When we think COVID-19 or coronavirus we tend to think of all the negatives that the global pandemic has brought to our lives. The lockdowns, the home schooling, the loss of jobs, the lack of sport, the loss of events, the list goes on.Our doom and gloom has been a positive for our pets, it appears they have come in for some TLC while we are spending more time at home. They are loving the extra attention with many turning up at the local veterinary clinic for ailments that would have been missed during a normal busy lifestyle.Daryl Deeley one of the vets at Keen Street Vets in Lismore, saying he can't put a single factor to why they have been busier across the Northern Rivers. "We feel there are quite a few more people at home during this COVID period," Daryl said, " They are noticing things about their pets they didn't before like skin allergies, ulcers or teeth problems.""Issues that have been going on long term that they have become aware of now."Pet ownership has also increased during COVID-19 so there a lot more de-sexing operations. Simon Arnesen from VetLove Goonellabah said "the RSPCA have re-homed more pets during COVID. People who were talking about getting a pet were making the decision to actually get it done now".Unfortunately, the trend of domestic violence has increased not only for people but also with pets with a slight increase in numbers.Another reason for the increase in vet activity is thought to be the extra money flowing into people's pockets with JobKeeper and JobSeeker or through access to Super Funds."A pets skin condition that was a minor problem and deemed not necessary to treat before COVID is now at the vets getting treatment", Simon said.At it's peak Keen Street Vet had 5-6 people waiting outside in their cars. The procedure was exactly the same as your local doctor, you were to ring the surgery when you arrived and a nurse would come and pick up your pet from your car, take it inside for treatment then return your pet once complete.Daryl said "appointments were taking 30 minutes because we had to to thoroughly clean all the surfaces and equipment after every pet. This increased our workload hugely as well as increased the wait time by 15 minutes.""We are so grateful for good staff and patient clients."The rule today for Keen Street Vet and VetLove is for one person with their pet allowed in the premises at a time. This eases the workload somewhat.Both practices have social distancing measures and hygiene measures in place.

WANTED ON WARRANTS: Jai KNIGHTPolice are seeking community assistance in locating 22 year old Jai KNIGHT, wanted by virtue of 5 arrests warrants.Jai is known to frequent the Lismore and Goonellabah areas.Anyone with information in regards to Jai's current whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The best of the rain has passed with only the slight chance of small shower tomorrow morning then a good looking weekend on the way.It is perfect weather to check out our local bush walks like Rocky Creek Dam, Protester Falls, Mount Matheson or if you are feeling very energetic the Minyon Falls walk. Check out your options here Walks.For your local, direct from the farmer fresh fruit and veg head down to the Lismore Showground for the Farmers Markets, open from 8 while the Blue Knob Community Markets throw open their gates at 8:30am. The Farmers Market will see live music by Joe O'Keefe & Friends.Sunday sees the second Channon Craft Markets since the pandemic began in March. This month will celebrate the life of Peter Jackson (aka RoaDart) with 'Pete's Picnic' between 11am and 1pm. Bring your own picnic, rug or buy your lunch and join Pete's family on the oval. The markets run between 9am and 3pm.The Lismore Regional Gallery has the Language of the Wounded and Body Language exhibitions on display between 10am and 4pm.In Sport, the local derby is back at Crozier Field on Sunday when the in form Northern United take on the Marist Brothers Rams at 3pm. Two weeks ago Northern United won the first encounter 34-22 in a dominant display.Far North Coast Football has the final home and away games before the final kick into gear with the Lismore Thistles travelling to Bangalow tonight with an 8pm kick-off.Sunday's matches see Richmond Rovers on the road to Byron Bay for a 12:30 start while the ladder leading South Lismore Celtics take on the 4th placed Goonellabah Hornets at 2pm in a game the Hornets need to win to ensure their place in the finals next weekend.The women's ANZAC Cup final is Lismore Thistles v Alstonville on Sunday played at Alstonville with a 12:30 kick-off while the mens ANZAC Cup Final is next Wednesday night also at Alstonville at 7pm between the Goonellabah Hornets and Alstonville.The Lismore Rugby Union Colts play in their Preliminary Final tomorrow, good luck to the boys.Full sport wrap throughout the weekend from Matt Barlow and Ian Horswill on the Lismore App.Neil Marks' Saturday Blog talks about his new Deputy Mayor title. It is your last few days to win a Trackside Table for 10 including entry fee, reserved table with umbrella and two bottles of wine for this years Lismore Cup. Go to the WIN! button on the front page.117.9 is the cheapest diesel around town in a variety of places while E10 unleaded is 112.9 at United on Ballina Road and unleaded 91 is cheapest at United again and Caltex near the Square at 114.9.Daley's Homewares and Monogramming will open their new store at 83 Keen Street on Monday morning after a weekend of moving.Have a great weekend, here are a few funnies to kick off the weekend. If you see any you would like to share simon@lismoreapp.com.au is the email address.

