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

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

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

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

As we know a great deal of events in 2020 have either been cancelled or postponed to later in the year in the hope that restrictions will ease so they can go ahead.Well unfortunately, the Lismore & Villages Relay For Life Committee and Cancer Council have made the decision that the community won’t be able to Relay side by side in 2020.The Committee and Cancer Council releasing this statement " We have the health and safety of the community as the top priority and in light of the developing situation around Coronavirus (COVID-19), the decision was made that the 2020 Lismore & Villages Relay For Life will not go ahead in its current form.""Though we won’t be holding a physical event we still want to take the opportunity to remember, celebrate and fight back as a community. Rest assured the committee are creating a plan to highlight and proudly recognise the 2020 Lismore and Villages Relay For Life and all involved." "We would also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the amazing fundraising achievements of our community. As you know, Relay For Life is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to reach out to those in our community living with cancer.""Your efforts thus far have well exceeded our expectations and for that we are truly thankful. Every effort contributed, every cent raised or donated helps the cause in so many different ways.""Just one example of how your tireless fundraising efforts helped in our community is our Lismore and Ballina Transport to Treatment vehicles. Our transport service offers local patients free transport to their treatment appointments, in the last financial year our local vehicles have travelled over 660 trips and almost 30,000kms. Our Transport to Treatment is invaluable and it’s thanks to your support we are able to offer the service." Cancer Council Media contact Hannah Nairne said "we are working on a series of videos that showcase fundraising efforts, cancer carers, cancer survivors and support staff that recognise and celebrate the achievements of the community. There is still a lot that needs to be finalised, details of which will be shared in the next two weeks."While this news is understandable but disappointing for many, it does show how businesses and organisations need to think creatively during one of the strangest years in our lives.

Smoke damage inside the building is one of the major concerns for St Carthage’s Cathedral in the aftermath of last Friday’s fire at the Lismore church.Read more news: Queensland border bubble opens to include LismoreThe fire in the sacristy of the church building was found to be deliberately lit and is still being investigated by the church’s insurance agency. A man was arrested and charged by local police on Saturday for lighting the fire.Read more news: Armed man tasered and arrested in the CBD this morningThe man arrested in the CBD yesterday is charged with Cathedral fire and other crimes in NSWCatholic Diocesan director of communications Joe Pereira said the insurance company was still formalising the final report and they were waiting for it to come through.“There was a fair bit of smoke damage, but we don’t know the extent of that yet,” he said. “We are concerned about the magnificent pipe organ in the building and are looking out for that.”Mr Pereira said the cathedral was still off limits, but that masses were still being conducted in St Mary’s Chapel – located next to the cathedral.“We can have 85 participants at a time in the chapel,” he said. “We still have church services going vis our Youtube channel - no matter what the circumstances are. Bishop Homeming is the most watched bishop in Australia.“We’d like to have the cathedral back as soon as possible, but it’ll take more time until the insurance company fixes it.Mr Pereira said the destruction of the cathedral was a major concern for the whole community, not just Catholics.“We’ve been heartened by the concern and response from the whole community as a result of the fire. It’s a building beloved by many.”

While rural Australians are disproportionately affected by chronic disease this may not be the case with asthma, according to new research from Southern Cross University. It’s spring; the weather is starting to warm up and flowers are beginning to bloom, but the uplifting sentiment this time of year often brings is not felt by everyone. Around one in five Australians are diagnosed with asthma, a condition that is typically worse in springtime, leaving many gasping for breath and requiring hospitalisation. However, there may be some good news for those living in rural Australia. “We have long known that people living in rural Australia have been disproportionately affected by chronic disease, however our research suggests this may not necessarily be the case with asthma,” lead Associate Professor Matthew Leach from the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine said.Health survey Ass Prof Leach led one of the largest health surveys in rural South Australia, of which 3926 people participated. The study found the prevalence rate for diagnosed asthma to be 19% lower for people living in rural South Australia when compared to those living in urban South Australia. “Comparative research has shown that 21% of those residing in and around Adelaide are living with asthma, yet only 17% of rural counterparts reported a diagnosis of asthma,” Ass Prof Leach said.Why? This result is consistent with findings from other studies but begs the question: why might people living in rural areas be less prone to developing asthma? “There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that a rural upbringing may be somewhat protective against asthma. “One school of thought is that increased exposure to allergens and animal and soil bacteria in rural settings may strengthen a child’s immune system, thus making them less susceptible to developing adult asthma – however, this idea is still being explored,” Ass Prof Leach said.Relief Although the news is positive for rural Australians, it may be too soon to breathe a sigh of relief, as health care access still remains a considerable problem for rural communities. “Clinical guidelines recommend regular follow-up for people living with asthma to ensure they receive best-practice care; however, for people living in rural communities, access to primary care services remains an ongoing challenge,” Ass Prof Leach said. While rural Australians may be less prone to developing asthma, they may be more likely to have poorer health outcomes due to limited healthcare access, he said. “This evidence suggests that by improving health care access in rural communities, regional Australians may be able to breathe a little easier.”

