Faster broadband communications for business is on the way to Lismore, according to Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers chief executive Tim Williamson.With a major focus on creating jobs and supporting business, this week’s Federal Budget came as no surprise to most people. Mr Williamson said that communications was one of the winners with more investment in broadband service provider NBN Co.Now, along with a co-investment of $4.5 billion, an additional $700 million announced in the Budget will enable nine in 10 businesses to order high-speed fibre broadband at no upfront cost.Regional fibre zone“The government investment will provide higher internet speeds on the NBN network,” Mr Williams said.“When NBN Co rolls out 240 Business Fibre Zones nationwide, including in Lismore and Ballina, we will become a regional fibre zone and businesses will be able to have very fast broadband.”TourismMr Williamson said.tourism was also a winner in the Federal Budget, with a $50 million Regional Tourism Recovery initiative announced to support regional tourism operators.“This is for those who have lost international markets due to the pandemic so they can adapt their offerings, experiences and marketing to attract the domestic market,” he said.In Lismore, with the recent closing of the Tourist Information Centre, and Lismore City Council’s decision to outsource all tourism engagement work, what do these Budget allocations mean?Mr Williamson said it was a loss to the tourism industry with loss of Council funding and support.“But RDA is working closely with Destination North Coast,” he said. "Businesses will get a better hearing if they have a stronger united voice and the tourism industry needs help to get over the Covid impact they have been experiencing."So if any businesses want assistance to help them promote themselves, they can access some of the funding available through Destination North Coast instead.”Future WorkforceMr Williamson said for RDA, the Budget's financial boost to skills and employment marries well with RDA’s focus on helping young people into the workforce.RDA recently launched a new web-based employment platform called Future Workforce to support local employers, jobseekers and school leaving students to find the right match. “We will work closely with employment facilitators – it’s a key part of our employment strategy. We also support the training and reskilling of the workforce,” he said.ApprenticeshipsThe Federal Budget also brings an investment of $1.2 billion to fund 100,000 new apprenticeships through the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements wage subsidy, available to businesses of any size. A new Apprenticeships Data Management system will be created to better support the needs of employers and apprentices to recover from COVID-19. A further 450,000 young job seekers and employers will benefit from the back-to-work subsidy payment of up to $200 per week for those under 30 and $100 for those aged 30-35.Education Other skills initiatives in the Budget include an additional 14,485 places for Skills for Education and Employment places, to support basic language, literacy and numeracy skills for job seekers and cuts to fees and charges for VET programs.Employment specific initiatives include extending and streamlining existing programs. “The Northern Rivers is one of 25 identified regions that will benefit from the $62.8 million Local Jobs Program, which will focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways to assist people back into the workforce,” Mr Williamson said. Creative Industries and CommunicationsThe Budget has good news for the Australian screen industry with an additional $33 million pledged to Screen Australia for Australian screen content.This will see an additional $30 million over two years for Australian film and television drama, children’s and documentary production and $3 million over three years establish a competitive grants program for Australian scriptwriting and script development.Other initiatives in the budget include:$30.3 million national Regional Connectivity Program will help improve telecommunications in the region.$41 million Research and Development Program will support R&D activities, benefitting regional industry.$5.7 million Building Strong Resilient Leaders initiative.Additional 14,485 places Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program to support basic language, literacy and numeracy skills for job seekers.$5 million to Regional Australia Institute to promote regional living.$300 million to help modernise Australia’s agricultural export systems.