Voluntary redundancies at Southern Cross University (SCU) could just be the beginning of more job losses for the local university, with 71 staff having their redundancies accepted after they were called for earlier this year.SCU Vice President of Engagement Ben Roche said the ongoing COVID-19 situation will continue to have a bearing on the need to implement further cost cutting measures "which are likely to include further job losses in the future".While 92 academic and professional staff applied for SCU’s Voluntary Redundancy (VR) program, Mr Roche said only 71 were accepted - with 24 of the staff in academic roles and 47 in professional roles. "Each application was carefully and confidentially considered within each work unit and all staff have been notified of the outcome.Mr Roche thanked all those who applied, acknowledging the personal nature of each individual’s decision-making process. “We appreciate how significant this is in helping the University overcome the unprecedented financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.“This is a significant moment for the University, as each and every one of the departing staff represent long term colleagues, peers and in many cases close personal friends developed over many years of service.“As part of the University’s consultation in developing the VR program, a detailed assessment process was followed that not only determined whether the staff member’s role could be discontinued, but there was also an additional layer of local consideration to ensure the approved redundancies will not materially impact the workload of other staff."Future blueprintMr Roche said a Planning Ahead Committee will be created to oversee reforms in key areas and ensure the University remains viable into the future. He also reconfirmed that teaching across the University will continue in the default mode of online learning and staff will continue to work from home.Face-to-face graduations are still cancelled until further notice and campus buildings will continue to have limited access to minimise running costs and to ensure a COVID safe environment.Mr Roche reinforced that the singular focus on health and safety underpins its emphasis on precaution and risk-mitigation. “In safeguarding our staff and students, those decisions have been made on the advice from Chief Medical Officers of both New South Wales and Queensland as well as key local issues such as continued border closures,” he said

Students at the Rivers Secondary College’s campuses of Kadina, Lismore and Richmond Rivers are about to embark on a new film-making journey with a national film education program, Nextwave Online.The program aims to equip young people 10-25 years old with filmmaking skills, and create short films they can enter into the Nextwave Youth Film Awards, before being screened across Australia for Youth Week each year.  Kadina teachers and students.Just shootMirco Guidon was the Nextwave Youth Film Awards winner in 2015 and 2016. He is also a Southern Cross University (SCU) media graduate whose advice is “just shoot something with your friends and then show it to people”.“As a young person who’s interested in filmmaking the best thing you can do is just get out there and shoot,” Mirco said. “Going through the process of creating over and over again you’ll find that you see the world a certain way and maybe you’ll enjoy doing it enough to pursue it as a career.” Mirco said there was no singular path to follow in developing a career as a filmmaker.  “I made short films, submitting them to local festivals including Nextwave (called RecYaShorts at the time), watched countless hours of YouTube tutorials and at the same time studied Media at SCU which gave me a strong theoretical foundation. It’s a constant process of learning, but it started with just getting started. With getting out there and shooting.” David Horsley with Kadina students.Film for the futureThe free online education service is part of the Film For The Future program, offered by Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF), in partnership with SCU. It’s about providing free filmmaking education access to Nextwave Online’s paid subscription service for a select group of regional Australian schools.  Remote deliveryDelivered remotely online, students and teachers can do lessons in classrooms or from home. Teachers receive companion guides to teach the modular video episodes, which include 10 x 20-minute episodes. The episodes comprehensively teach introductory filmmaking, with additional free resources and activities available.  