipment.92.9 River FM, based in South Lismore, is having a fundraising night next Saturday, September 27, by showing the movie about rock legend Bob Dylan, 'A Complete Unknown' at the Star Court Theatre.River FM is one of NSW's oldest community radio stations. It began operations in 1976 after the license was issued to the Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education using the call letters 2NCR. When Southern Cross University came into being, the studios were moved to the East Lismore Campus. They have been in Club Lane and the Conservatorium of Music as well over the years.SCU lost interest in the radio license, so a new association was formed to take over control of the license, North Coast Radio Inc. The official name of the radio station is still 2NCR, but it has been known as 92.9FM and, more recently, River FM.Since 2008, River FM has called South Lismore home, on the second floor of the Hernes Security building on Foley Road.(Fran Healy broadcasting on 92.9 River FM from its South Lismore home)North Coast Radio Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation, and River FM is run by volunteers. It makes money through 'sponsorship' advertising, because community radio cannot run commercials like ZZZ and 2LM due to government non-compete legislation. Yes, it is legislated that there can only be one commercial license in the Northern Rivers.River FM's main source of funding is through government grants. This is due to its niche programming that caters to Lismore's indigenous and ethnic communities, like Italian and French, giving them a voice that they would not otherwise have.Being on the second floor in South Lismore during the 2022 big flood did not affect their broadcasting equipment or their transmitter, which is at South Gundurimba. But that was where River FM's luck ran out. The transmitter was being repaired at the time of the big flood in Lismore's CBD.Basia Klim has been River FM's station manager for 10 years. Basia told the Lismore App they could still broadcast thanks to a small, old transmitter used as a backup."It was much lower power. So, we were running that for a while, but it had faults, so we ended up having to swap it for a loan transmitter. We got it off Cow FM, they're in Casino."Since those dark days, River FM has managed to buy a new transmitter, but it is still broadcasting on low power until it installs the recently purchased new antenna system.The problem is that the antenna installation costs $25,000, and that is money that River FM don't have sitting in the bank account."Just before the end of the financial year, we bought the antenna system itself. The transmitter we bought about six months ago," Basia explained. "The antenna system is basically in parts, parked in a warehouse, and the installation cost is what we're working on. That is substantial. The installation cost will be about $25,000 because it requires high expertise. It requires three riggers to be climbing around, pulling down the old antenna, getting the new one up, and setting it all up."They're beautiful pieces of equipment and wonderful things, but they don't come cheap. So, this is why it's taken us a very long period of time and big effort of multiple grants to get to this point, and we're still slightly short."We have the good fortune to have a high-end technician on the transmission end of things who has worked right across Australia. He is now retired, but he's a friend of the station, and he basically just charges us for parts and his petrol. So, his part of things in terms of the transmitter talking to the antenna system is going to be free, other than his costs.Once the money has been raised and the antenna is installed, the result is a stronger signal for River FM, meaning you will be able to hear the community radio station across most of the Northern Rivers, from Ocean Shores in the north, Yamba in the south and Kyogle out west, which is what its license allows for.Topography has always been an issue for low-powered transmitters and antennas, so people living in Dunoon or Modanville would have trouble receiving the River FM programming on 92.9. That will be a thing of the past.Basia said the original grant timeframe has come and gone; however, they did manage to get an extension until the end of the year. Which is why they are now desperate to raise the $25,000 installation cost, and why they are raising money from a rock and roll icon who is regarded as one of America's greatest singer-songwriters. 'A Complete Unknown' is a James Mangold movie about a 19-year-old Bob Dylan.A Complete Unknown is showing next Saturday, 27 September, at the Starcourt Theatre from 4pm. The cost is $25, concession $20, with money raised going towards the new River FM antenna installation.It stars Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan, Edward Norton as Peter Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash and Scoot McNairy as Woodie Guthrie.You can book your ticket by clicking: https://www.trybooking.com/DERBT or from the Star Court Theatre website.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared that Australia's new climate change target is to reduce carbon emissions by 62% to 70% by 2035. This is a major change from the previous number of 51% as Australia and the world were striving to reach net zero by 2050.The Albanese Government released the following statement:Today, we’re announcing Australia’s next step in acting on climate change and seizing the economic opportunity before our nation.The Albanese Labor Government has accepted the Climate Change Authority’s independent advice and will set our 2035 climate change target at a range of 62% to 70% reduction on 2005 emissions.  