Ten new Australian citizens emerged from Lismore Council Chambers recently on Australian Citizenship Day 2020.For Thailand-born Malivan Powley, it was a joyous day as she took the pledge and was conferred citizenship by Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith.Mailvan said she first came to Australia in 2004, and 16 years later, in 2020, she finally took the step to become a citizen of Australia. So, why wait so many years?“I’ve applied for permanent residency a few times and now I’ve decided I want to live here forever,” she said. “I love Australia."Lismore's citizenship ceremony welcomes 10 new AustraliansBecause Covid restrictions limited numbers of people in Lismore Council Chambers, Mailvan was part of the first of two citizenship ceremonies scheduled for the same day.Each of the new citizens only had one or two friends to see their special moment - Malivan was cheered on by her husband Alan and their friend Scott Forster.Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said one of the best parts of being mayor was being able to confer citizenship upon new Australians.Malivan said she met her husband Alan Powley in Thailand in 2004 and they both reminisced about their first meeting.“Alan was lost and then he met me and I helped him and he came to stay with me,” she said.Then they fell in love, got married, and she came to live in Australia.If you’ve never attended an Australian citizenship ceremony, it’s an interesting experience. Full of joy for those making pledges to be loyal citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia. It’s pledge that people born in Australia have never actually had to make.All attendees standing for the national anthem.The pledge acknowledges a belief in democracy, freedom, resilience and an equal society. It expresses a desire to share a common future, a promise to uphold and obey the laws of Australia and to defend and protect our freedoms.People taking the pledge get to choose between two different pledge versions - one referring to God and the other not.Speaking the pledge while standing on their feet was a legal requirement, as was listening to the Australian anthem which followed the pledge taking.Maria Elena Foss.Our ten new citizens in the Lismore region are:Michael Stuart Merritt, Kristina Brodie, Ben William Cummings, Maria Elena Foss, Calum Alexander Horn, Ngoc Quynh Nguyen, Malivan Powley, Poonam Sharma, Niall Stanton, Krai Netsena and Nuananong Puangkhamkhong.Kristina Brodie.

Help for pregnant women to quit smoking is on the way with over $1 million in funding announced for an innovative new project.A University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH) team of researchers are now ready to trial the new program – MOHMQuit (Midwives and Obstetricians Helping Mothers to Quit). It is a designed to help managers and clinicians to better support pregnant smokers to quit. It takes a whole-of-system approach and was developed collaboratively with project partners. The program will be implemented in eight public hospitals to provide antenatal care and then test whether it is successful in helping mums to quit. The project will be led by Associate Professor Megan Passey, with funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).The Lismore team is collaborating with the Northern NSW Local Health District, four other Local Health Districts, the Ministry of Health, the Cancer Institute NSW, the NSW Cancer Council and colleagues from the University of Newcastle. “Smoking is the single most important preventable cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth, preterm birth and low birth weight,” Dr Massey said.“These harms are reduced if women stop smoking during pregnancy. Many pregnant women are motivated to quit but face significant challenges including a lack of effective support from health professionals.”Dr Passey said the project builds on six years of work the team has been doing with Clinical Midwifery Consultant, Cathy Adams, and others at the Northern NSW Local Health District.“It’s great to see this partnership enter another phase,” she said. 

Small business owners have not had a lot to look forward to since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March. There have been lockdowns, crowd restrictions and event cancellations.One of those cancellations has been the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) monthly 'After Hours' networking and business events. Well LCCI are back with a bang, putting on a huge event for small business owners next week called 'Pivot and Popcorn'. It is their way of celebrating NSW Small Business Month in October. “LCCI are best known for our business and networking events and Covid-19 has affected us alongside our members and business owners. We wanted to give come back with a bang and give Lismore and the Northern Rivers business communities a truly helpful and inspiring event that could also be a fun night out,” says event organizer and Executive Officer Emma Wallace.“In a community that has been affected by flood, fire and now Covid-19, we are empowering local operators to take the initiative, come out and learn how to implement a plan to ‘Future-proof’ their business NOW. Be entertained and inspired to make changes that marry profits with a brighter and more sustainable future for all.” Pivot and Popcorn will be held at 5:30pm next Wednesday October 14 at the BCC Cinema's on the corner of Zadoc and Keen Streets, Lismore.There are some big names appearing via Zoom to participate on the night, like the ABC's comedy and climate change hero Craig Reucassel (A Fight For Planet A and The Chaser) and small business champion and Channel 7 Sunrise co-host David "Kochie" Koch.There will also be live presentations from Peta Tillett, Sean Martyn and Allison Rainbird.Peta Tillett is an entrepreneur and Director of Lazuli & Co as well as the winner of the 2019 Lismore and Regional Business Awards - Excellence in Retail and Personal Services.You will hear how Peta developed her own ethical and Australian made product line, Peta Elizabeth Cosmetics, diversified her business model and allowed her to not only survive but increase her business in the face of the Covid-19 impact to her bricks and mortar salon. Sean Martyn is the Head Coach of Business By Design.Sean is passionate about nurturing the leadership and business skills of the business owners and executives he advises. He aims help businesses overcome the growing pains often experienced by success and to help build a business legacy for future generations.With 30 years experience Sean will demonstrate the 2 types of businesses theory- those that are created by default and those that are created and GROW by design. Sean will share insights and practical tools you can use immediately to re-design your business for growth and scale. Allison Rainbird is an Innovator and owner of Northern Rivers Tiny Homes as well as the winner of 2019 Bronze Medal National Innovation Games.Listen to Allison's story and insights into how she came to embrace a global movement and philosophy, with an 'act local' mindset to create a multi-market business which will be part of the way we live, into the future. PLUS...Bespoke presentations and community engagement from: Red Cross Lifeblood and TAFE NSWPivot and Popcorn will take a dive into* Benefits and advice on creating diverse business models* How to leverage and create growth* Innovation and adaptable thinking* Sustainability and reducing your costs AND your footprint* Inspiration and long term vision If you are running a small business or thinking of starting one, this will be a night where you will learn a great deal as well as network with other local business owners.Tickets available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pivot-and-popcorn- futureproof-your-business-with-craig-reucassel-lcci-tickets-120934531439 