Rivers’ Executive Principal Ian Davies said it is exciting that college students in the creative and performing arts will have an opportunity to participate.Grayson Cooke and David Horsley.SCU Vice President (Engagement) Ben Roche said the University’s three-year partnership with SWIFF would foster and support the creativity of young Australians.“I hope some may take that experience further to study film and digital media at university as they pursue a career in the creative industries,” he said.Nextwave Director and cinematographer Co-Director Kate Howat said “take one look at your social media feed and it’s easy to see that young people are already accessing film making technology through their smart phone or DSLR – we just show them how to use it to help tell their story."For more information visit http://www.nextwavefilmfest.com.auNextwaveNextwave is the largest youth film development program in regional Australia, consisting of an in person workshop tour, the Nextwave short film competition, the Nextwave Youth Film Awards held every January, and the Nextwave Youth Week Film Festival which travels to over 20 regional communities each April.Due to COVID-19, the Coffs Harbour-based film festival team have elected to launch a new national online film education portal, called Nextwave Online, in partnership with Southern Cross University. 

Innovative events to keep veterans socially connected could attract some of the $200,000 in funding now available for Veteran's Health Week activities.Veterans and their families are being encouraged to keep socially connected as part of Veterans’ Health Week, with a share in funding available to community groups and ex-service organisations to assist with activities.Veterans Health Week will be held from Saturday, 24 October to Sunday, 1 November 2020 and communities are being encouraged to get creative to ensure events can still take place, with organisations able to apply for $720 in funding to support their activities.Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the global coronavirus pandemic had made it difficult for many people to physically see each other and finding ways to socially connect with one another was now more important than ever, particularly for the ex-service community.“Social connection is one of the most important aspects for your mental health and wellbeing, and as part of Veterans’ Health Week this year we are encouraging those in the ex-service community to remain socially connected, with family, friends and local community,” Mr Chester said.“This year we’re asking organisations to come up with more innovative ideas for hosting events, to get creative and create new opportunities to connect, either in person where possible or virtually over the phone or internet.“This could include a fitness challenge or session, community meditation or yoga, community catch-ups or arts and crafts workshops to name a few — all either in person, or virtually. Ex-service organisations can also look to partner with other local community organisations to deliver their chosen activity.“Veterans’ Health Week is a chance to remind veterans and their families to stay in touch with their local communities and participate in community events and remain socially connected.”Each year the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides $200,000 in funding to assist community groups and ex-service organisations to host events for Veterans Health Week. Applications are now open and organisations can apply to receive $720 to support their Veterans’ Health Week activity. To apply for funding visit http://www.dva.gov.au/vhw“Supporting the mental health of veterans and their families is a key priority for this Government and Veterans’ Health Week is one way we can spread more awareness about the importance of social connection within local communities across Australia,” Mr Chester said.“I encourage veterans and their families to look out for a Veteran Health Week event hosted in their community, and to stay safe, but connected.”For more information on Veterans’ Health Week and the funding available, visit the Veterans’ Health Week page on the DVA website. You can also call 1800 555 254 or email vhw@dva.gov.au.Applications for funding close 2 October 2020. Applicants must be aware of local state or territory Coronavirus restrictions that are in place and ensure their event is following all Coronavirus guidelines.  