Motorists will soon enjoy a safer and smoother journey on the Bruxner Highway with upgrades about to start between Lismore and Casino.Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the $1.5 million body of works would not only improve journeys along the busy link between the two regional centres, but also create local jobs.“Transport for NSW has engaged Lismore City Council to rebuild a one-kilometre section of the Bruxner Highway about 15 kilometres east of Casino, and to install about 500 metres of new guardrail,” Mr Franklin said.“This project won’t just ensure the highway continues to serve the community well into the future, but it will also provide work for about 20 local contractors and suppliers, supporting about 30 local jobs in total.“We know how important it is to keep jobs and money in local economies during these challenging times, which is why I’m excited to see this project get under way from next week.”Work will start this Wednesday, 23 September, and is expected to be completed in three months, weather permitting.Work will be carried out from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and some weekend work may be required.Lane closures and a reduced speed limit will be in place during work hours, and motorists should allow up to five minutes extra travel time, and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.For those that use Summerland Way from Casino to Grafton, you can expect delays of up to five minutes as road widening and rebuilding work begins this week. One lane will be closed with alternate traffic flow arrangements in place while wider road shoulders and centrelines are installed and the road resurfaced between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.The work should take two months to complete, weather permitting. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

While Trinity Catholic College was closed due to the Cathedral fire on Friday, earlier in the week Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and Principal Brother John Hilet officially opened the new Technical and Applied Studies (TAS) facilities to provide new opportunities for students. The $5.1 million refurbishment was originally slated for 2016 when Trinity secured a $1.6 million Federal Government grant but the 2017 floods delayed the project 18 months.The other $3.5 million will be paid for by parents over the next 25 years. Mr Hogan said “This will ensure students have the best possible education and set them up to be job ready once they leave school.” “The refurbished and expanded TAS building will offer courses including wood work, metal work, engineering and jewellery. The type of jobs that we need in the future will be taught in this facility." Trinity Catholic College Principal Brother John Hilet went into more detail saying the building has a stem room now where students can do laser cutting on plastics which will be used to make signs and illuminate lights as well as 3D printers, laser cutters and in the future a cdc router for 3D lathe cutting."This facility brings a modern approach to technical and applied studies," Brother John said, "I thank the Federal Government for the generous grant."Students have been using the new facility since the start of the 2020 school year, it was officially opened on Tuesday.