Four years old is a crucial age for kids to get their eyes tested and avoid vision problems. That’s the message coming from the health authorities today, October 8 – on World Sight Day.Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) team is encouraging all parents to get their kids tested and identify any eyesight issues early.Northern NSW StEPS Coordinator Jennifer McKay said early screening leads to optimal vision. “It is critical that this screening is provided to four year olds before they start school to maximise clinical benefit and outcomes for children,” Jennifer said. “If a child has blurry vision, they will think this is normal as they don’t have a baseline to compare it to, this is why it is so vital your children get screened.” Free screening is available to all four year old children. StEPS visits preschools and long day-care centres in Northern NSW. Children who do not attend centres (aren’t in care or are in home care) can also get access to the free service. In Northern NSW, the StEPS Program has made additional catch-up clinics available at local Community Health Centres for children who may have missed out on vision screening in 2020 while the program was deferred for a few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The StEPS Catch-up Clinic will be coing to Goonellabah Child and Family Health Centre on Thursday November 5.You can call StEPS on (02) 6620 2836 or for more information, visit the website http://www.nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/kids-families-health services/statewide-eyesight-preschooler-screening-steps/

if you are heading up the coast tomorrow night, be advised that traffic conditions have changed on the Pacific Motorway at Tugun to carry out investigations. The southbound lanes of the tunnel will be closed from 8pm on Thursday 8 until 5am on Friday 9 October. If required, investigations may also be carried out on Friday night. Southbound motorists will be detoured via the Gold Coast Highway exit to rejoin the Pacific Motorway at the Kennedy Drive intersection. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

When virus fragments of Covid-19 were found in raw sewage in Sydney - and Covid testing rates had dropped - it sparked a renewed call from NSW Health yesterday for people in the Hawkesbury and South Western Sydney region to step up and get tested.Lismore sewageWhile we have had no new Covid-19 cases for weeks now in the Lismore area, would a raw sewage testing program be of benefit to our community into the future as an early warning system that the virus is spreading?The Lismore App asked Lismore City Council if there were plans to introduce any testing of the sewage in our area and was told “we don’t do it and don’t have the capability to do so”.SARS-CoV-2The sewage testing in Sydney for molecular markers of SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes Covid-19 - began in July as part of a new research program by NSW Health and Sydney Water.Sydney Water’s General Manager Customer, Strategy and Engagement, Maryanne Graham said virus fragments in sewage can mean that there are active cases in the catchment area.“But people can continue to ‘shed’ virus genetic material for some weeks after recovery,” Ms Graham said. “Our wastewater network can provide data to help the health response to the pandemic."NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the research was still in “early days”, but was “one more way we can strengthen our fight against Covid-19”.“This is a program that will show us where COVID-19 has been. For instance, we would expect to see viral fragments in Sydney sewage where we have consistently had cases in the community or in hotel quarantine.“However, if we continue to have very few active cases, there is scope for this testing to provide early warning in places without known or recent cases.”Treatment plantsMs Graham said there is no evidence COVID-19 is transmitted via wastewater systems.“The virus is susceptible to current treatment processes which are effective in deactivating the virus and there is no risk to the public or to staff who are trained to complete this testing,” she said.Yesterday’s call for Sydney residents to get tested came after the sewage surveillance program detected fragments of the virus at the North Richmond and West Camden treatment plants.The most recent cases in the West Camden catchment were reported in September, but no one living in the North Richmond catchment has recently tested positive for COVID-19.Sydney Water laboratories commenced testing raw sewage from plants at Bondi, Malabar, North Head, Cronulla, St Marys, Quakers Hill, Rouse Hill, Penrith, Shellharbour and Winmalee in the Blue Mountains about two weeks ago.The first round of samples found positive results at Bondi, Malabar, and Winmalee. Further sampling and analysis are required to assess the significance of this initial positive result.

