The NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) has welcomed a $668,000 funding injection from the Disaster Ready Fund to build disaster preparedness and resilience in Lismore and the Northern Rivers. With partners AbSec and the Local Community Services Association (LCSA), NCOSS’ Community Organisations Disaster Adaptation (CODA) project builds disaster resilience and preparedness in communities across NSW. It is focused on communities most vulnerable to disaster impacts. The CODA project will build connections between the community, local social service delivery organisations and Emergency Management authorities to take action to reduce local disaster risks. NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said this funding is an important step towards properly integrating social services into the disaster management response.“Natural disasters disproportionately impact the most vulnerable members of society,” Ms Varian said. “A person’s income, health, disability, age, geographic location and other factors impact their ability to respond when a disaster strikes. “To date, the social service sector has had a limited formal role in responding to emergencies. But the last five years have demonstrated that social services are intrinsically embedded in a disaster response before, during and after an event. “This funding will show the value in expanding and formalising the NGO sector’s role in all phases of disaster management. “We look forward to delivering greater disaster resilience for communities through collaboration and a strengths-based approach. This project will inform sensible recommendations to the Government and prove the value of the social service sector in the full gamut of disaster preparedness and response.” NCOSS will deliver this program in conjunction with local partners Resilience Lismore, Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre, Kyogle Together, Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, and Rekindling the Spirit. Resilience Lismore Executive Director Elly Bird said: "Resilient Lismore is very pleased that the Community Organisations Disaster Adaptation project has been funded in this round of the Disaster Ready Fund. “Our work during 2024, in the first phase of this project, was highly successful with a lot of engagement by community organisations in the Northern Rivers as we collectively support our communities on their long recovery journey following the region wide disaster in 2022. “We are looking forward to working alongside all of our stakeholders in the community sector and in emergency management for a further two years, to enhance disaster preparedness in the Northen Rivers."Can Yasmut, Executive Officer of the LCSA said the organisation welcomes the funding and the recognition this gives to the increasing role Neighbourhood Centres have been taking in disaster management. "We are excited to continue our partnership with NCOSS and thank them for their leadership in developing the CODA project. It builds on the work NCOSS with the support of LCSA and AbSec have been doing with our members in developing disaster ready community organisations and building resilient communities.” CODA will be rolled out in four locations across NSW: Hawkesbury, Northern Rivers, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley on the South Coast, and the Snowy Monaro. For more information on NCOSS’ work on disaster management and community resilience with its partners, go to www.ncoss.org.au/disaster-capability.

The Lismore Uniting Church will officially reopen the main church complex tomorrow (Sunday) at 10am with about 200 people in attendance.The February 2022 big flood caused severe damage to the 116-year-old building, which was hit hard by the force of the water flowing through the streets of the CBD.The flood destroyed the interior of the church and its surrounding fences, the adjacent Red Dove Café, Op Shop, and Hall, from under the floorboards to the ceilings, the altar, the church pews—everything. The historic church's first stone was laid on July 1, 1908, so the rebuild was always going to take time. After two years of an immense and complex reconstruction, it is finally going to welcome worshippers back into the Lismore Uniting Church proper. Since July 24 last year, the Uniting Church has been operating from a temporary space at the back of the building.(The temporary Uniting Church in August 2023)At the time, Lismore Regional Uniting Church Treasurer Alan Hoskins told the Lismore App that the church was heritage-listed, so had to be built back according to those regulations and requirements."Even the front brick fence surround is heritage-listed and has to be replaced exactly the way it was, and those bricks are a bit hard to get. They are coming from Victoria. The floor had to come out, so it is down to bare earth."Local VIPs, including the Mayor of Lismore, Steve Krieg, will attend, as will Federal, State, and Local Government members, with some speaking at a function in the hall for 180 invited guests.  The builders who reconstructed the church and premises will deliver a presentation on the project. Uniting Church Ministers and office bearers from Lismore, Sydney, Canberra and other Uniting churches – Coraki, Kyogle, Ballina, Jiggi will be present, as will representatives from churches of other denominations in the region. There will be a procession and service titled "Reconsecration and Renewal: A Reopening Service." It is as much about the building or the people gathered as it is a time for renewal of the work of the Uniting Church in the region. During the processional hymn, 10 members of the Lismore Uniting Church Council will carry important items such as the Bible, water for the baptismal font, and the plate for the communion bread and cup to the front of the church. All of these items in a church where many have married, farewelled loved ones and attended Sunday services for over 117 years will be reconsecrated to start again in a new era. Afterwards, all church councillors will remain in place to participate in the reconsecration of the entire building.Lismore Uniting Church  WHAT: Reconsecration and Renewal: A Reopening Service – Lismore Uniting ChurchWHERE: Lismore Regional Uniting ChurchWHEN: Sunday, 22 September 2024 10:00am  

There were many lessons learned from the February 2022 flood and the 2019 bushfires, including communication. The NSW Government has rolled out a $5 million fleet of new technologies so that communities impacted by bushfires, floods, or severe weather events can stay connected after natural disasters.In a significant step forward as the bushfire season nears, the technologies will provide backup connectivity for communities and emergency responders.Cells on WheelsThis includes four Cells on Wheels units, which connect to the internet by satellite to provide free public Wi-Fi access.Each asset can provide Wi-Fi coverage up to 500 metres away, while units can be linked to cover an even wider area.Self-powered and mounted on trailers, the units can be dispatched in a matter of hours to provide temporary Wi-Fi connectivity to communities when regular telecommunications infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. This will provide essential internet access to people so they can contact family, apply for support, access documents, or lodge insurance claims, even when local networks are down.The Cells on Wheels, also known as COWs, are due to be delivered this summer following the NSW Telco Authority awarding the contract to regional communication specialist Pivotel.Portable Connection UnitsAdditionally, Service NSW has introduced eight Portable Connection Units which will provide Wi-Fi internet access in disaster recovery centres for staff and locals.These are easily transportable and can switch between local mobile networks to provide internet connection for up to 100 devices.Satellite-enabled Service NSW vehicleA new satellite-equipped Service NSW vehicle has now hit the road.Using Starlink satellite technology, this allows a mobile service centre to be established anywhere at any time, with its own independent broadband connection, ready to help customers.Along with allowing Service NSW to set up temporary offices anywhere, locals will be able to connect to the internet via a public Wi-Fi hotspot.Public Safety NetworkIn addition to keeping the community online, the Government is also delivering new technologies to help emergency services personnel get on with their vital work.The Public Safety Network is the communications network used by emergency services and is critical for keeping emergency and essential services connected during a crisis.Public Safety Network sites are similar to a mobile phone base station, typically featuring a tower and an equipment shelter.To quickly restore Public Safety Network outages caused by natural disasters damaging infrastructure, three fire-resistant portable communications shelters can now be deployed.These will be able to replace destroyed shelters within around a fortnight, greatly reducing the time needed to fully restore a site.The NSW Telco Authority will also position 18 new trailer generators across the state, ready to be transported to Public Safety Network sites that have lost power in an emergency.Premier Chris Minns said, “Telecommunication networks can be limited, damaged or destroyed during emergencies – at a time when they’re needed most.“We know this adds to stress, with people unable to connect with family members or access post-emergency information.“This technology will help people contact loved ones and stay connected in times of need.”Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “In 2022, we found out the hard way that our communications networks were not fit for purpose in the case of a natural disaster, as mobile and wifi towers failed, leaving many communities completely isolated. "The Minns Government’s rollout of these Cells on Wheels and other technology shows we are committed to being better prepared for disasters and keeping people safe.”

