It’s been months since free food has been handed out by the Five Loaves mobile soup kitchen in Lismore.But now, the good news is that next Monday, October 5, the bread and soup will once again flow at Lismore’s Transit Centre.Five Loaves coordinator Ronni Harvey said the Covid restrictions which shut down the mobile soup kitchen in March have also necessitated a new way of running the handout of food.“We have finally got it up and running again and we’ve had to do a Covid plan, which means we will set it up differently,” Ronni said.“We used to do five days a week, but now we are only doing four days - Monday to Thursday, 6pm till 7pm.Donations“We will still have supplies of bread, fruit and vegetables and any other food we get donated.“If people want to donate any food, it’s always welcomed. Flock just donated soup to us.“We have limited space in a fridge and a freezer to store it though.”VolunteersRonni said volunteers at the mobile soup kitchen were always needed and no special skills were necessary.“You just have to have a good heart,” she said. “You can help set up tables and food and help people get what they need. We just need to take you through Covid training first – and wear gloves and masks.“We also need to move people on - they can’t congregate like they used to.“I think everyone will understand - Covid has been here for a while.If you want to help out at Five Loaves, you can email Ronni at [email protected]

The current Shelterbox photographic exhibition could be the last event to be held at Fox Photo Den – unless a new manager can be found to take the South Lismore venue over.Current manager Guy Ingram took over running the studio in 2017, but now, due to a family crisis, he said he can’t be tied down to Lismore.“At the moment, I have to be there for my family and don’t have time to run the venue any more,” Guy said.“Now, I’m looking for person or a collective to come in and take over the space. Unless someone takes it over, I’ll have to close it down."Fox Photo Den was set up by local photographer Natsky (Natalie Barovsky) as a gallery and workshop space in February 2016.Read more news: SUNDAY PROFILE: Natsky - Lismore's candid photographer Guy took the reins in July 2017 and expanded the gallery's scope to include artworks beyond photography – and art classes have been held there too.“The building has a conference room and five studios,” Guy said. “It is quite a large space at 34 Union Street - the old Hurford’s site.“There’s no comparable space in the area. Most other galleries can’t handle large artworks.”Inside the Fox Photo Den.“It’s a fully set up space with a professional hanging system and professional lighting. It can accommodate a large crowd - when its allowed again - up to 200 people at an opening. The current maximum crowd is 75.”If you are interested in taking over from Guy, you can email him at [email protected] the Fox Photo Den.Disaster ZoneGuy said a lot of exhibitions had to be cancelled during the Covid closure period, but in good news for the gallery, last week the exhibition ‘ShelterBox :: 2020 Vision: Eyes Wide Open in the Disaster Zone’ opened.“It was booked in last year, but Covid meant it couldn’t go ahead so it’s taken until now,” Guy said.“Everyone should come and see the exhibition. It’s a great way to get away from your first world troubles. There’s earthquakes and floods everywhere - we have got it good here.“When I was hanging the exhibition, I expected to see pictures of disaster and instead I got a tribute to the human spirit.”Scene from a previous exhibition at Fox Photo Den.Shelterbox exhibitionThe exhibition shows images from Mike Greenslade’s photo book 'ShelterBox :: 2020 Vision: Eyes Wide Open in the Disaster Zone’.Mike is a photographer and Response Team member with international disaster relief organisation, ShelterBox. ‘2020 Vision’ is a collection of images from his 22 deployments to disaster zones around the world.From the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti to the little-known refugee crisis in Somaliland, the exhibition and book aim to capture the strength of affected communities, often overlooked by other agencies. ShelterBox believes that no family should go without shelter, following disaster.Images from the Shelterbox exhibition.Celebrating the 20th anniversary of ShelterBox, the body of work aims to shines a light on some of the 200 plus disasters that ShelterBox has responded to and the more than 1.5 million people helped since 2000.Mike's thought-provoking work is described as showcasing resilience, determination and hope — even in the darkest of hours, the human spirit shines brightly.Communities pull together to help one another and organisations like ShelterBox work tirelessly to provide the tools to help them shelter from the elements and rebuild their lives.The '2020 Vision' book will be available to purchase at the gallery, alongside the exhibited photographs and prints. All proceeds will go to ShelterBox disaster relief. The exhibition will show until October 11.Scene from a previous exhibition at Fox Photo Den.