The existing 60 km/hr speed limit on Richmond Hill Road will be reduced to 50 km/hr in places in mid-October.Read more news: Traffic conditions change on Pacific Motorway at TugunThe new speed zone reduction applies to Richmond Hill Road, from the Bruxner Highway to 110 meters north of Laihaina Crescent - a distance of 3.8 kilometres.Lismore City Council today announced that the speed reduction follows a recent review by Transport NSW, which determines speed zones within the Lismore Local Government Area.The reduction will come into effect once new speed-zone signage is installed in mid-October.Read more news: Will the Federal Budget help fix our roads?

Last night's Federal Budget saw another $1 billion being allocated to local councils throughout Australia to upgrade roads, footpaths, street lighting and other community improvements through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program).Read more news: Richmond Hill Road gets a speed reductionThis is on top of the $500 million allocated in May this year.The Lismore App can confirm that the Lismore City Council funding allocation is $1.9 million after last nights budget. This is in addition to the $1.2 originally allocated in May.It sounds small when you compare it to $1 billion but there are a lot of councils in Australia for this money to be shared. The formula used involves the road length and population. When you compare this to our neighbouring councils Lismore City Council was allocated the most for the Northern Rivers from the original $500 million.With 1200 kms of road network to maintain, the Lismore City Council has one of the largest road networks in NSW so should get a large slice of the LRCI Program.The next question is, what road projects will be upgraded using this $1.9 million?The procedure is for the Lismore City Council to sit down and prioritise their list of roads and community projects then apply for the $1.9 through a government grant process.A spokesperson for the Lismore City Council said "We will sit down as a council and work out what projects will get us the best value for money."According to the LRCI Program guidelines this could be in the form of roads, bicycle paths, picnic shelters, playgrounds or skateparks. The main criteria is that the funding stimulates growth and creates jobs in local communities following the impacts of COVID-19.Read more news: Traffic conditions change on Pacific Motorway at TugunNow that the money has been allocated, the next step is for Lismore City Council to prioritise what is best for our community, apply for the funding and execute the plan as soon as possible.On the Lismore City Council website General Manager Shelley Oldham says “It is unrealistic to expect that our roads will be as good as those in metropolitan areas. We have a $70 million roads backlog and we do not receive adequate funding from other tiers of government to adequately maintain our 1200km road network."While this is true, an allocation of $3.1 million from the Federal Government will certainly help fix the worst roads.To view the 2020/21 Roadworks Schedule push on this link https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/lismoreroadworksprogram.

With a La Nina wet weather system on the way and storm season about to kick off, Lismore residents are being urged to prepare their homes and businesses now to limit the damage caused by storms. The official storm season runs from October to March but in the Northern Rivers, storms can happen at any time of the year. The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) said it's important that people are always prepared for severe weather. NSW SES Deputy Zone Commander Mark Somers said some simple things you can do are to look around your yard and tie down furniture and things like trampolines.“We see a lot of roof damage caused by wind and tree impacts, which often leads to water damage as water flows into homes," Mr Somers said."This can be prevented through some basic home maintenance such as trimming trees and ensuring roof tile/sheets are secure and you should clean gutters and downpipes."Check your insurance is up to date too."Emergency kitNSW SES also recommend putting together a Home Emergency Kit in case you become isolated or if the power goes out.Things to include are: torches, candles and matches, a portable radio, spare batteries, a first aid kit and a water proof document holder to store important documents. "Don’t drive in flash flooding," Ms Somers said. "Flood water hides damage to roads and the road is often washed away. If people drive into it and we need to rescue them, it's not a good look - and people lose their lives doing it."It also places rescuers at risk. It only takes 15cm for the average car to float .If the water is moving fast, it will push a car pff the side of the road and you could be in trouble."Do a little every monthThe First Saturday campaign encourages residents to make your home safer on the first Saturday of every month.  Doing a little one day each month to maintain your home ready for storm season will go a long way to keeping your home, your family and NSW SES volunteers safe. Who to call?For more information related to preparing your home for storms, visit http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au If you are in a life threatening situation, call 000.If it involves fallen trees, water in your home or something the SES can help with, call 132500.