In a previous story the Lismore App mentioned the dire predicament of the Lismore Lantern Parade. So dire in fact that if CEO & Creative Director Jyllie Jackson and her team cannot raise $40,000 it will spell the end of the Lismore Lantern Parade after 25 glorious years entertaining and delighting us in the CBD for the winter solstice.This week the company behind the Lismore Lantern Parade LightnUp received a very generous $1000 donation from Nick Jones and Richard Creed from the Lismore Vet Clinic to the 'Save the Lanterns Crowd Fundraiser'.Nick said "our family has been going to the Lantern Parade for many years, watching in the street and always loved it."In the past few years Nick and Richard commissioned LightnUp to create some lanterns to carry in the parade, enter Doug the Dog and then Vinnie the Cat creating a whole new experience.(Doug the Dog with Mara and Cora. Photo: Lisa G)"There were so many people. To walk through our town, and feel the warmth and joy of our community, and see the wonder in the faces of the children, (it was) a truely magical and very emotional experience. We are very proud to support the Lantern Parade, it does something very special for our city.” Jyllie told the Lismore App the donation total now stands at just over $5000 which she is very grateful for. The harsh reality is that amount is one eighth of what is need to keep the Lantern parade alive, more help is needed.Nick Jones offered a challenge to all businesses by saying "we were delighted to put out the challenge to the Lismore Business community to match our donation or better it to keep the lanterns shining beyond this dreadful pandemic."Jyllie and the team will be at the Lismore Farmers Markets this morning and the Car Boot Markets on Sunday collecting donations.You can also contribute to the 'Save the Lanterns Fundraiser' by going to this website https://www.givenow.com.au/lightnup-lanterns-sos or if on-line donations is not your thing you can donate directly through the Summerland Credit Union, BSB 728728, Account Number 2229 1137, name LightnUp Inc using your name as the reference.Why $40,000?The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of all large crowd events which is exactly how LightnUp earns all of its income."Lake Evella in North East Arnheim Land then Dubbo and Floriade in Canberra were all cancelled along with many other annual events," Jyllie said."We have to pay the mortgage, some wages and running costs and $40,000 will keep us alive until March, 2021 where we are hoping that the COVID restrictions will lift.""I understand that so many other businesses are doing it tough but the Lismore Lantern Parade offers the community so much each year, it would be a shame to lose it."

This Sunday it will be only two weeks until we hit daylight saving for 2020. Write the date down, if you aren't aware already, Sunday October 4. Saturday night before bed turn all old style clocks forward one hour.The weather for the weekend looks spot on, partly cloudy with temps in the mid-twenties. Only the slight chance of a shower on both days, we are only talking 1-2mm at best.I would like to talk sport first up this week because it was announced today that the Lismore Rugby Club Colts will play in the Grand Final tomorrow (Lismore City to contest U/18 Grand Final). The decision was up in the air following the tragic death of colts player Eddie Allen on Monday night after a car accident in East Lismore (Teenager dies in East Lismore car crash). The club left the final decision with the players and their families, this was given the green light at last nights final training run.The final will be played at Casuarina at 12 midday tomorrow. I am sure the players know there have the support of the 43,000 people in the Lismore & surrounding communities.While on sport and finals, it is the Semi-Finals of the Far North Coast Football competition. The action kicks off tonight when minor premiers South Lismore take on Bangalow at Nesbitt Park at 8pm while the other two finals take place on Sunday when the Goonellabah Hornets and Maclean do battle at Weston Park at 2:30 and at the same time second placed Byron Bay play Alstonville in Byron Bay also at 2:30pm. The Hornets will be trying to keep their good form going after they won the ANZAC Cup mid-week against Alstonville.In the NRRRL the Marist Brothers Rams will travel to Mullumbimby on Sunday with a 3pm start while Northern United have homegrown advantage against top of the NRRRL Gold League table Ballina Seagulls at Crozier Field.We are only 6 days away from the 2020 Lismore Cup. That's right this coming Thursday September 24 is one of the few regular events that we can attend. The buzz around town is building. As for the early weather, fine and sunny with a top of 25 degrees.Marketwise this weekend sees the return of the Lismore Car Boot Markets at the Lismore Showgrounds on Sunday from 7:30am to 3pm. You can start some early Christmas shopping with a 2021 calendar (only 100 days to go) and help save the Lismore Lantern Parade with Jyllie Jackson and her team collecting donations in what has been a disastrous year for LightnUp thanks to COVID.Tomorrow morning the Lismore Farmers Markets will be selling their fresh fruit and veg at the Showground from 8am while the Blue Knob Community Markets start at 8:30am.Here is the cheapest petrol rundown.Unleaded E10 is lowest at the United on Ballina Road, just off Keen Street at 112.9, unleaded 91 is 114.9 at United and the Caltex at the square while diesel cars will find it cheapest at a number of spots including United, Liberty on Ballina Road, the Liberty on Kyogle Street, South Lismore, the Shell on the corner of Union Street and Elliot Road and the Shell on Wilson Street, South Lismore. Price for diesel is 117.9.Neil Marks' Blog tomorrow discusses Neil turning 60 on Monday and how he views the milestone.If you get bored over the weekend or just want 15 minutes of mindless fun, check out the Lismore App Games & Puzzles. Like everything we have, they are free.Have a great weekend. Now for some laughs;