Lismore’s local army division, the 41st Battalion has been looking for new members to join the Army Reserves. That isn’t new or news - the armed forces are always looking to attract good talent. Therein lies part of the problem - everyone is looking for good talent!To combat this, the army's recruiting strategy has changed, more specifically, who it is able to recruit.From July 1st, the Australian Army started to take in recruits from New Zealand. And from January 1st, 2025, four more nationalities will have the opportunity to join the Australian Army.Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Healy, the commanding officer for the 41st Battalion at Lismore, spoke about the current problem in hiring recruits.“In terms of growing our organisation, it's so challenging at the moment because unemployment is so low, and we're competing with other Australian organisations and international organisations for talent. “So we are broadening, within policy requirements, who we're allowed to recruit to.“We need leaders. It’s an exciting opportunity for anyone in the community that's not yet a citizen but is a resident. “At this stage, from the first of July, New Zealanders, and then from the first of January (2025), United Kingdom, US and Canadian citizens will be eligible. They tend to be our closest partners. That's why it's limited to those allies.”For anyone looking for an alternative income stream, a new set of skills, or some funded adventure, joining the Army Reserves offers many benefits.(Lieutenant Colonel Danial Healy at the 41st Battalion headquarters)“There are people out there that had their primary career and so forth, and now they want to pivot to something different.“We offer adventure, that exciting career, as well as technical skills that any of them might want to do as a second career to their civilian career.“If you don't think infantry is for you, then go for one of the other trades, transport, truck driver, catering or signaller, which is communications. “There are benefits for travel and those sorts of things for members of the community that are high performing and really making an effort.  “We offer rewards to them with the opportunity to go on major exercises, particularly international engagement or operations. If that's what they want, and they're able to get away from their civilian employment for that period.“There's also public events of significance as well, such as the Commonwealth Games in the past, Operation Gold. There’s the 2032 Olympics coming up, which no doubt we will have a call for support. “Anything to do with security or assisting the community, that's in addition to our primary role, which is the defence of Australia.“You become a member of a larger family. And I think you get really well paid for the days that you serve.”(In training)The quality of army training is specific and designed to bring out your best.  “There is mutual benefit to their civilian employers or on your resume with leadership, team skills, organisational skills, time management, discipline, dress and bearing.“They're the sorts of benefits that a lot of our members, I feel, get out of their military service, no matter what service they're in.”The 41st Battalion is a little different than most cohorts.“We're a small battalion consisting of two companies, all the way from Taree to Tweed Heads.“We're Army Reserve infantry battalion, but we're unique from others contributing in that we also have what's called a combat service support team, which is the logistics staff, essentially. “So truck drivers, we've got a transport section. We have cooks in the catering section, and we've got an FRT, which are fitters and Turners, essentially, but mechanical trades. We also have roles in signals and so forth. “So we're quite diverse compared to other units, which tend to be focused on a single trade.”(At the Casino Truck Show)The variety of trades appears to make them a popular addition in training exercises.“We are a strong battalion, in my mind, and we punch above our weight when it comes to exercise and deployments. Our members are really actively involved in getting away to major ADF exercises. “We've got Talisman Sabre coming up next year, which will be a really exciting opportunity. We're hoping to send some people to Christmas Island as an example. So they do get to travel as well, and then there's other opportunities to try and go to New Zealand or support other ADF activities.”The Talisman Sabre is an exercise between “The Australian Defence Force and all its partner nations from across the Indo Pacific, as well as Europeans. They tend to get involved because they want engagement in the region. “Whether it's only a small force element or some are sending larger contingents over, like US Marines, for example, and they'll exercise all around Australia.“It is getting bigger compared to what it was ten years ago, which is great to see because it's an opportunity for our members to get in there and do their role in the defence of Australia.”Army reserve recruits generally “work” between 20 and 100 days a year, though it can be extended. More than 200 days a year, and it is close to full-time.(In training)The reserves work with ADF Careers, and some people select to swap over.“Reservists tend to live locally to their Home Depot and unit. You can transport your membership if they move interstate state and they want to continue to serve.You can enjoy a career in the reserves, even if you choose to sign up in your 50s. However, you still need to pass the medical and fitness tests.”Joining the Reserves means you select a trade within the army, completing training to become a soldier and or officer. People usually join the reserves with an existing trade and learn about using that in the defence of Australia. The soldier and, in particular, officer training can take some time, but for those who want to, there are accelerated programs.For those who have been considering the Reserves, there is an open day at the base on Military Road, where you can see some of the tools of the trade, trucks and items used by the base.(In training)“I've really, really, really enjoyed my career,” LC Healy said. He has been serving since the 1990s and has had some incredible experiences. One of the highlights is serving as the Commanding Officer for the 41st Battalion. “The opportunity to come lead the 41st Battalion has been a real privilege. It’s spread over such a large geographic area, but the people here are exceptional. Our presence of exercises is really strong, and the training we do throughout the year is really rewarding.”“An appointment with the UN was also an incredible highlight. I was a military observer for peacekeeping and deployed with Operation Paladin, which is Australia's name for the UN Truth Supervision Organisation. That was in Israel, Syria and Lebanon, and I was fortunate to serve in all three countries with my time there as a reservist.”If you are interested, as an Australian Citizen or one of our allied countries, the number to call is 131 901 or add the Open Day on November 9th to your diary at the Military Barracks, 116 Military Road, East Lismore.

Lismore and the Northern Rivers will be buzzing as the biggest garage sale day of the year arrives - Second Hand Saturday. Pick up a bargain from 8am!From boats to brush-cutters, camping gear and pre-loved children’s treasures, there is something for everyone, with more than 360 garage sales registered across the North Coast region over the next weekends.Hosted by North East Waste and member Councils, the free annual community event has continued to gather momentum over years, encouraging the North Coast community to support re-use over landfill and be proud of contributing positively towards the ever-increasing war on waste.Linda Tohver from North East Waste said “Collectively, we can make such a big difference over a day of choosing to reuse! Since 2016, Second Hand Saturday has helped to exchange over 8,000 wheelie bins of items, around half of which would have been destined for landfill.”The program also encourages participation from people who’ve never held a garage sale before.“Each year we see around 10% of participants who are newcomers to the whole garage sale experience. It’s wonderful to be able to engage new sectors of our community in an activity which boosts our transition towards a Circular Economy, and encourages reuse of pre-loved items, over buying new.“ said Linda.To see what other sales are on and plan your shopping list, visit the Second Hand Saturday website www.secondhandsaturday.com.au or download the free Second Hand Saturday app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. There, you’ll find a full garage sale list, interactive maps and route calculation and options to bookmark your favourite sales.Alternatively, check the Second Hand Saturday Facebook page to stay in the loop with what’s happening this Saturday and to view the print listing in each Council area.Second Hand Saturday is coordinated by NE Waste on behalf of its’ member Councils and proudly supported by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