After over 30 years of collecting vintage and retro clothing, Lismore local Silvia Frock has opened a new shop in the Warina Arcade, off Molesworth Street.Silvia calls her new shop Frock Fashion – but she sells more than frocks. There’s vintage and retro swim wear, shirts and shorts, dresses and shoes from eras from the 1950s to the 1980s. There’s something for guys and gals.“I’ve got authentic Hawaiian shirts, caftans, colourful vests, embroidery, lace and vintage 50s shorts,” she said.There’s also a designer rack with clothes that Silvia made herself by upcycling pieces by changing or printing on them and giving them new life.“My clothes were in the Nimbin fashion parade this year and last,” she said. “They are all originals and limited, so you won’t see many people wearing them.”The sign above the entrance to Silvia’s shop still reads Angelica's Fashions.Silvia said the previous clothing shop had been there for 50 years and was owned by a woman called Angela.“She is 93 and still alive,” Silvia said. “She came in here the other day and she’s still looking good. She only closed down the shop two years ago and retired after 50 years of running a shop.”HoarderSilvia is a self confessed hoarder who has been in love with collecting clothes since her teens.“I’ve been buying items at markets for 33 years and I’ve been a good hoarding rat,” Silvia said.“It’s all been stored in my house, washed, mended, dyed and bleached and what’s in the shop is only about a quarter of what I have.“I’m always bringing in new items every day. If anything has anything wrong with it, I will fix it on the sport or offer a discount.”After selling her precious items at the Channon Craft Markets for years, she said it was time to open another shop in Lismore.“I popped up this shop a week ago and don’t know how long it will be here, because the shop is for sale,” Silvia said.Kings CrossThis is not Silvia’s first shop – she first opened a shop called Underworld in Sydney’s Kings Cross in the 1980s.“I made upcycled underwear and the working girls would come in and loved my stuff,” Silvia said. “I was the first Aussie chick to recycle and upcycle clothes.“In the 80s, we had permission to be ‘out there’.“I loved remaking clothes into costumes and I walked around, dressed like a pirate, with a feather in my hat, tights, frilly shirt and a leather double breasted jacket with the sleeves cut off and sewed into boots.”When Silvia moved up Northern NSW many years ago, she opened a series of shops - with names like Venus Envy, Frock It and What the Frock.Silivia said she hasn’t seen any other vintage retro shops in the region with a collection of swimwear and the diversity of pieces that she has.So, if you are looking for something unique, Frock Fashions will be open Tuesday to Friday 10am until 3pm.Read more news: Richmond Hill Road gets a speed reduction

A licensed premises on Keen Street, Lismore was issued a $5000 fine on the weekend for failing to adhere to Covid-19 regulations.Personal Officers from Richmond Police District attended the premises about 7.50pm on Saturday and issued a $5000 Personal Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to effectively implement a Covid-19 safety plan 2020.Read more news: Police still seeking missing womanAnother PIN was issued for social distancing breaches by officers from Richmond Police District in Ballina on the weekend.The officers attended a licensed premises on Brighton Street, East Ballina about 7.30pm on Sunday, and issued a $5000 PIN for failing to adhere to venue operation laws. Police will allege no provisions were being made to effect proper social distancing within the establishment.Covid casesNSW Health reported that for the eleventh consecutive day, NSW has reported no recent cases of locally transmitted Covid 19.There have been no reported cases in the Northern Rivers region now for weeks.  Across NSW, 11 cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night (Monday), bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,057.There were 5,385 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 4,789 in the previous 24 hours.NSW Health is treating 50 Covid-19 cases, including three in intensive care, none of whom are being ventilated. 80% of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.Testing numbers dropTesting numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern to health authorities. NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be Covid-19.  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. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.