Finn had fun making a potato man as he sculpted vegetables into new and fun shapes at Lismore Organic Market’s 21st birthday celebration yesterday.As well as vegetable art for big and little kids, there were plenty of smiles, coffee, live music, vegan breakfasts - and a birthday cake for everyone.Demos Cooking demonstrations of how to make sourdough and cook raw vegan food were also on display at the long standing market – along with lots of healthy organic fruit and vegetables for sale.Stall holder Carol Boomsma held a demonstration of how to grow micro greens. Carol has been growing micro greens for 18 years and been coming to Tuesday morning market to sell them for 16 years.“Micro greens are nutrient dense and packed full of vitamins and minerals, as well as being easy to eat to eat and digest,” she said. “I grow sunflower, pea, radish and buckwheat micro greens and do wheat grass in the winter.”Carol Boomsma.Longest grower stall holderNeville and Julie from Wellwood Organics have been coming to the organic market for 20 years. they are the longest running stall holders who are also growers. Neville comes from a farming family and he is the third generation in his family to grow vegetables.“We’ve been coming since it started,” Neville said. “We’ve never missed it apart from when it was shut for Covid – and we take a couple of weeks holiday every year.“Growing organic food is a moral thing for us. We don’t want to grow food that will poison people.“We’ve been certified organically for 13 years and we love what we do.“It takes more work before you’ve planted things to work out what pests might attack the crop and work out what’s in the soil and what you need. Its more homework but the end result is not putting chemicals into people’s food.“That’s why we’ve got so much cancer in our society these days - because of the food that we eat.”Lismore Organic market is on every Tuesday at Lismore Showgrounds from 7.30am until 11am.

It was good news for Lismore’s roads and bridges today, with Bentley, Terania Creek, Rock Valley, Eggins Lane and Goonellabah Industrial Estate all set for major infrastructure upgrades.Page MP Kevin Hogan today announced over $3.5 million in Federal Government funding for Lismore City Council to deliver “priority infrastructure projects”.On the important funding to do list is:$2,000,000 to upgrade access to the Goonellabah Industrial Precinct with an Oliver Avenue link road.$594,100 to replace the Town Road bridge at Terania Creek.$560,000 for renewal of the Bungabee Bridge at Bentley, involving raising the level of the bridge, improving flood immunity, sightlines, gradient and alignment.$447,570 to reconstruct South Western part of Eggins Lane in Lismore with power and storm water infrastructure. $186,500 to reconstruct pavement along Rock Valley road, Rock Valley.Mr Hogan said in total, $9.7 million would be shared across local councils in the electorate “ to support jobs and help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic”.“These projects range from roads, to bridges, and upgrades to important community facilities,” Mr Hogan said. “This package will deliver opportunities for locals to be employed and businesses to benefit by providing materials and services.”“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our community.”“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.”Projects have been funded through the Local Roads Community Infrastructure program, Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants, Heavy Vehicle Program or the Bridges Renewal Program.Link road Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said the Oliver Avenue link road in he Goonellabah Industrial Precinct has been on the cards for years.“There’s been a link road planned around Lismore to get people out of town - for close to 30 years,” he said. “It’s an expensive venture and up till now it has not been feasible. “But targeted roads like this one on Pineapple Road with links to the industrial estate will be useful because we need a flood-free way for trucks to get in and out of the industrial area without going through residential areas like Holland Street.“There have been concerns about it because it runs down past houses, but if you look at the houses on Pineapple Road, the road is about 15 metres wide. It has been made for trucks and all of those houses don’t face that road – it was intentionally made to be a link road.“It’s already been years talking about it and there is still talk ahead - because it is a big project.“This $2million funding will get us started and we have to scope it first. We don’t know what it’s going to buy yet, but I believe it will open up industrial land and get us a bit more space on the road.”FundingMr Smith said the Federal Government funding was much appreciated by Lismore.“Council, State and Federal Government all share expenses in this infrastructure - one third each,” he said. “But local government only collects 4% of taxes,” he said.“We want to get road crews working as soon as possible and will begin in a couple of weeks, with some projects like the link road beginning next year.“I look forward to the good feedback on social media.”A part of the funding was also $145,000 for the Shine Festival, announced recently.The event is a one week tourism focused event to re-illuminate the region's 'shine' attracting visitors and reigniting tourism in the region. The program will include streetscape illuminations, visual art show of indigenous storytelling, live multimedia art exhibitions and a live sculpture walk.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin this week is honoured to be hosting a delegation from Timor-Leste - led by that nation’s ambassador to Australia, Her Excellency Ines Almeida – on a three-day working visit to the Electorate of Lismore. Ms Saffin said Ambassador Almeida was respected as a key person in the movement for independence and for her work in the veterans’ friendship groups between Timor-Leste, Australia and New Zealand. The delegation consists of people already residing in NSW and the ACT, who are coming the Far North Coast to visit. The delegation will be here from tomorrow (Wednesday) until Friday and Ms saffin said the visit will strengthen already strong bilateral ties between Australia and Timor-Leste. “I’ve lined up a packed program to showcase the best we have to offer here on the Northern Rivers – our industries; our emergency services and police who protected us from last year’s bushfires; 41st Battalion (TBC); arts, culture and heritage; Southern Cross University and more," Ms Saffin said. “We also are hosting an event in Lismore on Thursday morning for local veterans who served as Peacekeepers in East Timor. I want to acknowledge our strong veterans-to-veterans relationship, which started with our soldiers stationed there in the World War Two. I encourage veterans to make contact with me directly on 0418 664 001 or to contact my office on 0266 213 624. “There is another meeting in Lismore on Friday morning aimed at gauging interest in forming a Timor-Leste Friendship Group as quite a few local residents have long associations with that country, including Nimbin’s Saskia Kouwenberg.” Ms Saffin and Ms Kouwenberg share the rare honour of having been awarded the Order of Timor-Leste. Joining Ambassador Almeida will be Defence Attache Colonel Jose da Costa Soares, Consul General Sydney Mr Luciano Valentim de Conceicao, Consul Sydney Ms Maria Lidia Soares, First Secretary Mr Samuel Soares and EA to the Ambassador Ms Rahel Alemseged. Ms Saffin said the delegation would head west on Wednesday for visits to Mountain Blue Blueberry Farm at Tabulam, the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Drake Brigade and Casino headquarters, and the Northern Cooperative Meat Company in Casino. Heading north to Murwillumbah on Thursday, the delegation will visit lawyer and philanthropist Stephen Webb’s M Arts Precinct in the town’s Central Business District. Like Ms Saffin, Mr Webb worked on the Timor Sea Treaty negotiations. Other stops will include the Murwillumbah Regional Museum, the Tweed Regional Art Gallery and a tour of Husk Distillers.