In a recent Lismore City Council survey on the impact of the closure of the Queensland border it was noted that residents were suffering for medical and personal reasons and through the loss of jobs.One of the recommendations from the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation of Councils was to establish a $45 million grant program to assist small businesses to cope with losses caused by the border closure. This matches what has already been given to councils on the southern border with Victoria.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has stepped into the battle calling for the Berejiklian Government to match its southern NSW $45 million COVID-19 grant program with a similar package for struggling communities here in the north. Ms Saffin urged Deputy Premier John Barilaro more than a week ago to extend the program, which he announced on a flying visit to Albury, to northern businesses doing it tough. Now she says the delay in implementing a package shows an “unresponsive” Berejiklian Government has little regard for northern border communities. “These are NSW residents and the NSW Government is responsible for them and to them,” Ms Saffin said. “Regardless of which government made the decision to close the Queensland-NSW border, the negative impacts on struggling local businesses on the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands are no different to those experienced by businesses near the NSW-Victorian border.” Ms Saffin called for the program to cover all businesses located in the Local Government Areas within the bubble zone, including Tweed Shire, Kyogle and Tenterfield Shire. She said it should also be extended to other businesses in the Lismore City, Richmond Valley, Byron Shire, Ballina Shire and Clarence Valley Local Government Areas. “The NSW Business Chamber, representing businesses across the Northern Rivers and New England North West, the Master Builders Association of NSW Northern Rivers and the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation all support what I am calling for,” Ms Saffin said. Ms Saffin stressed that she was asking for extra targeted support for businesses over and above pre-existing support measures. “This program would help with local businesses’ day-to-day costs, keep their doors open and keep people in their jobs,” she said. 

After three heartbreaking weeks of waiting, Lismore-based dad Brad Jones was finally given an exemption to cross the Queensland border to see his critically-ill four year daughter Charlotte in a Brisbane children’s hospital.Brad said it was for two hours only, and when the time was up, security guards escorted him back to his car to make sure he immediately began the drive back to Lismore – with no stops on the way.“I could barely even see the road as I was driving – I was crying that hard,” Brad said. “When I looked at her, I thought we would be burying her. It took my breath away to see my little girl like that.”Read more news: Border closure heartbreak for family separated by cancer treatmentLeukemiaOver the last few weeks, Charlotte, who is critically ill and being treated for leukemia, has taken a turn for the worse. “Last Friday afternoon, Charlotte had a seizure and was placed in ICU and sedated,” he said. “She’s in a bad way – she had a liver infection and was yellow and jaundiced. “She’ll be in ICU for a few weeks yet, but they have finally got her off the respirator, but it’s still a long road ahead. She was 15kg when she was admitted, then she got to 23kg because of the fluid build up in her body. “The oncologist said the next 48 hours will see her either take a turn for the worse, or go the right way.”QuarantineBrad is devastated that he can no longer travel over the border to visit Charlotte without the burden of an expensive stay in quarantine for two weeks each visit. He also has the job of looking after he and his partner’s other children in Lismore and is trying to get Queensland authorities to let the family cross the border and stay in the cancer care accommodation unit together.“I’ve applied for another exemption to visit again, but haven’t heard anything yet,” he said.“It’s not fair. There’s no heart coming from the Queensland Government in this situation – it’s a joke. It’s all politics and it’s not about Australians and our lives.Hotspot“I’ve asked MP Kevin Hogan to ask them what is a true hotspot? There are no new Covid cases here, but Brisbane has cases. Are they classified as a hotspot now?“Why can’t Lismore be a part of this border bubble so we can travel? I know they didn’t want to do it because of Byron Bay and the tourists that come there. Read more news: Where's the $45 million grant to help our communities with border closure losses?Inhumane“I saw the case on the news of the father who couldn’t get across to see his dying child and the case of the mother with twins who was turned away and one of babies died - that’s inhumane- we are not in a third world country.