This is an ambitious but achievable target - sending the right investment signal, responding to the science and delivered with a practical plan. It builds on what we know are the lowest cost actions we can deliver over the next decade while leaving room for new technologies to take things up a gear.According to the best available analysis the majority of the reductions for Australia to reach the initial stages of our 2035 climate change target range can be achieved through actions in five priority areas, building on our existing policies. These are:Clean electricity across the economy: more renewable electricity generation, supported by new transmission and storage (including household batteries)Lowering emissions by electrification and efficiency: our New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, supporting consumers switch to EVs and improving energy efficiencyExpanding clean fuel use: establishing a low-carbon liquid fuels industry and supporting green hydrogenAccelerating new technologies: through Future Made in Australia investments, and innovation support through ARENANet carbon removals scaled up: enabling landholders to earn money for eligible carbon storage and a robust ACCU schemeIn addition to help meet the target, the Albanese Labor Government is today announcing we will deliver:A new $5 billion Net Zero Fund in the National Reconstruction Fund, to help industrial facilities decarbonise and scale up more renewables and low emissions manufacturing$2 billion for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to continue to drive downward pressure on electricity prices$1.1 billion to encourage more production of Clean Fuels here in Australia$40 million to accelerate the rollout of kerbside and fast EV charging across our suburbs and regions$85 million for frameworks and tools to help households and businesses understand and improve their energy performance$50 million for sports clubs doing their bit to decarbonise and drive climate action The global shift to clean energy represents one of the biggest economic transformations since the Industrial Revolution – and it presents Australia with an enormous economic and jobs opportunity.Today, the following documents to support the Australian Government’s 2035 climate target are available.The Net Zero Plan and six supporting sector plans: The Net Zero Plan outlines how the Australian Government will meet Australia’s net zero target. The sector plans outline the opportunities and challenges across the economy as we decarbonise towards 2050, the key policy levers the Government is using and where future emissions reduction potential is seen.The Treasury’s economic modelling: This modelling assesses the economic opportunities from the global net zero transformation for Australia and shows an orderly path to net zero supports more jobs and investment, higher wages and living standards, and a bigger economy. The Treasury modelled two orderly net zero scenarios consistent with our government’s approach and 2035 targets and a Disorderly Transition Scenario.The Climate Change Authority’s advice: This advice, informed by CSIRO modelling, considers the climate science, economic and national interest in advising the Government on Australia’s 2035 target, as well as examining emerging technology and future opportunities on the road to 2050.Our Nationally Determined Contribution: This reflects our international obligation and signals to the world Australia is ready for investment. This document will be submitted as Australia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), consistent with our obligations under the Paris Agreement.Australia is not alone in acting on climate change - with around 80% of global GDP covered by national net zero commitments.Global investment in clean energy projects is set to rise over USD $2 trillion – we want to grow this, and Australia’s share in it. This is the right target to protect our environment and secure our prosperity and to create jobs and economic growth for our nation.   The Government’s sensible, practical approach means our exporters, farmers and key industries will be able to compete and succeed in the world and our environment will be safe for future generations.    Vitally, this target range balances what the Commonwealth can achieve with existing policies and technologies, and what the country could achieve with a whole-of-economy and whole-of-society effort. A range enables greater ambition, recognising how quickly technology can change and the potential for even greater emissions reduction in the next decade.    We know every effort to tackle emissions today will help avoid the worst impacts of climate change in the future. This range will see Australia halve its emissions compared to current levels. It is in line with global efforts to limit dangerous global warming. We are not the biggest polluter or the biggest economy but our commitment to action on climate change matters. It matters to our neighbours, it matters for our economy and it matters for the country that we pass on to our children. 

UPDATE: 10:41Bruxner Highway open and clear after accident.UPDATE: 10:27AMEastbound traffic has reopened. Allow extra time.The Bruxner Highway has been closed to eastbound traffic at Sneaths Road at Wollongbar.The intersection is fast becoming a hotspot for accidents. Today at 9:39am, two cars crashed, causing the closure.Live Traffic said that emergency services are in attendance.Diversions are in place. Use Sneaths Road to turn left, and right onto Lismore Road to rejoin the Bruxner Highway at Alstonville.