A man has been charged following an investigation into historic child sex offences near Lismore. In July 2020, officers from Richmond Police District commenced an investigation following reports a woman was sexually abused as a child by a man who was known to her.During the course of the investigation, officers received information four further children were also sexually abused. Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at a home near Lismore, just before midday yesterday (Thursday 17 September 2020), where they seized electronic storage devices.About 5pm the same day, a 60-year-old man was arrested at Lismore Police Station and charged with 16 offences including aggravated sex assault- victim under the age of 16 years (x8), sexual intercourse with person under the age of 10 years (x5), assault & commit act of indecency, indecent assault person under 16 years under authority, and aggravated indecent assault- victim under the age of 16.Police will allege in court that the man sexually abused five girls – aged between two and nine – between 1989 and 2005.He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Friday 18 September 2020).

Catholic Diocese Bishop of Lismore, Greg Homeming has said that it is “great news” that the fire that began in the sacristy of St Carthage's Cathedral early this morning has not injured anyone. Richmond Police District has reported that no-one was inside the cathedral at the time of the fire, but that the fire had caused significant damage to the building.Officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, which is being treated as suspicious.“This morning the sacristy of the cathedral was found to be on fire - the cause of which at this stage is unknown,” Bishop Homeming said. Bishop of Lismore, Greg Homeming.“Very quickly the police arrived on scene and it seems at this stage, they have the fire well under control. “By the time I got down there, there were no flames to be seen and only smoke. By 8.30am, I couldn’t see much smoke.“I thank police and the fire brigade for their good work to bring it under control.“The great news is no one has been injured, no one has died and all we have is a damaged building. It’s only a building.“The church remains undamaged, because the church is the people – you. As long as you continue in your love, the church will go on.”Bishop Homeming said he was waiting to see what the police investigation would report about the cause of the fire.“Please keep us and the whole of the diocese in your prayers," he said.School closedSt Mary's school, next to the cathedral, will be closed today, but Trinity Catholic College Principal Brother John Hilet confirmed that supervision for children will be available.ORIGINAL STORY: UPDATE: Fire at St Carthage's Cathedral closes school and roads 

Another $900,000 is now available from the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal to help communities lead their own local bushfire recovery projects.The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW invites registered community organisations to apply for grants of up to $20,000 each in Round 2 of the Community Bushfire Grants Program.Read more news: Mt Nardi becomes part of new emergency communications network Vinnies NSW chief executive Jack de Groot said “we are so grateful to everyone who has donated to the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal enabling us to provide financial, material and emotional support to communities devastated by the Black Summer bushfires”.  “During Round 1 we approved $308,000 allocated across 19 community projects, and hope to continue to make a real difference to communities as they recover and rebuild from the traumatic events of last summer,” he said. The Community Bushfire Grants Program from Vinnies NSW will stand in partnership with recovery initiatives from Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn. Vinnies NSW Bushfire Co-ordinator, Mike Riley, has been managing the bushfire response in NSW and will oversee the grants application process. “We understand that the bushfires have impacted communities in different ways, and that affected residents have the first-hand knowledge of what projects will provide the most benefit to the whole community,” Mr Riley said. “This program is part of our long-term response in supporting communities impacted by the bushfires. We will assess a wide range of applications put forward, including infrastructure repairs, counselling, education and programs promoting community inclusion and engagement.” Applications for Round 2 grants will close on October 11. Interested organisations are invited to visit http://www.vinnies.org.au/bushfiregrants. 

While emergency services clean up at the site of the fire at St Carthages Cathedral this morning, a police investigation into the 'suspicious' fire begins.Trinity Catholic College Principal Brother John Hilet has also confirmed in an email to parents that the St Mary's school site will be off limits all day today. “Under current Covid-19 restrictions, we cannot accommodate all students on one site hence the closure,” he stated.“Supervision is available on SJS for those students who are unable to be collected by parents/carers. “Please be assured we will be open on Monday and the Delaney Cup that was to be held today has been transferred to Monday.”Read more news: Lismore bishop unsure of cause of 'suspicious' cathedral fireORIGINAL STORY:A fire has broken out in the rear of St Carthage's Cathedral with emergency services on-site.As a result Trinity Catholic College will be closed today with parents asked to keep their children at home. If you are unable to keep your children at home supervision will be provided on the St Joseph's site.  The fire is reported to have started at 6.48am this morning and NSW Fire and Rescue, Police and Transport for NSW are on the scene.Richmond Police District police have closed Orion and Dawson Streets, as well as the area in front of the Cathedral. There will be no parking available on Orion Street.Police are urging commuters to avoid this area where possible. Students/parents of St Carthages and Trinity College will be notified via school websites.Read more news: Man appears in Lismore Court charged with 16 child sex offencesDiversionsTraffic management reported that local traffic diversions are in place and that commuters should allow extra travel time and exercise caution.Eastbound traffic is advised to travel via Woodlark St, Keen St and Brunswick St. Westbound traffic is advised to travel via Richmond Hill Rd and Bruxner Hwy. These local diversions are not suitable for B-doubles - which should use the Bruxner Highway as an alternative route. 