A partly cloudy weekend ahead, with a pretty typical spring weather pattern in play. That is cool mornings and warm days, temperatures ranging from 9 degrees to 26 or 27 degrees.The Bureau says there is a 30% chance of rain; however, only 1mm is forecast.If you love a bargain, check out the list of garage sales happening tomorrow (Saturday) for the annual Second Hand Saturday.There are 362 registered garage sales, 51 with free stuff and 38 that are fundraising. Check out the full list here. You can sort by LGA or by item category.RiverFest kicks off a month-long celebration of the Richmond River catchment this Sunday in Lismore as part of World River's Day between 11am and 3pm.RiverTime will have a dynamic day of activities at Riverside Park. The event will include river-themed stalls, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities, all designed to inspire and engage the local community.The 104th Nimbin Show is on Saturday and Sunday at the showgrounds (33 Cecil Street).All the fun of the show will be on display, including horse events, cattle judging, dog high jump, axe display, classic car display (Sunday) and, of course, rides for the kids.A reminder to diarise the 2024 Lismore Show on Thursday, October 17 to Saturday, October 19.While in Nimbin, legendary classical pianist Roger Woodward will perform works by Chopin, Debussy and Bach at the Nimbin Hall on Sunday at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Perceptio Bookshop on (02) 6689 1766.The Lismore Farmers Markets are on, as usual, at the Lismore showgrounds on Alexandra Parade tomorrow (Saturday) from 7:30 to 11:30am.Not only can you purchase fresh fruit & veg from local growers and have breakfast and coffee & tea, you can help make a human peace sign from 9:45am for World Peace Day. The CWA van makes its return with hand made products, including pet items and you will be entertained by Mish Songsmith with live music.Other live music over the weekend includes Dan Grace at the Northern Rovers Hotel tonight from 7pm, the Legless Lizards on Saturday from 7pm, and the Sunday Session with the Lonesome Boatmen between 2 and 5pm.The Lismore Workers Club reopens to the public at 9am Monday morning at 231 Keen Street. It has been two years and seven months, but finally patrons will be walking through the doors once again.The auditorium will be providing live music from Saturday, November 9, with the Boney M Experience, Saturday, November 16 with Marina Prior and Michael Cormick and The Italian Tenors on Friday, November 22.A reminder that next Friday is the 2024 Rodney Lees Cabinetmaking Lismore Cup Day at the Lismore Turf Club in North Lismore. It is the first time the Cup has been run on a Friday, and a big crowd is expected. The Billy Gudegeon Band will perform after the last race around 5pm.It is Grand Final time for the Men's and Women's Premier League as the Football Far North Coast season comes to an end.Minor Premier's Bangalow will host Goonellabah tomorrow (Saturday) with kick-off at 2:30pm, after Bangalow defeated Alstonville last week 2-1 and Goonellabah defeated South Lismore in a penalty shootout after the scores were level 1-1 following extra time.For the women, the Grand Final will be Byron Bay v Richmond Rovers at Byron on Sunday with kick-off at 1:30pm. The two top dominant sides, Lennox Head and Alstonville were both upset last week 2-1. Richmond Rovers will fancy themselves as Premier's after their stunning upset against Lennox last weekend.More good news at the petrol bowsers this week with most grades of fuel dropping by 6 to 10 cents a litre, even in Lismore. Last week U98 was the only exception for a price drop; however, this week it to reduces in price.While Lismore saw the biggest price reduction, it still has a long way to go to be competitive with Ballina. E10 is still 20c a litre cheaper in Ballina where you can save $12 on a 60l tank of petrol. Lismore is easily the cheapest for diesel by 10.5 cents a litre at the new Astron on Ballina Road.Here are the latest prices in each town:E10 is 181.9 across those that serve E10 across Lismore, 172.9 across Casino, with The Metro and new Mobile in Ballina cheapest at 161.5.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 174.9 throughout Casino and 163.5 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 191.9 at the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, Northside Liberty and Bakers Corner at North Lismore and the Shell South Lismore at 21 Elliot Road, 189.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, Casino and 174.5 at The Metro in Ballina.U98 is 198.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 194.9 at the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 183.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Diesel is 171.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 184.7 at the United on Johnston Street in Casino and 182.5 at the new Mobil in Ballina.Have a great weekend!

The ongoing dispute between NSW Health and the Nurses & Midwives Association is no closer to being resolved even after a recommendation delivered by the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) was announced today.The Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said in a statement that the IRC recommended both parties enter into four weeks of intensive discussions."During this time, the IRC recommends NSW Health begin paying nurses the interim 3 per cent increase, back-paid to 1 July 2024 contingent on the industrial action ceasing."The Government will accept this, and has notified the Association of its intention to do so, on the basis the Association also agrees to the recommendation."This is an opportunity for nurses to receive increased pay and patients to continue to receive care while the broader dispute is in the process of being resolved by the parties. "I want to reiterate, nothing is more important to me as Minister for Health than investing in our essential health workers."Working in partnership with the Association and NSW Health, we have achieved much together since taking Government, including:Nurse retention levels reaching pre-COVID levels - as of 30 June 2024 retention has improved a further one per cent to 93.6 per cent over the past 12 months; Investing heavily in the nursing workforce - including $572 million to save the jobs of 1,112 whose positions were unfunded from 1 July 2024; Rolling out Safe Staffing Levels - implementation is now commencing across 16 of our Emergency Departments across metropolitan and regional NSW; Achieving nurse numbers at record levels - the nursing workforce has increased by over 2,000 FTE to over 56,000 FTE since taking office; and Removing the wages cap and delivering much needed wage increases - the majority of NSWNMA members voted to accept a 4.5 per cent wage increase last year, the highest increase in over a decade."In response, the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members will hold a 24-hour strike next week over the NSW government’s refusal to properly value the dedicated patient care that public sector nurses and midwives provide in increasingly challenging conditions.The NSWNMA statement said thousands of nurses and midwives will strike for 24 hours from the start of morning shift on Tuesday (24 September), after the Minns government’s failure to demonstrate their willingness to negotiate in good faith by close of business yesterday.NSWNMA General Secretary Shaye Candish said the union remained committed to finding a path forward, but the government had failed to negotiate despite repeatedly being implored to do so.“Our hospitals are in crisis with increasing activity and increasing numbers of nurses and midwives leaving for better pay interstate. The public expects their local hospital to be well staffed, but the current wage setting for nurses and midwives means they cannot stay,” said Ms Candish.“We have genuinely tried to avert this action, but the government has simply failed to demonstrate a willingness to move.“Our members are desperate to provide the safe level of care NSW patients need when seeking treatment inside public hospitals, but instead of their skilled work being remunerated accordingly, their employer believes a baseline 3 per cent pay offer is enough.“It’s not acceptable for the state government to continue turning a blind eye to the pay inequity that is seriously undermining this state’s largest female-dominated workforce. We now have the lowest-paid nurses and midwives in the country.“The government seems to forget that nurses and midwives are leaving for better wages and conditions in Queensland and Victoria, where wages are between 10 and 22 per cent higher.“It’s also clear when two major public sector unions are undertaking industrial action, that we have a government that is incapable of dealing with the issues at hand.”NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites, added public sector workers were trying to repair the damage caused by the previous Coalition government’s pay freeze.“The government has acknowledged the pay gaps are driving the recruitment and retention crisis in our public hospitals, but it is now clear that after four months of negotiation, they are yet to do any work towards putting an improved offer to our members,” said Mr Whaites.“It's​​​ clear this government is failing to listen to its largest female-dominated workforce, instead they expect nurses and midwives to sit down and be quiet and continue to pay 2024 bills on 2008 wages.“We support our colleagues across the union movement in attempting to redress the harm caused by the previous government’s wages policy, and at this stage, it seems the Minns government is no different.”The NSWNMA has confirmed minimal, life-preserving staffing will be maintained in public hospitals and health services during the 24-hour strike from next Tuesday morning.