Delivering new homes has been a priority for both the Federal and NSW Governments to start the long journey toward ending the housing crisis. The NSW Government is looking to introduce landmark legislation to deliver more homes through a modern, faster, and fairer planning system for NSW. The NSW Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 is designed to make the planning system quicker and simpler to navigate, so that more homes and jobs can be delivered across the state.The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) is the foundation of the State’s housing, infrastructure, and energy delivery. Every decision made about new and existing development is determined by the EP&A Act, but after nearly 50 years, it has become overly complex and ill-equipped to meet modern challenges.Over time, the planning system has become a barrier preventing the delivery of much-needed homes by slowing decision-making and delaying construction. The level of assessment required for simple developments is disproportionate to their impact on communities – in short, we are sweating the small stuff.As a result, not enough homes are being built. Sydney is now the second least affordable city in the world, and twice as many young people are leaving NSW as are arriving. Families, young people and downsizers are being locked out of the communities they want to live in and are being forced to live far from their families, jobs, and essential services.The EP&A Act needs modernising, and following constructive conversations with the NSW Opposition, the NSW Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 proposes to:Faster, simpler approvalsEstablish the Development Coordination Authority, a single front door which will provide advice on development applications and planning proposals on behalf of all NSW Government agencies.Enshrine the Housing Delivery Authority in legislation, ensuring that the NSW Government has an enduring role in housing delivery across the state.Expand Complying Development, giving councils 10 days to approve small variations on a complying development application, or have it deemed approved.Introduce a new ‘Targeted Assessment Pathway’, bridging the gap between a full development assessment and Complying Development, for types of development where strategic planning and community consultation has already taken place. More certainty for builders and communitiesImprove the standards and requirements on Development Applications (DA) to make sure planning assessments are proportionate to the scale and complexity of development.Standardise conditions to provide more certainty and speed up construction once approvals are granted.Amend the objects of the EP&A Act to include housing delivery, climate resilience and proportionality in planning decisions for the first time.Create a consistent approach to community consultations across the state by establishing a single, state-wide Community Participation Plan for NSW.Cutting red tape and unnecessary duplication in the planning systemRemove the regionally significant development pathway and regional planning panels that have created unnecessary duplication and delays in planning decisions.Update appeal options and review processes to encourage disputes to be resolved outside of the Land and Environment Court.Fix longstanding miscellaneous issues.The need for legislative and regulatory planning reform has become clear.Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said, “The current system has become a bottleneck in the state’s ability to build more homes – hurting housing supply, increasing costs and reducing community confidence.“For too long, NSW has been hamstrung by a planning system that delays good projects and makes it harder to build the homes our communities desperately need.“This Bill is about clearing the path for the right development in the right places, with the right outcomes for the community.”Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “NSW is a great place to live, work, raise a family and start a business. It’s a great place to have a home – but there has been too much red tape tying up approvals and construction of new homes. “That has to change so we can hold onto and attract the people who are vital to powering our economy.“This is the next commonsense step to increase productivity and continue our transformational planning reforms.”Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “The NSW planning system is responsible for supporting the delivery of our housing, infrastructure, and energy systems. This Bill is designed to make that system fit for a modern NSW.“In NSW, 90 per cent of development applications are for less than $1 million – to put it simply, we are sweating the small stuff. We need a planning system that supports the delivery of more homes, jobs and investment in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way.“Housing is the number one issue for the people of NSW. We need legislative reform, and we need support from every end of the political spectrum so that the system that has guided NSW’s development for the last 50 years can guide NSW’s development in the future.“This is about making sure the planning system works for the people of NSW.”

The fourth NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) buyback auction was another success last night at the Lismore Heights Sports Club.All 10 properties listed sold. The cheapest was a 2-bedroom house at 12 Hallam Street, North Lismore, which sold for $6,000, while the most expensive was the last house on the list at 31 Orion Street. It sold for $60,000.The average price was around $45,000, and the total raised for the NSWRA on the night was $361,000.Purchasers now have 12 months to relocate their new house to flood-free land.As has been the case previously, there was one multiple buyer, with three houses, while the others were purchased by individuals.The three cheapest houses ($11,000, $14,000 and $6,000) were not renovated, while the most expensive, Orion Street, had 4 bedrooms and a renovated kitchen and bathroom.After the first house, 29 Cathcart Street, was sold for $46,000, one registered bidder left mumbling, "This is too rich for me".There were 24 registered bidders on the night, only three fewer than at the third auction last month.Two bidders who were unsuccessful but active during the night said they will be back next month, knowing there will be more opportunities to purchase and move a Resilient Homes Program buyback house.They, along with more interested parties, will return in October to the Lismore Heights Sports Club.