Mount Nardi has become one of five new radio sites for the Lismore region's expanded Public Safety Network (PSN).The sites, which include Mallanganee, Mount Nardi, Parrots Nest, Legume and Pretty Gully are now part of a single, integrated communication network which will give emergency services like the Rural Fire Brigade a better chance to save lives. Read more news: Vinnies opens round 2 of community bushfire grants programWith the summer bushfire season approaching, Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the new radio sites, delivered by the NSW Telco Authority, are vital to ongoing community safety across Lismore.“By expanding the footprint of this critical infrastructure, we are ensuring that frontline responders have a more reliable network to help keep people and places safe,” Mr Franklin said. “PSN sites were crucial in protecting communities and supporting the Rural Fire Service, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance and the State Emergency Service during the 2019-20 bushfires in NSW.”Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government was investing more than $600 million in essential infrastructure to better protect communities.“During an emergency every second counts. The new radio sites in the Lismore area will make it easier for our local emergency services to communicate when it matters most,” Mr Dominello said.“The PSN’s expansion represents the biggest investment in critical communications infrastructure by the NSW Government in two decades.”The delivery of these new emergency communications sites follows a $217 million boost to the Telco Authority in 2020 to continue to expand the footprint of the PSN across NSW.

When her twins Ruby and Carla were born premature at 31 weeks, Melissa Gahan said it was a surprise that she wasn’t prepared for. But thanks to a humidicrib and the care of Lismore Base Hospital staff in the special care nursery, the twins, now two years old, are thriving.So, when this year’s NAB Darryl Chapman Fun Run was on for the Our Kids charity to raise money to buy another hospital humidicrib, Melissa got a team together.Her Team Twinnies went on to raise $2,340 and win a trophy for raising the most money in the NAB Community Challenge.Read more news: Cow killed and butchered in CaniabaMelissa’s twins featured in the 2020 Our Kids calendar earlier this year.“My twins spent the first four weeks of life in a humidicrib, so raising money for Our Kids is close to my heart so they can purchase another one,” Melissa said.Team Twinnies was one of 277 teams registered in this year’s fun run – which for the first time, went virtual due to Covid-19 restrictions.Team DCFR: Rebecca Kent, NAB, Denis Byrne, Graeme Hoskins, Rebekka Battista, Suzette Pearce and Nigel Rumble. Virtual fun runThis year, there was no big event where the streets of Lismore were shut down for hundreds of runners and walkers – instead participants registered online, nominated their own distance and chose walking, cycling, horse riding and even rowing dragon boats to go the distance.Melissa said this year she chose to run 10 kilometres over two 5 km runs and got her friends and family involved too.Denis Byrne one of the top fundraisers with Graeme Hoskins from the Lord Taverners.“I have a friend who grew up in Lismore who is now in London and he ran 42 kilometres for it,’ she said. "We also had a Facebook group ad uploaded pictures to keep each other motivated. One friend did her run in Toowoomba.“When we won the trophy, the twins were passing it back and forth with big grins on their faces.”Read more news: Get on your bike and win prizes in the Biketober challengeHolly Irwin one of the top fundraisers.HumidicribOur Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said in total, Our Kids raised $41,000 and will now be able to buy a special BabyLeo humidicrib, costing $50,000, for the local hospital.“The success was due to local individuals and businesses rallying their networks and asking people to contribute to the cause,” she said. “This included a ‘call to action’ day from NAB, the naming sponsor, which alone raised over $9,500.”Rebekka said the unusual format for the virtual event allowed people to expand it in ways she’d never thought about.NAB Corporate Challenge AMPT Fitness, led by Ashleigh McGuiness.Dragonboats“Amazingly, the Rainbow Dragonboats in Ballina did the distance on the water with about 14 people in two boats,” she said. “The reach has been far and wide.“Some Lismore ex-pats in Melbourne lockdown did it - they were allowed to go out for an hour, 5 kms from their houses, so they took their time and went out did it for Our Kids.Samantha Foster one of the top fundraisersFuture hybridRebekka said last year there were 630 runners, and this year 617 people donated money.“We had about the same amount of engagement so it was a success,” she said.“We will continue to do a hybrid model of the event even when we can get back to putting on a community event and shut down the street, so people can still join in wherever they are throughout the week.“We wouldn’t have looked at that before. We are so surprised how much we made and we are proud of our beautiful community – especially in light of Covid and the impact it has had on our community and local charities who have had to change the way they do business.“Donating means this humidicrib will continue to positively impact on families in years to come.”Naming partners from NAB Bank, Rebecca Kent and Nigel Rumble.WinnersRebekka said this year’s leaderboard was based on highest fundraising amounts, rather than the first across the finish line.The 2020 fundraising results were: NAB Corporate Challenge: 1st place: AMPT Fitness Team 2nd place: O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore 3rd Place: Summit Fitness NAB Community Challenge: 1st place: Team Twinnies 2nd place: Summerland Christian College Run Club 3rd Place: Team Ballina Highest Individual Fundraisers: 1st place: Angela Grayndler from team O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore2nd place: Denis Byrne 3rd Place: Holly Irwin from team Trevors Pals