“They will let 400 football players go there though – it’s all about the money.”Brad said Charlotte is fighting for her life and he is hoping to see realistic changes to allow him and his family to stay together in Queensland.ChemotherapyBrad said he’s never going to give up trying to see his little girl, but he is worried about how she has been reacting to the chemotherapy treatment. “When Charlotte got too sick, she had to stop receiving chemotherapy and that has pushed us back a lot further,” he said. “We are only half way through her second cycle and at this rate she will be there with her mum until after Christmas.“She’s trying to sit up now. I haven’t heard her voice for nearly a week – she was so sick and sedated.”Brad said Charlotte’s leukemia was diagnosed in January, but not until after she had been admitted to Lismore Base Hospital twice with swollen adenoids, which were at first thought to be tonsillitis and treated with steroids. Finally, after not getting better, Charlotte was diagnosed with leukemia.Brad remembers the day pediatrician Dr Chris Ingalls told him had an advanced aggressive cancer and he had to break the horrible news to his partner. Prayers“We are just taking it week by week, but lately it’s been hour by hour. I haven’t been getting much sleep and I’ve never prayed before, but I pray now.”“I’ve had to watch her lose her hair,” he said. She was a wild child who would fall on the driveway and get up and laugh. We call her our warrior princess. I think that prepared her for all this.Oncology ward“I know about cancer now because I have to visit the oncology ward in the hospital and see the young kids in there who have no idea what they are going through.“I’m a stern person but it got to me. My daughter is fighting for her life and every day in her ward, there is a nurse in the room with Charlotte and Melissa. She is in God’s hands now. “I hope we can be together in the unit near the hospital soon.”MP Hogan respondsFederal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said he was continually working with the all levels of government on a solution to Brad’s situation.“This shows the complete absurdity of the border bubble lockdown, with no Covid cases in our region” he said. “We are taking three different avenues to get changes made – applying to the Prime Minister’s office, working with Queensland Premier Palaszczuk, Brad Hazzard the NSW Health Minister and the cross-border commission. Shame them“We are trying to shame them into giving him exemption.“Last week, the Prime Minister tried to get the States to agree to a national position and agree over what a hotspot is. Queensland’s stance is political in motivation ahead of a State election.“We all understand the Melbourne and Victorian restrictions with hundreds of new cases there every day, but in Queensland there’s no medical reason.” 

Lismore City Council has made a "damning" submission ahead of an Upper House inquiry examining the Government’s misuse of grants.The inquiry begins on Monday, September 21, and NSW Labor is demanding the Liberals and Nationals be held accountable for the “blatant attempt to buy marginal seats like Lismore through the distribution of grants before the 2019 State election”.Lismore City Council’s submission stated: “These pre-election funding opportunities are often opaque and do not respond to the documented needs of a community or are not costed in accordance with the actual work that needs to be done.“This results in a ‘gift’ of funds that results in implementation shortfalls.”The Government’s misuse of taxpayer funds was highlighted in the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).Shadow Minister for Local Government, Greg Warren said the SCCF saw $400 million handed out over three rounds – with $200 million distributed in round two, months prior to the 2019 NSW election.“Over the course of three rounds, the Lismore electorate received 74 grants, with 41 announced in round two,” he said.“More than 87% of grants went to Coalition-held seats in round 2, despite holding just over 60% of electorates eligible for the SCCF grants.Mr Warren said the Government was elected to represent every community, not its own self-interest.“The concerns of Lismore City Council are not only justified, they are echoed throughout the state,” he said.“This government goes missing from communities for four years then reappears months before an election to announce grants and buy votes.“It’s disgusting, disgraceful and deceitful.”Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the results from the 2019 state election “clearly show the people of Lismore did not fall for this government’s lies and false promises”.“Lismore, like every community throughout NSW, needs a member who represents their best interests for all four years – not just months before an election,” she said.“They didn’t get that with the Nationals but they certainly get that with NSW Labor.”