As temperatures rise into the mid to late-20s again this weekend, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) is encouraging residents to dedicate this weekend to preparing themselves and their homes for the upcoming bushfire season.This 'Get Ready Weekend' (21 and 22 September), more than 300 Rural Fire Brigades will be hosting events across the state. These events will include firefighting equipment displays, information stands and workshops at various community venues such as shopping centres, local parks and fire stations.In the Lismore LGA, there will be two events:Bunnings at South Lismore on Saturday (September 21) between 8am and 4pmWyrallah (22 Emily Street) on Sunday (September 22) between 10am and 2pmFor those close to Alstonville, Mortgage Choice at Alsontville Plaza between 8am and 1pm.At Bunnings, you can get your sausage sandwich, as well as have a fire truck or two for the kids to climb through, with six to eight people ready with information about how to prepare for this coming bushfire season. Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said with a return to hot and dry conditions anticipated this summer, now was the perfect time for residents to prepare for the heightened risk of bush and grass fires.“We can’t be complacent. After several years of rainfall and flooding, the vegetation has grown quickly, and that is now drying out with the warmer weather, adding to fire risk,” Minister Dib said.“Recent research shows that 70 per cent of residents living in bushfire-prone areas have some sort of plan for fire emergencies, but alarmingly, less than half have undertaken any preparatory work on their properties.“Volunteer firefighters will be on hand this weekend to discuss simple and cost-effective measures to reduce bush fire risk, such as clearing out gutters, trimming overhanging branches, and completing a Bush Fire Survival Plan.”Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said volunteers were already hard at work across the state, having responded to more than 1,100 bush and grass fires since the beginning of July."While our firefighters are doing everything they can by conducting hazard reduction burns when weather conditions allow, preparation is a shared responsibility,” Commissioner Rogers said.“Our crews do a great job in very challenging situations, but we can’t have a fire truck at every home, so property owners must also take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and communities.“Have a plan - know when you should leave, what to take and where you can go to. And look out for your family, friends and neighbours – make sure they, too, are ready and have a plan.“The time to prepare is now, not when a fire is at your doorstep.  That’s often too late and could cost the life of a loved one or loss of property.”The RFSs Get Ready Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 September. To find yours visit  www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/get-ready

Craig Blackler, proprietor of Perkins Caravans Lismore for 18 years, has decided that his location has to change, and an opportunity has come up in Ballina that provides a perfect solution. Due to a number of factors surrounding the floods, Craig has made the tough decision to leave the original premises which has been part of the fabric of Lismore society for over 50 years.“It wasn't an easy decision because I am Lismore, through and through,” says Craig, considering the myriad of reasons why the decision came about.“It’s time to make a change, having been through the devastation that Lismore has seen and been through.“I’ve lived here since I was about six or seven, so I've seen a lot of floods come through Lismore, but nothing like we've been through in the last few years. And to be perfectly honest, if we had to do it again, it'd break me emotionally, physically and probably financially. “It would probably mean the end of the business one way or another.”Perkins Caravans have experienced a stream of influences that have swayed Craig’s decision.After the flood, Craig did get assistance, but it was not enough to make him feel secure about a future when another flood hits. The payment he was given was enough to purchase a portable office (which he now has to sell—if you need one, give him a call!).Part of the land he was occupying was sectioned off for reuse, and the main office on that land, decimated by the floods, was never thought to be replaced.  Craig said another shed on the property was condemned, but it was the only shed they had. In December last year, he was given the ok to be replaced, but Craig is still waiting on further developments.It has made it tough to do business comfortably.(Doing business out of the portable office)Directly after the floods, assistance that flowed into the CBD, like skip bins, was not meted out to his location in South Lismore, and Craig only received help after sending persistent requests. “I can only speak from my personal experience. Every time we've had a big flood, being on this side of the river, we miss out.  “All the focus and assistance around getting back from the flood is based on the CBD. Maybe that's because the CBD is more visible. I feel forgotten over here.”After Craig's decision to leave was made public, Council did call and ask if there was anything they could do to keep Perkins Caravans in Lismore, but Craig said it was too little too late.  “I said, that's a phone conversation or a knock on the door that maybe you guys should have made in the last two and a half years rather than reacting after we've physically made the decision to go.“There's a lot of businesses that have been affected, and they're not putting their hand out asking for help, but a show of support from the Lismore Council and the State Government is something that can go a long way, if for nothing else, to boost morale and make you feel like you’re needed here.”There have been some booms in caravanning recently, and the flood was also a potential time to do well, but it did not turn out that way for Perkins. This left Craig feeling disappointed in the State Government's handling of the situation, locally.“We had the massive boom from Covid, and then the floods created another massive need for temporary housing. We didn't get as much out of that. “The state government went and sourced caravans. Instead of sourcing caravans from Lismore, they went and got them from wherever they got them. “It was upsetting at the time because we had a massive financial loss as well. So for them to have approached us would have helped us get back on track.”This stocking issue is exacerbated when your produce is so large and cumbersome. Relocating caravans, finding places to store them during the flood, and keep them during the clean-up was no small feat. Craig couldn’t be happier with the torrent of assistance that came from the people of Lismore right on time in 2022. “We actually moved them all twice in the first 18 hours. It takes a long time to move them all.”The caravans were originally taken up to East Lismore, but the water rose beyond all predictions, so they had to be moved again higher up the hill.(Craig with some of his favourite caravans)“We've got to make a decision before the roads close or before water gets on the roads, because it's a six-hour job to move the caravans out and we can't risk it.“The Lismore community helped us do that. We had people just call in and pick them up and move them.”It was done so quickly that when it was done, Craig realised he had no idea where a lot of his stock had been taken! But people rang in, and he got every one of them back. Now the warnings come through early, and there is so much risk attached to the business, Craig is finding it harder to deal with.“Lismore is very cautious and every time we get a little bit of rain, now, the flood warnings come out. In the past, that's never affected me, but it does now because of what we've been through. “It makes me nervous. I don't sleep at night.”“Lismore has been fantastic to us. And not just Lismore, it's the surrounding areas. Casino, Kyogle, as far out as Tenterfield, Glen Innes and Inverell. They've all really supported our business and made our business what it is today.  “Les Perkins established the business over 50 years ago, and Les is still around in Lismore.“We’ve never changed the name of the business because of the legacy that Les began.”Craig will remove “Lismore” from the business's name when he moves, but that is all.“We've grown really close to our customers and the tradies, the people that have helped us along the way. The people of Lismore have been really supportive and amazing. Just beautiful people. So, once again, that made it a hard decision.Part of the decision to move came about when an ideal location was made available.“We've got a site opposite Aldi in Ballina. There was a caravan repair shop there, which is closed down.”Craig plans to reopen the repair shop, but it will run as a separate business that coincides with his offering. “So it kind of turns into a one-stop caravan shop.”“We'll still be able to offer some form of service to the people in Lismore. Then again it might be an opportunity for them to go for a drive down to Ballina and visit us and have some lunch or something!”