With new president Don Abraham at the helm, Lismore Men and Community Shed is excited at the possibility of a collaboration with Lismore City Council that could see the Shed’s members put their skills in fixing broken things to great use.Don, who took over from Bob Grieg as president at the Shed’s recent Annual General Meeting, said the group had been building a relationship with Council that could see the Shed moving to Lismore Resource and Recovery Centre.The Wombles upcycleLike the Wombles on the UK children’s TV show (who remembers the Wombles?), Don said the hopeful plan was to set up shop up at the local tip, then fix and upcycle the community’s thrown away objects and broken gadgets.“There’s a lot of stuff that goes to the Revolve shop and if we can fix it up and it goes to the shop to be re-sold, it can earn money for us, as well as the shop,” he said.“If there was a dining table, we could clean it up rather than have it go into land fill. The Shed already uses recycled materials a lot and we are mindful of stuff going to the tip and prefer to repurpose it.“We’ve already submitted a proposal and are very excited to get this underway – it’s important for the whole community.Why move to the tip?“The shed we have now is unworkable. It’s in South Lismore and it’s too small to set up our equipment and make safe for us to work.“It’s been a stop gap measure since we moved out of the Lismore Showgrounds, but a new space would be great.”New committeeThe Lismore Men and Community Shed now has a whole new committee, with Don Abraham as president, Bob Greg as vice president, Glen Lees as treasurer, Annette Hallett secretary, Ian Bottrell as shed coordinator, Ernie pigato as publicity officer and Dwayne Russell as membership officer.Don said he was happy to take over the president position from Bob, who is stepping down because of his health.Don said his background of 30 years in administration and having owned his own transport business makes him ideal for the job.“I’ve also been a member of the Shed for years,” he said. “The Men and Community Shed is important to our community for both men and women. We welcome women and encourage them to learn new things – and it’s important that women step forward and build their capacities.”Outgoing president Bob Grieg.Outgoing president Bob GriegBob Grieg said he was stepping down because he has had several strokes since he took the reins as acting president in 2017 and is not 100%.“I have the shakes and can’t text,” Bob said. “I’ve stepped down because I don’t need the stress of the position, but I’ll still be with the shed and have accepted the vice president position.“I’ve done my best over three years, but Don is great - his energy kept the shed together though Covid – and he is still is keeping everyone safe.”

Changes to Covid-19 rules mean that If you missed out on NORPA's the first round of tickets to the new show, O How I Dreamt of Things Impossible, there’s more tickets now available.The production from Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre sold out five weeks ahead of the October 24 opening night.Now, with changes to NSW public health orders allowing theatres to increase their capacity up to 50%, a second round of tickets has been released. Social distancing will still be in place, so tickets to the October show are limited and expected to sell quickly.  In order to cater for those who are still isolating, or across borders or oceans, the show will also be filmed. A screening, on November 7, will be made available online and a simultaneous screening at NORPA with a live audience, Q&A and Auslan interpreter will also be available. O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible is described as a physically dynamic and robustly hopeful show that explores the kaleidoscope of emotions and day-to-day experiences of its dancers with disability.Through the lens of seven young, imaginative and curious minds, we rediscover the power of dreams alongside the optimism and integral strength that must be summoned to overcome the doubts we all share about life.It asks the question: In a world that’s not built for you, can you dare to dream of life, love and a rightful place within it all?NORPA’s Artistic Director, Julian Louis said Sprung!! is one of the only dedicated performance ensembles in our region.“O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible reframes our perspective and shows that ‘Impossible’ can be transformed into ‘I’m Possible’,” he said.O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible was co-devised by the dancers and Artistic Director of Sprung!!, Michael Hennessy (a former Sydney Dance Company dancer), has been working with the dancers on a weekly basis for more than five years and is excited to bring their performance to the NORPA stage.“Ultimately their experiences are what make the show so profound,” he said.Stories told“One dancer was hospitalised in his youth and unable to move, so to see him fully expressing himself in movement is a feat in and of itself, but to see him perform at this level is astounding.”Equally moving is the story of Tallula Bourne. Ms Bourne heard music for the first time at the age of 12, after having cochlear implants to address hearing loss.Her experience of hearing for the first time will be brought to life in a solo as part of the show.“We are creators, we are dreamers, we make our own normal,” said Ms Bourne.Sprung!! President and the show’s producer, Robyn Brady, said the whole community has been involved in bringing this show to the stage. “We held a successful crowdfunding campaign to which many people generously donated, it was matched by Brady Marine. NORPA has provided significant financial, creative and production support, and we’ve also gained support from the NSW Government through Create NSW and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. We sense the level of excitement and anticipation for this work being created with our dancers,” said Dr Brady.TicketsO, How I Dreamt Of Things Impossible will be on Thursday, 22 October until Saturday, 24 October, at 7.30pm at NORPA, Lismore City Hall.Tickets cost $20–49. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.norpa.org.au