Today is R U OK? day and if you are not sure what to say to someone after asking this question, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) has some suggestions.If they are not ok, telling the person what you have noticed, is one of the ways you can keep the conversation going as you reach out to someone who might be struggling.RAMHP Coordinator, Steve Carrigg, said adverse events - such as drought, floods, bushfires and a global pandemic - have taken a toll on many people, financially, physically and mentally. “Now, more than ever, our rural communities need to check in with each other and stay connected,” he said.“Stressful events can cause feelings of worry and unease, especially when there are high levels of uncertainty involved.“We need our communities to look out for each other. If you see someone you know who is showing signs they might be struggling, it is important to talk to them and to encourage them to take action.“If someone says they’re not okay, it’s important to know what to say and learn how to start a conversation.New guide to help the conversationTo help you know what to say after “R U OK?”, RAMHP has developed a new Guide – Having a Conversation, which includes tips on how to start a conversation. 1. Pick a time and a place – Pick a good time and find the right place to have the conversation.2. Be specific – Tell the person what you have noticed.3. Ask questions – Ask open-ended questions.  4. Really listen – Listen without judgement, don’t interrupt and acknowledge their feelings.5. Let them know it’s okay – Reassure them it’s okay to feel the way they do, and that help is available 6. Support and encourage – Support them in taking positive steps to improve their mental health.7. Follow-up – Stay in touch and check in again soon 8. Look after yourself – Make sure you’re going okay and ask for support if you need itYou can also access resources and information on the RAMHP website http://www.ramhp.com.au RAMHP has also developed a new dedicated website for rural men - You Got This Mate - which provides action-focussed tips and information to help men reach their best possible mental health. If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s mental health, call the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 for advice, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  

After being absent for decades, an antique cream can, newly restored and painted has again appeared atop the premises of 83 Keen Street.The cream can spent decades atop the building when it was the home of Sidney & Hacking Plumbing - and was a symbol to the local community that they could get their cream cans repaired there.Now, the building is now the new home of Daleys Homewares and Monogramming, which is moving from its Woodlark Street location.In a tale that spans generations, John Daley and Matthew Healy, owner of Daleys Homewares & Monogramming, are keeping the old stories alive – along with a piece of history from the Sidney & Hacking family business, which was founded in 1903.Read more news: R U OK Day? is today. So, what do you say after 'R U OK?'The cream can can be seen on top of the Sidney & Hacking shop c.1930 - and today.“Repairing cream cans was one of Sidney & Hacking’s major operations,” John Daley said.“The cans were always silver - they have a lead/tin coating over them and every couple of years they had to be recovered, inside and out.“I think the first cream can was up on top of the shop in the 1930s. Then their business moved to south Lismore in about 1995 and they rented the Keen Street building to the Northern Star as offices - that’s when they took the cream can down.“Sidney and Hacking were a large plumbing shop with 50 men working here - and it was here for a long time. The business is still going but this cream can is a link with the past. They were a fine family.”Read more news: Lismore's crazy characters feature on TV breakfast show this morningMatthew Healy, owner of Daleys, getting the new shop ready.Sidney & Hacking historySidney & Hacking Plumbing was founded by Norman Sidney and Charles Hacking. Handed down the Sidney family from father to son, the business is currently owned by Andrew Sidney, great grandson of Norman. Today, Andrew's son Taylor, a trade certified plumber, makes the fifth generation of people to work in the family business.John said Max Sidney – one of the previous owners of the business - is about 85 now and he is a twin.“When Matthew bought this new shop building, I spoke to Max about it and Max asked if we would put the cream can back up,” John said.“Max had saved it all this time, so we cleaned it up and painted it in Sidney and Hacking colours- silver, red and green. As far as we know it’s the original can.”Matthew Healy said it was important to keep the historical connection to place, community and business alive.“It’s been a part of Keen Street history for almost 100 years,” Matthew said. “Old families and stories will be forgotten if we don’t maintain them.“We thought it was good to reinstate it, we are only 30 years old, but we are also a part of the landscape of Lismore. It’s a way we can keep the old stories alive in town.”MonogrammingMatthew said the move to the new shop was a complex logistical exercise, as the large embroidery machines were heavy and needed to be winched out of the roof of the old shop on Woodlark Street.“They are now in place in the new shop and working again,” he said.Matthew said the old shop location will cease trading on Friday this week and will open the doors of the new shop location next Monday.Read more: SUNDAY PROFILE: John Daley & Matthew Healy on 30 years in business

If you are heading outdoors over the next two days make sure you take the umbrella with you as we are expecting some decent rainfall.Alinka Duma from the Bureau of Meteorology said the rain will be developing in the early hours of tomorrow morning then increasing in the afternoon and evening. This us due to a southerly cold front moving north plus some cooler air coming across the ocean. We should see around 10-20mm in the rain gauge Thursday and a further 10-15mm on Friday which will help green up our hills and pasture land.If you do happen to live near the coast you are expecting stronger falls in the vicinity of 15-35mm tomorrow.Saturday morning will see some lingering showers in the morning but under 2mm to start the weekend then Sunday is looking the pick with a few clouds hanging around.