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is advising of a shortage of Estradot (estradiol) hormone replacement therapy transdermal patches due to manufacturing issues.Estradot HRT patches are used for short-term relief of symptoms associated with menopause.To assist patients to access medicines during this shortage, the TGA has published Serious Shortage Substitution Notices (SSSNs) for Estradot 25 and Estradot 100 patches. These SSSNs allow pharmacists to dispense a substitute medicine without requiring patients to get a new prescription from their doctor. The TGA has also authorised five overseas registered medicines for supply in Australia during the shortage.If you are affected by this shortage, please talk to your pharmacist or doctor about substitutes or alternative products.For more information, visit https://www.tga.gov.au/alert/shortage-estradot-estradiol-hormone-replacement-therapy-patches-multiple-strengths

Rather than hopping in your car for that next trip around town, why not jump on your bicycle instead?With the Biketober Business Challenge only a couple of weeks away and prizes up for grabs, Lismore City Council is urging local businesses to sign up and encourage their staff to jump on their bikes for at least 10 minutes during October.The challenge is being organised by Get Healthy at Work, a NSW Government programme that aims to create healthy workplaces and improve the health of working adults across the state.As a lover of bikes, I love riding my bike and take every chance I can to ride my bike around Lismore. I also live close to town - so it’s a pretty easy decision to use my bike as a practical way to get to places while getting exercise. So, what if you work in town but don’t live close to town? OptionsWhy not think about car pooling to work and having a bicycle at the workplace that employees can use to go about their business in town?Or take your bike into town in your car and use the bike while in town for the day?Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said “it’s not just about who can cycle the furthest or the most often, but who can encourage the most people to give cycling a go”.“It would be great to see someone jump on their bike for the first time and go to work during this challenge,” he said. “It’s about getting fit and healthy and staying that way.”Glenys Ritchie.Bike sale spikesGlenys Ritchie, another lover of cycling - and an avid proponent of the proposed rail trail for the Lismore area – said Covid-19 has been “horrible, but it’s been great for cycling and walking”.“There’s been spikes in bike sales everywhere and people are out there cycling and walking more,” she said.“There’s also been a 20% increase in people using rail trails and getting out and being active.”Biketober Business ChallengeLast year, 3798 participants from 392 organisations took part in the Biketober Business Challenge, including 613 new riders, riding a total of 932,900km – that’s more than 23 cycles around the world.For information and to register for the challenge visit http://www.lovetoride.netIndividuals who are not part of a workplace are welcome to take part. All individuals who live or work in NSW and are eligible to win spot prizes.