Today (Friday, 20 September), over forty local high school students will get a first-hand and hands-on insight into what a career in health could look like for them. Hosted by the University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH) and presented in collaboration with Connect Northern Rivers, the UCRH Health Careers Day is aimed at handpicked senior students from Kadina High School, Summerland Christian School, St John’s College Woodlawn, St Mary’s Casino and Alstonville High School who have an interest in a career in health. Frances Barraclough, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Education at UCRH, said the day is an important opportunity to support and nurture the health workforce of the future. “We want young people from rural areas to see healthcare as a fantastic career option,” she said. “We support and deliver education around an incredible range of health disciplines at UCRH so we’re able to showcase a real spectrum of options for the high schoolers. “We’ll have university students who are on placement with us, studying medicine, occupational therapy, dentistry, physiotherapy and speech pathology, coming along to talk with the high schoolers and give them a sense of what to expect if they head in this direction,” she added. The Health Careers Day will include a panel discussion with current university students and a discussion about what a day in the life of a clinician looks like. UCRH researchers will share their experiences on career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and current medicine students will talk the high schoolers through the various exams required to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and health science degrees. The final component of the day, and always the most popular aspect, will be the practical workshops led by medical and allied health students as well as UCRH’s team of high skilled clinical educators. Covering suturing, basic life support, clinical nursing skills and more, these workshops are fun but have serious intent. “By sparking an interest in these talented young students, we want to inspire them to pursue careers in health,” Barraclough added. “They could be the Northern Rivers’ future doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, nurses, so this an important investment in the next generation of rural health care workers.”

The Lismore Theatre Company is pleased to announce the next show in their 2024 season – The Heavenly Prize.You put ageism and sexism together and what have you got? You’ve got older women becoming invisible, or at least their wisdom being ignored by a society that worships youth and beauty. Not exactly a prized lifestyle. Observing this contemporary attitude, playwright Bette Guy was determined to write a play that captured the essence of what it feels like to still feel young on the inside yet look old on the outside. So, The Heavenly Prize came into being. The storyline is simple. Two seventy-five-year-old women, Anne and Barbara, meet up to reminisce about what life was like in the swinging sixties of their youth, compared to their current situation in an Aged Care complex.They do this with bombastic humour, touching on the protests they marched in, their family life, their years as teachers and the vibrant sex lives they enjoyed. Wanting to stave off the dreaded Dementia, Barbara enjoys playing games on her mobile while Anne enters as many competitions as she can. When Anne comes across one that appears somewhat weird Barbara thinks it might be a scam, but they enter anyway. Will they win or not? Throughout the play Anne and Barbara as young girls come alive on stage to illustrate what growing up decades ago was like.“I wanted to show that the needs and desires of older women are as complex as any other human being at any other age”, Bette Guy said. “They long for recognition of their wisdom and to know that it’s okay for them to still want love in all of its forms.” The Heavenly Prize is a play that tumbles with humour amid the profound comments it makes about being an older woman.(Rose Christmas, Tully Brednow, Jenny Craig, Kathryn McMillan. Photo: Daniel Cohen - DC Sports Photography.Anne Brindley, played by Jenny Craig, is a feisty woman in her seventies who never gives up on anything. Having lived a very full life she is seriously proud of what she has achieved and yet can make a joke out of almost anything, good or bad. “I miss the love and attention I got when younger but I’ve still got my memories to look back on. And there’s always my best friend to chat with. That counts for a lot.”Barbara Richards, the character played by Kathryn McMillan, has been best friends with Anne Bridley for around sixty years. “Anne can be a bit bossy but she’s been my rock. The older you get the more invisible you become. If that’s possible. Having Anne as a real friend has been a life saver.”The Teenage Anne Brindley, played by Tully Brednow, has always been streetwise and strong-willed yet has always appreciated having her friend Barbara, being there for her. “Seeing myself at that ‘great age’ is a bit scary, but I like how she carries on as if she’s still young. I admire that. Nice to know she’s still somehow me.”The Teenage Barbara Richards, played by Rose Christmas, feels lucky to have survived so well and for so long. She puts this down to the life-long support of her friend Anne, though it is her own quiet calm that has also helped. “Seeing myself as a seventy-five-year-old is both wonderful and bewildering.”Theresa, the Carer, played by Kayla Elliot, was brought up to treat others as you would want to be treated yourself. This makes her a compassionate person, and she has grown fond of Anne and Barbara. “Their conversation sometimes has me in fits, but older women need to be seen and heard more often.”This delightful play will be on at the Rochdale Theatre from September 27th – October 6th. Tickets are $25 each and $20 for concession and members. A fundraising performance for Beating Hearts of Lismore will be held on 28th September.Tickets can be purchased at https://www.trybooking.com/CUFBX or via the Lismore Theatre Company website - www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au.

In a bid to attract midwives to regional NSW, the state government os offering a $20,000 sign-on bonus to those who choose to relocate and start work in rural, regional and remote NSW, as part of a trial starting later this month.The trial, which forms part of the NSW Government’s Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, will run for six months from 30 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, and is aimed at boosting the regional midwifery workforce to better support mothers, their babies, and families.The one-off payment will be available for midwives relocating and starting new roles in Modified Monash Model level three to level seven facilities.Attracting health workers to regional, rural and remote locations is a challenge for all health jurisdictions and governments.The Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme is supported by a broad suite of initiatives introduced by the Minns Labour Government to further strengthen the state’s health workforce, including:Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departmentsProviding permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basisAbolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workersBeginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.An investment of an additional $200.1 million to deliver more health worker accommodation in regional, rural and remote communities.For more information on eligibility for the sign-on bonus and to apply for a midwifery position, visit the NSW Health website.The Nurses and Midwives Association have been striking to increase wages by 15%, which is claimed to be the lowest wage in the country. Some Northern NSW nurses and midwives have left NSW to work in Queensland hospitals due to the higher pay. This begs the question, will a $20,000 bonus be enough incentive to attract midwives to Northern NSW?Minister for Health Ryan Park, “This Government is committed to attracting and retaining more healthcare workers to regional, rural and remote areas to ensure people living in these communities can receive high-quality, timely care close to home.“I’ve said this countless times, worker shortages in our regional, rural and remote communities is the biggest single challenge facing our health system.“Midwives support the birth of almost 100,000 babies right across our state each year, regardless of where a family lives the importance of providing women, their partners and families with high quality, compassionate care cannot be underestimated.“With this innovative trial, we are looking at new ways to fill critical vacancies in our regions so we can build a stronger and more supported regional health workforce.”