Following recent violent incidents against Lismore Base Hospital staff, the Health Services Union (HSU) has lashed the hospital saying the security crisis will worsen because management has taken "shortcuts" by hiring contract security officers who are "incapable of intervening in a violent situation".Read more news: Lismore Health Workers are Safe say expertsHSU Lismore organiser Peter Kelly said “our members at Lismore Hospital have been treated as punching bags for far too long”. “In the last few years they have been stabbed, punched and bitten," he said. “The hired labour hire security guards are not authorised to restrain a patient who becomes violent. Nor can they respond to a code black duress alarm in any meaningful way.“HSU members are ropable at management’s constant corner cutting. Lismore Hospital is legally required to provide employees with a safe work environment. It’s time they took that seriously.”Mr Kelly said the union has notified the local health district and is now formally in a dispute with intentions to escalate the issue to the Industrial Relations Commission if necessary.'Window dressing'“If Lismore Hospital management thinks window dressing will solve its security crisis they should think again,” he said.“These labour hire security officers are simply not trained nor authorised to intervene in a violent and dangerous incident. Yet they have been employed to provide security 24 hours a day for at least the next week.“This is what happens when you fail to plan and refuse to invest in your workforce. You wind up spending more on inadequate solutions that don’t maintain public security.Read more news: Border closure heartbreak for family separated by cancer treatmentWayne Jones.Read more news: NSW Telestroke service goes live at Lismore Base Hospital todayLocal health district chief respondsNorthern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones said the use of external security providers to supplement the health security workforce was not a “short cut measure”.“It is used based on staff availability, workload and assessment of the duties required at the time.  “Where additional security presence is required, additional staff are called in.  “In the majority of cases, these opportunities are offered first to our existing workforce, but where a role cannot be filled by a health staff member, an external contractor supplies staff. “External security staff are fully licenced security officers and can and do respond to Code Blacks on the department they are assigned to, as part of the response team. Lismore Base Hospital is increasing its security workforce and recruitment is already underway for up to 10 new casual Health and Security Assistants and security staff. Mr Jones said at Lismore Base Hospital there are two Health and Security Assistants (HSAs) allocated to the Emergency Department on every shift, 24 hours a day. These staff hold a NSW security licence.  “There are always staff members on campus who are trained in violence prevention management, while external security contractors provide an additional support role,” he said.“Following the incident on August 23, Lismore Base Hospital increased the security in the emergency department using existing avenues, for the safety of our staff and patients. “Northern NSW Local Health District is in discussion with the Health Services Union on this matter.”Future discussionMr Kelly said union representatives would be meeting with the local health district in a few weeks.“We will discuss security and safety,” he said. “We’ve just started working through it and we will be continuing to meet to with them.”