If you’ve ever driven from Lismore toward Tenterfield, you would have driven over the rickety one lane bridge at Tabulam – sometimes having to wait for the cars coming from the other direction before crossing.Now, your last chance to walk over the old, historic Tabulam Bridge is this weekend.Next week, the bridge is set to be demolished - now that construction of the new bridge is complete.Transport for NSW Director North Region Anna Zycki invites people to celebrate the old and the new – with the old bridge open to pedestrian traffic from 1pm Sunday, October 4 to 6pm Monday October 5 - before it is removed.“The community is also invited to take a walk across the new bridge, opened to traffic last month, via the pedestrian access incorporated into its design,” Ms Zycki said.“This event will give the community an opportunity to bid farewell to the old bridge and also a chance to take a close look at the new bridge.”HistoryThe 300-metre timber truss bridge was built between 1899 and 1903 across the Clarence River on the Bruxner Highway at Tabulam between Casino and Tenterfield.The historic State-heritage listed bridge was the longest single span timber bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. It was one of the first to use significant amounts of steel and iron - despite its high cost and the government's historical preference for timber. In 1998 it was still in good condition.Completed in 1903, the bridge is an early example of a DeBurgh timber truss road bridge and represented the expansion of the road network and economic activity in NSW.ReuseMs Zycki said the Transport for NSW project team is also working closely with local Council, local museums and the school to reuse some timber elements of the original bridge.“The local community is being urged to share their memories, paintings and photos of the old bridge to include in a commemorative e-book,” Ms Zycki said.Contributions to the commemorative project can be made emailing [email protected] or by calling 1800 314 530.

The world has just surpassed 1 million deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, these numbers are from over 33 million confirmed cases of COVID-19.In NSW we have had zero cases for the last two days, this is the first time since June 10. In the far north coast our last confirmed COVID case was on July 16 when a Lismore resident flew into Ballina from Sydney. Since then we have been coronavirus free.Queensland recorded 0 new cases today and 1 yesterday due to an overseas traveller with 3 confirmed cases on Saturday, two are crew from an International ship and a third an overseas traveller.Victoria recorded 5 new cases today with 3 deaths, 16 new cases with 2 deaths yesterday and 12 new cases and 1 death on Saturday.A lot of people are still comparing COVID-19 to the seasonal flu.The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that a typical flu season estimates 1 billion cases worldwide with a death toll of between 290,000 and 650,000 people.When you compare 33 million COVID cases with 1 million deaths you can clearly see that the coronavirus is having a much stronger impact than the seasonal influenza virus.In fact the WHO is predicting a death toll of 2 million if infection fighting methods are not kept up.“One million is a terrible number and we need to reflect on that before we start considering a second million,” the WHO’s emergencies director Michael Ryan told reporters when asked how much higher deaths could mount. But he added: “Are we prepared collectively to do what it takes to avoid that number?“If we don’t take those actions … yes, we will be looking at that number and sadly much higher.”This is the main reason why some experts are saying that international travel may not happen for another 12 to 24 months. However, Treasure Josh Frydenberg alluded to a January 1, 2021 start with the prospect of two weeks in isolation upon your return.No firm decision has been made.Wayne Jones, Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District has urged everyone to get tested early if they have any COVID-19 symptoms at all, particularly with the expected influx of tens-of-thousands of visitors.“Maintaining our COVID vigilance during the school holidays is vital to support the great position we currently are in,” said Mr Jones.“Testing numbers have declined in recent weeks and we are appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19.“If people don’t come forward and get tested, we can’t keep the pandemic at bay.”“With extra visitors coming to our region, and more of us catching up with friends and getting out and about, it is more important than ever to get a COVID test,” Mr Jones said.We are encouraging all residents and visitors to:If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay.Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.Wear a mask on public transport, ride share, taxis, shopping, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance.If we want to continue to be COVID free then vigilance is the still the key.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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