NSW Police recently launched the 'You Should Be a Cop In Your Hometown' initiative aimed at identifying and recruiting future police officers.Superintendent of the Richmond Police District Scott Tanner said if you sign up to join NSW Police, you can be guaranteed of getting a job in your hometown, if that is your choice.."For example, if you're from Lismore and your choice is to come back to Lismore, before you actually go to the academy, you'll have a guarantee that you'll come back here and start your career. "It's all built around getting local people with local knowledge and local connections to come back to the community and and be involved in policing," Supt Tanner explained.This initiative is a far cry from twenty or thirty years ago when you had to stints outside of your hometown."It's changed over the years, absolutely. You used to have to do a metropolitan stint and then a country stint, and you used to have to go out west to get to the East Coast. But, this is just another incentive to get fresh new people coming in. "Things have certainly changed since 30 years ago that I joined the police force. Things have have have changed dramatically. With the cost of living crisis, it's very hard for a young couple or a young person to uproot their life and move from regional areas into the city just for a job. So, we've identified that. If we have positions available, which we do, why not keep them in their hometown, where they've already got the support around them?" If you or someone you know is interested to learn more, the Richmond Police District is running two roadshows today and tomorrow.Today (Thursday, 19 September), police will be setup in Ballina Fair between 4pm and 8pm.Tomorrow (Friday, 20 September), police will be set up at Oakes Oval between 9am and 2:30pm as part of the Northern Rivers Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout.You can also check out You Should Be A Cop In Your Hometown on the Richmond Police District Facebook page or check out the NSW Police website https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment.

The NSW Government is today releasing its formal response to the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) Hate Crimes. After carefully considering the almost 3,500-page report prepared by the Inquiry, the NSW Government is supporting all 19 of the Inquiry’s public recommendations.Led by the Commissioner, the Honourable Justice John Sackar, and launched in April 2022, the Inquiry looked into the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ+ people that may have been hate crimes between 1970 and 2010 that had been the subject of previous investigation by the NSW Police Force.The Commission’s report identified shortfalls in how NSW Government authorities responded to these deaths and found that investigations were not consistently handled with professionalism, fairness, respect, and compassion. The Inquiry also heard of the deep hurt that continues to be felt by LGBTIQ+ communities, and the legacy of distrust of government services that continues to the present day.The NSW Government commends the efforts of the Inquiry and those who provided assistance to this important work.The NSW Government also extends its deepest gratitude to all LGBTIQ+ community and ally organisations who have advocated tirelessly for change over several decades.We will honour the victims and victim-survivors whose pain has been captured by the Inquiry, through the implementation of all 19 recommendations.Implementation of some recommendations has already been completed. Action on other recommendations is underway or will be implemented following further planning or technological advances. The NSW Police Force has established Taskforce Atlas to oversee implementation of the NSWPF-related recommendations.A working group has been established to develop a process for conducting the recommended systematic review or audit of all unsolved homicides from 1970 to 2010.It will also inform work in relation to identifying exhibits to be submitted or resubmitted for forensic testing in light of possible technological advancements.In accordance with the advice from Commissioner Sackar, a confidential volume of the Inquiry’s Report has also been provided to the NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission to inform any current or future criminal investigations or prosecutions. The response follows the important and landmark apology by the NSW Government for the historic criminalisation of homosexuality in NSW, which was delivered in Parliament in June 2024. The Minns Labor Government has also recently announced a range of initiatives aimed at promoting equality and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ communities.This includes a new advisory council designed to improve the understanding of issues affecting LGBTIQ+ people across the state and the introduction of new laws to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices. The Government response can be accessed here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/noindex/2024-09/Government%20Response%20-%20SCOI%20into%20LGBTIQ%20Hate%20Crimes.docx.pdfMinister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said, “The Inquiry report made for deeply difficult reading; a difficulty dwarfed by the lived experiences shared by so many.“Today is an important milestone in a long journey for victims, victim-survivors, advocates and allies who have suffered from these crimes.“We can’t change what has happened in the past, but we can and will do everything in our power to learn, evolve and prevent history from repeating itself.“The Government response is another step in the pursuit of justice and the Government and NSW Police Force are actively working to implement report’s recommendations in partnership with the LGBTIQ+ community.” Support servicesThe Inquiry engaged ACON Pride Counselling to offer free and confidential counselling to LGBTIQ+ people participating in the Inquiry. Find out more here: https://www.acon.org.au/support-services/pride-counselling/The following services are available for immediate support:Emergency assistance: (triple zero) 000Lifeline: 13 11 14Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467NSW Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511QLife (3pm to midnight): 1800 184 527Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Rainbow Sexual, Domestic & Family Violence Service Help Line: 1800 385 578Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015TransHub Pivot Point

A man has died in a two-vehicle crash in Ballina yesterday afternoon..About 5.45pm yesterday (Wednesday 18 September 2024) emergency services were called to Tamarind Drive, Ballina, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended the scene and found two vehicles - a silver Honda Accord sedan and a white Hyundai i30 – had collided.Police removed the 62-year-old driver of the Hyundai from the vehicle before he was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; but he was unable to be revived.The 18-year-old driver of the Honda was also treated at the scene before being transported to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment.Police established a crime scene and Crash Investigation Unit officers commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.A report will be prepared for the coroner.As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with dashcam vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