Free school holiday activities for the kids and author talks with the online book club are on offer at our local Richmond Tweed Regional Library.Book ClubToday, Tuesday October 6 author of the international bestselling book The Botanist's Daughter Kayte Nunn will talk live as part of the Regional Readers Book Club Facebook Group.Kayte Nunn is a former book and magazine editor, including The Silk House and now lives in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.Local author, Hayley Katzen, will join the club live on October 22 to speak about her latest book Untethered.You can call your local library for Tech Help, so you can interact with the author from 11am Find out more: https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-OFU-43-37-10School holidays activitiesTake and Make craft activities that you can do from home can be found at the library until October 9.The packs include a number of ready-to-make kits like Bee Happy gardens and comic book making. These free activities have instructions and some things to get you started and availability and will vary day to day.The library asks for your help completing a survey: Let them know what you think of online preschool programs by completing a short survey at www.culturecounts.cc/s/6oF3A2.Looking for more?Visit the Richmond Tweed Regional Library YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/c/richmondtweedregionallibrary to find other science and craft activities you can do from home. There's also a large range of early literacy programs to view anytime.There's never been a better time to get online!Get Online Week is a week-long annual celebration that sees thousands of events take place each year, giving everyone the chance to find the support they need to improve their digital skills. Last year, over 1,000 events were held across Australia helping people get more out of life online.If the last few months have taught us anything, it's how vital digital skills are to our well-being and safety. Yet 2.5 million people in Australia aren't connected online.This year's campaign will respond to the needs of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, by supporting people to connect with friends and family, stay safe online, learn how to better use their devices, and find reliable health information.Sign up for online or over the phone tech support all week at any Richmond Tweed Regional Library branches. Learn how to use social media, connect with families and friends via Zoom, and learn more about your online library. Join an online celebration at the end of the week to go in the draw to win a Samsung tablet!

It was only two weeks ago that the Lismore App reported the opening of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade.While the roadwork has been completed the smaller jobs like drainage, safety barriers and paving need to be finished before the project is 100% complete.This means if you are travelling south for the second week of school holidays you can still expect some delays due to lane closures and even some short stoppages.If you are travelling North towards the Queensland border your journey will be normal until you reach the border check points, these have been describes as 'horrendous' since last Thursday.From Tuesday, there will be five days of work between Woodburn and New Italy to install traffic safety barriers and carry out earthwork, paving, drainage work, asphalting and to allow access to site. Motorists can expect traffic control, reduced speed limits and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm.Further south from Tuesday, there will be up to four days of work between Maclean and Glenugie including the northbound on ramp at Tyndale to carry out survey work, landscape maintenance and allow vehicles to access site. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm.Also from Tuesday, there will be four days of work on Big River Way between Maclean and Tyndale to carry out signage maintenance. Motorists can expect a reduced speed limit of 60km/h between 6am and 6pmFrom Wednesday, there will be two days of work at Harwood and Farlows Flat to carry out asphalting and drainage maintenance. Motorists can expect traffic control, lane closures and a reduced speed limit between 6am and 6pm.Additional changes to local roadsFrom Monday, there will be up to six days of work on Minyumai, Nardi and Red Gate roads at New Italy and Tuckombil Road, Trustums Hill Road and Wondawee Way at Woodburn to carry out earthwork, paving, fencing, drainage, vegetation clearing and installation and guard rails and to allow access to site. Motorists can expect lanes closures, traffic control and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm.Also from Monday, there will be six days of work on Broadwater-Evans Head Road at Broadwater to install sign posts. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6am and 6pm.There will be three days of work from Tuesday on Ulgundahi View at Harwood, the Yamba interchange, Chatsworth Road south at Chatsworth Island and Banana Road at Mororo to carry out asphalting and to install a koala grid. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm.From Wednesday, there will be four days of work on Blackwall Drive at Coolgardie and Signata Road at Pimlico to carry out asphalting. Motorists can expect traffic control and short stoppages between 6am and 6pm.Traffic control will be in place on Bensons Lane at Tyndale and McIntyres Lane at Gulmarrad to allow heavy vehicles to access site from Monday. Motorists can expect short stoppages at times.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience during this time.