The NSW Government has launched a new online tool that will save farmers thousands of dollars and months of work as they negotiate often complex planning laws when applying for development approvals to build key on-farm infrastructure. The platform, called myFarmPlanner, is part of the NSW Government’s plan to strengthen the state’s $20 billion agriculture sector and to boost productivity by helping farmers use the latest technology to make practical, cost-effective decisions. myFarmPlanner provides farmers with all the information they need to know to lodge a development application in as little as 15 minutes using a tailored questionnaire and interactive map.The app brings together information from all approval organisations, including local councils, consenting authorities and industry guidelines.It provides clear information about approval pathways and consent authorities, required licences, permits and approvals, details relevant legislation, regulations and guidelines and provides location-specific constraints including flood zones, bushfire areas and sensitive receptors.  Under normal circumstances, it can take up to 12 months for a farmer to gather all the required DA information needed to build farm buildings, animal housing, processing facilities and other infrastructure, particularly after a flood, bushfire or a storm.By entering farm data individually, producers using the tool can also save money, with the self-service capabilities estimated to eliminate up to $2,000 in consultant fees per application. The new tool supersedes a 2021 beta version of the tool, which was targeted at the poultry industry, and is now expanded to cover dairy, horticulture, poultry and agritourism. Future updates of the myFarmPlanner platform will aim to include additional agriculture sectors and integrate with the Planning Portal to improve efficiencies even further. The development of the myFarmPlanner platform was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program (SFIRP). To access the tool, visit https://myfarmplanner.dpi.nsw.gov.au.  Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “Farmers across NSW are increasingly using online tools to save money and boost productivity. “This new tool is the latest in the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure farmers have the latest technologies to help producers make practical, cost effective on farm decisions. “myFarmPlanner addresses critical barriers to agricultural resilience by simplifying the development application process and providing immediate, location-specific guidance on planning requirements, reducing the need for expensive consultants and enabling faster recovery decisions.  Dairy Farmer, Woodview NSW, Terry Toohey said, "myFarmPlanner will be a very useful tool for the dairy industry as a lot of farmers are land locked, and this will be further intensified by building barns and feedpads etc.  “The tool will enable farmers to look at their expansion options on their farm and whether the land can accommodate their expansion plans.” Molong Viticulturalist Martin Gransden said: “MyFarmPlanner is a handy tool for landowners to use in the initial stages of planning their farm development to navigate the approvals required." 

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg welcomed a record 80 new citizens on Citizenship Day at the recently repaired old Municipal Building.The new citizens have come from Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Thailand, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.Mayor Krieg said it’s an honour to take part in welcoming new citizens to our nation.“One of the best parts of my job is to warmly welcome new Australian citizens who are now part of the common bond that unites all Australians and respects diversity,” he said.“Congratulations and welcome to our new citizens. Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, and since 1949, we have welcomed more than five million new citizens to our shores.”Each year, 17 September is Australian Citizenship Day and a special day to reflect on and celebrate being an Australian citizen. Australian citizenship is more than just a legal status. It is our common bond that represents our shared democratic beliefs and gives us a sense of belonging and pride in our achievements as a nation. This day contributes to educating students and brings greater cultural awareness, a sense of social unity and belonging for all Australians.​The Lismore City Council, representing the Department of Home Affairs, organises regular citizenship ceremonies to warmly welcome new Australian citizens into our community.For more information about Australian citizenship, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is currently responding to a Khapra Beetle detection associated with a brand of nappy pants imported to Australia and sold in Woolworths stores.The detection was reported on 7 September to the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development after larvae were found in the nappy pants.This detection – in Little One’s Ultra Dry Nappy Pants - Walker Size 5 (42pk) - was referred to DAFF, who directed that the remaining stock be removed and secured.The nappy pants were sold nationally only through Woolworths stores, and no other nappy sizes or brands are considered to be affected at this stage.DAFF recommends that members of the public who have purchased Little One’s Nappy Pants or any goods with signs of insect or pest activity do not use the goods and do not dispose of the goods or their packaging - where possible, seal the goods and their packaging in a bag to prevent any pest spread, and call 1800 798 636 or visit Report a pest or disease concern.What to look forAdult beetles are:light yellowish brown to dark brown in colouroval shapedtiny, just 1.6 to 3 millimetres long.Larvae typically:appear very hairy, forming distinctive tufts over the body and giving the appearance of a short tailrange in size from 1.6 to 4.5 millimetres longare initially pale yellow and become golden-brown when they grow.Khapra beetles are a serious pest of stored grain and dry foodstuffs worldwide. The beetle is not currently present in Australia, and if it spreads, it would pose a major threat to Australia’s grains and other plant industries. Khapra beetles can cause some skin irritation and can be allergenic, but do not pose an immediate risk to human health in this context.The importer and Woolworths – who stocked the product nationally – have been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have been traced and treated where appropriate, to ensure they do not pose an ongoing biosecurity risk.DAFF continues to work closely with state and territory governments and key industry bodies on tracing and treatment requirements. If you do find something, please report it immediately by going online to Report a pest or disease concern or by calling 1800 798 636.