While Year 12 students are preparing for their first written HSC exam on Tuesday, October 15, NSW teachers and future Year 12 students now have access to a new rigorous and explicit English and Mathematics curriculum, as the Minns Labor Government completes the rollout of mandatory high school content with the release of Year 11 and 12 syllabuses. The release of the new English syllabus marks a major milestone in the current NSW curriculum overhaul, with all mandatory content from K-12 now in the hands of teachers.The new Year 11 and 12 syllabuses are aligned with and build on the mandatory content in the K–10 syllabuses.In line with the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building mathematical knowledge and capabilities from primary school and the early years of high school, the mathematics paths in Years 9–10 empower more students to pursue mathematics in Year 11 and 12, and are designed to support those aspiring to study the highest levels of mathematics in the HSC.Duplicated content in the Advanced and Extension HSC courses has been removed and Mathematics Standard and Advanced HSC exams will no longer include common questions.The new Year 11–12 English syllabuses feature a renewed focus on literature as the parent discipline of English. In English Extension 2, students will continue to submit a major work along with the introduction of a new focus area, ‘Author and Authority’. The focus area is designed to provide guidance to students for their major work through engagement with literature, and will be subject to examination. Both English Extension 1 and 2 will be examined online from 2027. New support materials and resources will be provided to assist schools and teachers to implement the new syllabuses.Schools will have more than a year to get to know the new English and Mathematics syllabuses under the revised timeline announced by the Minns Labor Government. They will be taught from 2026 and examined from the 2027 HSC. In addition to the new English and Mathematics syllabuses, new History syllabuses for Years 11 and 12 have also been released to schools today and will be taught from 2027. History Extension will be taught in NSW schools from 2026 and examined in the 2027 HSC.The rollout of new syllabuses for further HSC elective subjects will continue in 2025.Visit the NSW Curriculum website to view the new syllabuses and support materials for teachers, students and families: curriculum.nsw.edu.au/Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “Today marks a significant milestone in NSW education as we release a new rigorous English and Maths curriculum that will support teachers and improve learning outcomes for students. “We are taking advice from the experts that numeracy and mathematics skills must be well developed through the mandatory Mathematics syllabus from Kindergarten through to Year 10.“We need NSW students developing foundational understanding and skills in maths in primary school, and building on these strong foundations in Years 7 to 10 to equip them to pursue maths in Years 11 and 12 and beyond.“I thank the teachers from all school sectors who played a role in developing these new syllabuses, which will ensure our students get a world-class education in NSW schools.NSW Education Standards Authority CEO Paul Martin said, “NSW teachers and students now have access to a streamlined and explicit Maths and English curriculum for Kindergarten to Year 12.“By design, each stage of learning is now connected so teachers can best support their students to progress their understanding and build deep knowledge through to senior high school.“It means by Year 11 and 12, students will have the opportunity to pursue the highest level of learning, in line with their future goals and aspirations.“Thank you to the teachers and broader education community who engaged so collegially on the public consultation process.”

Avast ye! International Talk Like A Pirate Day (ITLAPD) is for a bit of light hearted fun. So get ready to go on the account (become a pirate)!  If you have a tricorn, don it. If you have a pirate name, only answer to it. If you don’t have a pirate name, today is the day to select one!Then, try an' squash yer larynx to deepen yer voice an' squint a bit and try some o' this here lingo on, down below!But first, why??? It all started in 1995 over a game of racquetball, when two scallywags, Mark Summers and John Bower of Albany, Oregon in USA, began calling the highs, lows and encouragement of the game in pirate speak. It was so much fun, they picked a day they knew was not official for anything else and declared it ITLAPD. For 7 years, it was only celebrated by a handful of friends, until they sent the concept to an award winning journalist who ran with it. As have many others since.To all the scalliwags, rapscallions, gentleman o’ fortune, pyrettes, buccaneers, marauders and privateers out there, here be some jolly words o’ wisdom fer this here day:Brethren o’ th’ Coast - fellow pirates.Hornswaggle - to cheatHang em from the yardarm - said when you don’t like someone's idea.No prey, no pay - no work, no pay!Run a shot across the bow - send a warning…Parlay - to talk termsShow a leg! - wake up and get up!Reef the sails - tighten things up to run the most efficient way without overstressingWeigh anchor and hoist the mizzen - let's get goingBring a spring upon her cable - change tack or direction without warningHandsomely - to do something quickly and well doneI’ll kill ya tomorrow! - Thank youOr try one o’ these:Get yourself a true pirate name using a pirate name generator.When you are on the pocket parrot (phone) try doodling your colours (pirate flag).Learn a shanty!One doubloon = $1. Now, the cost of everything can be broken down into pirate payments.If you are feeling in the spirit, use a pirate-speak translator to turn an entire email into something more piratical!Look up a pirate joke or ten. Here be one t’ start: What be a pirate's favourite letter? You may be thinking RRRrrrrr… but it really be the C that gets at a pirates heart!Or meet up with another scurvy dog for a clap o’ thunder (drink) after work and test your pyraticalingo!After all, it be 300 years ago when that there third golden age o' piracy, ended with the deaths o' famous gentlemen o' fortune like Blackbeard, Cap'n Calico Jack, Black Bart, Anne Bonny an' Mary Read. Best o’ luck to yer. I 'ope ye make it through th’ day without walkin' the plank to become sharkbait, or sink to Davy Jones' locker!

Jenny Dowell has been involved in Local Government since the late 1990’s. After two terms as Lismore’s Mayor and two more terms supporting mayors as a mentor, she has made the decision to step back.Ms Dowell had a mayoral mentor when she became Mayor of Lismore, and found it very beneficial. She was invited by Local Government NSW to impart the knowledge she had gained in her time in office, and took on the mentoring mantle herself when she left Lismore City Council.“I've been mentoring about 40 mayors and councillors around the state over the last two terms.“I've just finished off at the election on Saturday with the mentors, because it seemed logical a change of cycle and the right time to stop being a mentor. “I really appreciated having a mentor, and I've enjoyed being a mentor.”Ms Dowell feels that a mayor's mentor needs to be fresh to the role, and that is getting distant for her now. With another birthday coming up, the time to prioritise those aspects of life that hold personal meaning beckons.Ms Dowell also teaches new councillors the ropes and is winding down obligations to about seven councils, “I'm also a trainer with Local Government New South Wales.“I'm going to do training from when the elections are declared, right through until mid November, and then I'm retiring from that job as well.”Most often, a mentor provides assistance to mayors when there are very few others to speak to objectively, or discussing an issue in confidence may have repercussions with other councillors.“A mentor is an interested stranger if you like. Someone to discuss sensitive topics when it is impractical to call on others.”Communication issues are the biggest problem, first with the General Manager, and secondly with difficult councillors.  “A mayor needs to trust the GM and work closely with them. You are often in daily contact.”Councillors, mayors and general managers have a lot of pressure on them at times. Ms Dowell says it is a good idea to give new councillors time to learn, “Members of the public need to give them time to adjust to a new role and all the things they have to learn about.“It takes a lot of commitment from the people that have put their hands up. You might disagree with certain decisions, but you can be kind and respectful.“People forget that you are a person with feelings, a family and relatives and a business. Particularly on social media - keyboard warriors can prove trying!“You can’t understand the position of Mayor until you have taken it on. Yes you are a spokesperson for the council, and there are extra duties with that, but there is so much more.“To be there for the community whenever they need you, discussing with the GM the community's appetite for different initiatives or ideas on engagement, to clarify issues and understand what feedback the elected council will be looking for.“It’s all those unseen things that mayors do to keep things running smoothly. The way they should.”On how much time a mayor devotes to the job, Ms Dowell says, “It’s a personal choice. It’s a 24/7 role, and while you are entitled to your private time and put in restrictions for when you are not available, which I think every councillor and mayor should do, there is an expectation.“I worked 80 to 100 hours a week, but it was my choice. If the community wanted me to be at something, I would be there.  “I loved it; I thrived on it.“It was 16 years ago today that I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, four days after I was first elected as mayor. Honestly, it was the ability to be engrossed in the job that helped me get through it.”The person taking on these roles needs to be able to adapt to its demands, “It’s not one size fits all.“Not everyone will agree with everything a mayor does, and there are always going to be challenges. It’s the ability of a mayor to separate personal from professional or social, not to take on people’s anger.“Being committed to what you know and believe is the right thing to do and not try and please everyone.“Most people are ok if with a difference of opinion if they’re given an explanation of why a decision was made.”Ms Dowell is stepping back from more than these roles. She is making more time from other pursuits.  It isn’t like she won't be seen around - when talking about the connection she has with Lismore, Ms Dowell says, “I love this place. I love this place.”Rather, there will be a change of focus.“My main activity next year, apart from bushwalking and running, which are two things I enjoy, will be doing a lot more volunteering work with the Red Cross.”Ms Dowell is deputy team leader at Red Cross. “There's always a lot happening with Red Cross. So that will be where I’ll do my major volunteering work.”

The latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) quarterly report has been released for the April to June 2024 period, and once again, it doesn't make for happy reading for Lismore Base Hospital.While the elective surgery activity produced some positive statistics, the emergency department at Lismore Base Hospital (LBH) continued to show some more worrying signs.Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said local hospitals experienced increased activity across most markers, from ambulance arrivals to emergency presentations and episodes of care, while planned surgery performance also improved during the second quarter of the year.Of the 3,809 planned procedures performed during the quarter, the majority (81 per cent) were performed on time – an improvement of 4.6 percentage points compared with the same quarter in 2023 (76.4 per cent).At the end of the quarter, there were 145 patients waiting longer than clinically recommended for a planned surgery, a reduction of 81.7%, or 648 patients fewer, compared with the end of June 2023, and the lowest since December 2019. This was below the state average of 87.1%. Lismore increased 2.4% to 68.3%.Any patient who feels their condition may have deteriorated while waiting for their surgery is encouraged to contact their treating doctor, who can review their condition and place them in a higher urgency category, if appropriate.“We had 56,496 emergency attendances in the quarter, an increase of 3.4 per cent or 1,867 more when compared with the same quarter last year,” Ms Maisey said.“We also saw 9,576 arrivals by ambulance, an increase of 577 or 6.4% compared to the same quarter in 2023, and an increase of 4.9 per cent in total episodes of care.”LBH also had an increase in emergency attendance by 1.7% or 169 patients to 10,103. For arrivals by ambulance, LBH saw an increase of 5.5% to 2,926, greater than the new Tweed Hospital, 2,776, an increase of 11.4%.From April to June 2024, more than seven in 10 patients (70.1 per cent) started their treatment on time, which is better than the NSW average (63.7 per cent). It was not so good for LBH, recording 52%, down from 56.1% for the same period in 2023.Seventy-five per cent of patients were transferred from ambulance paramedic to ED clinician within the 30-minute benchmark time, which is above the NSW average (73.7 per cent). LBH was 58.8%, a decrease of 11.5% (down from 70.3%).The majority of patients(70.4 per cent) left the ED within four hours of arriving – which is significantly better than the NSW average(54.7 per cent). LBH, though, was well below the state average and under 50% at 46.4% (a decrease of 6.8%); Grafton was next at 67.8%.Tracey Maisey said, “Our staff do an amazing job of caring for our patients with compassion and kindness, and I want to acknowledge and thank them for their hard work during the quarter.”The Lismore App has published patient reports that support Ms Maisey's comments. LBH nurses and doctors score very highly for the care they give patients.The NSW Government announced it was recruiting 29 new full-time nurses to improve staffing levels, starting in the highest levels of emergency departments that treat the most critically ill patients.It would appear they cannot come quickly enough, as LBH statistics keep heading in the wrong direction. There are obviously serious issues at LBH; however, no one wants to answer any questions about how these issues as being fixed and when a turnaround in these key performance indicator areas will occur.Is it the number of nurses? Is it the poor retention of nurses due to Queensland nurses being paid 15% more? Is it the lack of affordable housing for nurses in Lismore and the Northern Rivers? Is it a combination of everything?The Lismore App has an interview with Chief Executive Tracey Maisey on Monday to, hopefully, get some answers.As part of a statement released by NNSWLHD, they said;All patients are seen and triaged on arrival at the ED and the most seriously unwell patients are treated first. During busy times, those with less urgent conditions can experience longer wait times when there are large numbers of seriously unwell patients being prioritised for emergency care.NNSWLHD continues to remind the community to keep emergency departments and ambulances for saving lives and consider alternative options for minor conditions such as medical centres or GPs or calling the 24-hour telephone health advice HealthDirect on 1800 022 222.INDIVIDUAL HOSPITAL RESULTSBALLINA DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 4,808 ED attendances during the quarter,an increase of 8.3 per cent compared with the same quarter in 2023. The majority of patients (63.2 per cent) started their ED treatment on time. More than seven in 10 patients (71.4 per cent) left the ED within four hours. More than eight in 10 patients (81 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL had 5,463 ED attendances for the quarter,up 3.1 per cent on the same quarter in 2023. The vast majority of patients (85.1 per cent) started their ED treatment on time, significantly higher than the average for hospitals the same size (77.3%). Eight in 10 patients (82.7 per cent) left the ED within four hours of arriving a 2.3 percentage points improvement compared to the same time last year. More than nine in 10 patients (93 per cent)were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, this result was in line with hospitals of a similar size.CASINO & DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL had 3,532 ED attendances in the quarter. The majority of patients (66.3 per cent) started treatment on time and more than eight in 10 patients (83.1 per cent) left the ED within four hours of arriving, this result is higher than hospitals of a similar size (76.7 per cent).More than nine in 10 patients (94.8per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL had 7,197 ED attendances during this quarter,a 3.7 per cent increase on the same quarter in 2023. The majority of patients started treatment on time (56.6 per cent), and left the ED within four hours of arriving (67.8 per cent), this result is higher than hospitals of a similar size (60.5 per cent). More than eight in 10 patients (84.1 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL had 10,103 ED attendances during the quarter and 2,926 ambulance arrivals, an increase of 5.5 per cent on the same quarter in 2023. Fifty two per cent of patients started their treatment on time, and 46.4 per cent of patients left the ED within four hours of arriving. The majority of patients (58.8 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.MACLEAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 4,073 ED attendances during the quarter, up 9.1 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2023. More than eight in 10 patients (81.2 per cent) started their treatment on time, this result is higher than the average for hospitals of a similar size (77.3 per cent). More than eight in 10 (85.3 per cent) of patients left the ED within four hours. Almost all patients (92.1per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.MURWILLUMBAH DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 5,042 ED attendances during the quarter, an increase of 6.2 per cent compared with the same quarter in 2023. The vast majority of patients (85 per cent) started their treatment on time. More than eight in 10 patients (86.6 per cent) left the ED within four hours of arriving, an improvement of 2.9 percentage points compared to the same period in 2023 and significantly higher than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (60.5 per cent). Almost all patients (97.4 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark an improvement of 2.2 percentage points and.THE TWEED HOSPITAL/TWEED VALLEY HOSPITAL had 13,920 ED attendances during the quarter, and 2,776 ambulance arrivals, an increase of 11.4 per cent (or 283 arrivals) on the same quarterin 2023. More than seven in 10 patients (74.7per cent) started their treatment on time. Almost seven in 10 patients (68.1 per cent) left the ED within four hours of arriving higher than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (49.2 per cent). More than seven in 10 patients (75.9 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark an improvement of 4.4 percentage points when compared with the same quarter in 2023.