Local business owner Hayley Brown's dream is to open a free boxing gym at the old Church of Christ building on Rous Road.She lives near Shearman Drive and knows young people in Goonellabah need more activities to keep them off the streets and give them skills.While she would love to open it in the next few weeks, she needs money to kit the gym out and get the boxing ring built.It's not a standard gym, but one with the goal of bringing kids into an environment where they are taught discipline and skills, to help them make better decisions in life.Many people will know the name, Hayley Brown from Horns Gas & Plumbing. However, many may not know that Hayley is an experienced boxer with five bouts under her belt at the Workers Club, Evans Head, Kingscliff and two in Brisbane.(The site of the new Gospel Gloves Inc boxing gym on Rous Road, Goonellabah next to the shopping centre. Photo: Simon Mumford)The new gym will be a qualified glove club with NSW Boxing affiliation plus the two trainers, Hayley and Raymond Welsh are registered with the NSW Amateur Boxing Association.Hayley and Ray will teach the older kids while Luke Simpson from Bundjalung Fitness is going to teach the kids under 10.Initially, the sessions will be Friday afternoons from 4:30pm to 5pm with a Wednesday session booked when Friday's become full."We have structured activities," Hayley said, "they have to learn the basics first.""There is a lot of fitness that has to be reached before the kids can start boxing. Where this takes them is up to them, we can go to tournaments or they can come and train just to get stuff off their chest."What inspired Hayley?"It started when some kids were throwing rocks at my friends house because they wanted to swim in her pool and were told they couldn't. I went up to them and offered to pay for them to go to GSAC where half of them were barred, so I thought what can I do to help.""It's not really their fault, some parents are in jail so there is a lack of direction and no positive influence which is what we are trying to provide.""We started doing a free boxing gym in Clifford Park before COVID and had 10-12 kids coming every week. Then COVID hit so we had to stop."(Gospel Gloves Inc at Clifford Park)"Trying to get the kids to come back was hard, we tried another park but didn't really get any kids so we are set up at Sherman now which is ok but still a bit of a dodgy space. I have just made the commitment to pay the rent myself so we can start in the building."Boxing ringHayley's biggest expense is the actual boxing ring which comes in at $5500."I have raised $1500 but do need help from the community in raising the other 3 grand," Hayley said, "We have ropes, gloves, hand weights but do need more bags so I do need a bit more gear."Gospel Gloves Inc is not set up as a not-for-profit organisation just yet so donations are not tax deductible. If you can make a donation to help get this community project off the ground, the details for a direct deposit are:Bank: Commonwealth BankName: Gospel Gloves IncBSB: 062 565A/c No.: 1092 4878.As for the detractors that are wondering if this will end up having a negative impact, Hayley offers these comments."There are rules. If they are found fighting on the street they will be suspended and then barred for a second offence".Christian group"We are a christian boxing group and when they come in it is about discipline, which is why there is so much emphasis on the fitness and the technique before they are allowed into the ring.""It is also an outlet for the kids so rather than take their frustrations or boredom out on the street they can come and do that on the bag or in the ring.""They will be absolutely exhausted when they get through the session. Raymond and I will be there to talk to them, if we see them acting out.""We are young so we can relate to them. It's about trying to teach them compassion and give them hope for the future and make good choices and that they are loved and not forgotten.""Once you have the skills you are less likely to engage because you know the power of what you can do and what you are capable of."As a community we should get behind people like Hayley that are using their personal time and finances in helping our misguided youth to make a difference.

Jaylan Stewart was meant to be playing off the bench for Marist Brothers Rams Under 18s side at Ballina this afternoon.The match was cancelled as 17-year-old Jaylan was killed when the BMW he was driving left Ellangowan Road, east of Summerland Way, Casino, and hit a tree just before 3pm on Saturday.Jaylan Stewart was a former pupil at St John's College Woodlawn. Photo: FacebookA minute's silence was held for Jaylan Stewart before the First Grade match this afternoon.Jaylan played alongside Eddie Allen in the Rams' Under 18s. They also were part of Lismore Rugby Club's tour to Fiji. Eddie died when the Nissan Pulsar he was driving north along Barham Street, East Lismore, crashed into a tree on September 14.Eddie Allen was a "friend" of Jaylan Stewart on Facebook and Jaylan's main photograph on his Facebook page is of the trip to Fiji.Jaylan Stewart as part of Lismore Rugby Club Colts trip to Fiji. Photo: Facebook Jaylan is understood to have been a boarder at Ipswich Grammar School and a former pupil at St John’s College Woodlawn and has been remembered as a “wonderful lad” and a “gorgeous boy” who loved playing rugby league on social media.Officers from Richmond Police District established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.A report will be prepared for the Coroner.Jaylan Stewart, pictured with sister Keisha, was meant to be playing off the bench for Marist Brothers Under 18s this afternoon. Photo: FacebookAnyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Any information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

A teenager has died in a single-vehicle crash in Casino yesterday.Emergency services were called to Ellangowan Road, east of Summerland Way, just before 3pm (Saturday 3 October 2020), following reports a BMW had left the roadway and hit a tree.The driver and sole occupant – a 17-year-old male – died at the scene.Officers from Richmond Police District established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.A report will be prepared for the Coroner.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.