Childcare places have been in short supply for many years in Lismore and the Northern Rivers. The NSW Government is investing $100 million to help community preschools expand their hours and cater for more children to help solve the problem.This next stage of the Government’s early learning reforms will lift the quality of childcare by supporting not-for-profit providers to open longer and serve more families.It forms part of the Government’s commitment to rebalance a sector increasingly dominated by for-profit providers, which have grown by 90 per cent in the past decade and now account for 58 per cent of NSW’s 6,300 services.Community preschools will be encouraged to extend their operating hours, open more days, and expand the age range of children they serve, making it easier for working families to access trusted, quality care.With strong community roots, and an excellent record of quality service, these not-for-profits are widely regarded as among the best providers in NSW.Through the new Expanding Quality Access program, community preschools will be supported to extend beyond current 9am–3pm hours and cater for children from birth through to school age. A strong uptake could see thousands of children gain access to services prioritising early learning.This announcement follows the Government’s landmark legislation introduced last week to prioritise the safety and well-being of children and restore parents’ trust in early childhood education and care. The bill delivers 30 reforms to the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010, including:Enshrining in law the principle that the rights and best interests of children come first.A 300 per cent increase in fines for non-compliant services, and a 900 per cent increase for large providers operating 25 or more services.A new requirement for providers to display their compliance history and details of any current investigations.The $100 million investment will support eligible preschools over two years to upgrade their facilities, improve IT and administration, and build workforce capability to support expanded services. Applications for the Expanding Quality Access program open today, with providers encouraged to apply.The community preschool sector has been arguing for increased funding and while the NSW Government doesn’t fund wages in the sector, we do provide program funding, and this is a substantial uplift for the sector that can be accessed with an application to the Expanding Quality Access Program. Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, “The Minns Labor Government understands the value of early education — it’s central to our commitment to universal preschool for our littlest learners. That’s why we’re backing the community preschool sector to provide more services for families who already value their fantastic, high-quality services.“We believe every child should have access to the best possible education, regardless of their age, and this investment will help community preschools deliver that.“We want more families to access quality early education close to home and at hours that suit them. The community preschool sector’s credentials are trusted by so many families, so it makes perfect sense to support them to grow and reach more.”

With temperatures moving into the mid- and high-20s, gardens in Lismore and the Northern Rivers are looking spectacular.The Zonta Club is offering you the chance to look the amazing Crew Garden in Uralba, as well as raising money for a very worthwhile cause.The Crew Garden is a subtropical paradise with meandering paths and lush gardens with some rare and interesting plants.The garden is open this weekend:Saturday: 9am to 4pmSunday: 9am to 2pmEntry is $12 or $10 concession, with children under 16 free.You will enjoy the collection of palms, heliconias, ornamental gingers, bamboo, begonias, aroids, clivias, euphorbias, calatheas, orchids and zingibers. They also have a cut flower farm, orchard, veggies and other edibles.In the words of the Zonta Club, "There is something here for everyone!"Morning and afternoon tea is available, and an on-site plant sale. Money raised goes to providing much-needed funds for local ZONTA projects and services for women and girls in our community.Zonta funds women-only safe rooms in local court houses, a Zonta room at Lismore Base Hospital for mothers and the family of stillborn babies, counselling vouchers for needy women, a scholarship for an SCU student studying for a degree in Social Justice or Social Work and many other projects.THE DETAILS:Spring Open Day at Crew Garden, 131 Platypus Drive, Uralba.This Saturday (9am to 4pm) and Sunday (9am to 2pm)