Channel Seven’s morning TV show Sunrise visited Lismore in the early hours of this morning, with presenter Sam Mac broadcasting the weather report from the banks of the Wilsons River. As the mist rolled off the river near Lismore’s boat ramp, Sam invited a host of local Lismore characters to be on the TV show, including drag queen Maude Boate, Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith, the Lismore Swans, musician Michaela Jay and local farm producers. As the city of Lismore gained a bit of recognition across Australia, Mayor Smith showed off his mayoral robes designed by craftsperson Denise Rall while he had his portrait painted - and the Swans attempted (unsuccessfully) to kick a ball over the Wilsons River.Metre and a half maidsLismore’s social distancing comediennes, metre and a half maids Merlina and her daughter Melanie, had an early start in order to be on the show this morning.“I’ve been up since 4am and I had to be dressed in costume at the river by 5.30am,” she said. “They kept saving us for the end so we had to wait until 7.30am until we were on the show.“I’m tired now, but it was fun and beautiful to see the local talent on the show,” she laughed.“There was even a flamenco dancer and local mob saying ‘jingi walla’."Merlina has been in the comedy scene for 25 years and has played a host of funny characters in the area, while keeping her real identity anonymous. She said she was told about the the Sunrise breakfast show by Lismore Car Boot market organisers - after her first successful gig as a metre and a half maid at the recent market.“We are available for gigs anywhere and I have people in each State ready to hop into the role as metre and a half maids,” she said.“We want to make events safe and fun and bring a bit of light humour in all the craziness of the world at the moment.“We walk around and ensure social distancing behaviour in people without making them uncomfortable. I carry a stop and go stick that is exactly 1.5 metres and we make noise and tell people we are keeping this market open and thank you for being aware.“It’s like they let a gasp out because we are not being hard about it – it’s a new way to think about it.”So where did the idea for the maids come from?“I have a weird brain - I was a yoyo champ as a kid,” she laughed. “Some of my clever friends helped me with costumes, wigs and hats and it goes down a treat.“We are available for bookings for gigs – weddings, parties, anything - and we will be at the Channon market this weekend - and will be a regular feature at the car boot market.”If you want to contact the metre and a half maids, find them on Facebook or Instagram #metreandahalfmaids. You can watch this morning’s Sunrise episode online at https://7plus.com.au/sunriseRead more news: Hospital security crisis brings Union criticism over 'shortcuts'

Police are reappealing for public assistance as they continue to search missing man Rohan Lloyd.Mr Lloyd lives in Lismore, however he is also known to frequent the Kyogle, Barkers Vale and Coffs Harbour areas.Rohan, aged 37, was last seen in Kyogle about 11am on Thursday August, 13, 2020.His family contacted police when he could not be contacted. Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.His vehicle – a light blue 2009 Hyundai Getz – was located by police on Wednesday 2 September near Whiteman Creek Road on the mid north coast.Officers from Coffs/Clarence and Richmond Police Districts are conducting extensive inquiries into his whereabouts.Mr Lloyd lives in Lismore, however he is also known to frequent the Kyogle, Barkers Vale and Coffs Harbour areas.Police have released an image of a vehicle similar to Rohan’s, in the hope that someone may have noticed it around the mid north coast in late August to early September.Rohan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 167cm tall, with a medium build, balding brown hair and a short, fine beard.Anyone who sees him, or believes they know his whereabouts, or who may have seen his light blue 2009 Hyundai Getz with NSW registration CI 19 FC in late August or early September, is urged to contact police.Anyone with information about Rohan’s whereabouts 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

The two big stories to come out of the monthly Lismore City Council meeting last night was the approval of the Nimbin Cullen Street Development and Neil Marks' appointment as Deputy Mayor for the next twelve months.The Cullen Street development means Nimbin's CBD will be revitalised once the project is complete with retail shops, take away food premises, a 12 seat café, a Medical Centre and communal open space garden areas.The majority of councillors referred to positive feedback from the community with Councillor Bird saying "That beyond a doubt that the community supports this DA. It can only bring positives to our community." There was some conjecture as to the amount the developer would pay in contributions for the Western Carpark and beautification of the garden area. The initial amount was $74,840, this was reduced to $20,000 as it was deemed enough for the proposed work to be completed without the developer walking away from the project.There were two candidates for Deputy Mayor, they were Neil Marks and Nancy Casson. Neil Marks was voted in as Deputy Mayor 5 votes to 3.In his speech Cnr Marks said 'This has been a difficult time for councillors and we have not always worked well together. As Deputy Mayor I hope to bring us together.""I feel I have worked closely with every member and hope I have earned their respect."Five councillors thought so while three supported Cnr Casson with Cnr Ekins abstaining from the vote.Cnr Casson suffered more disappointment earlier in the night when her motion to offer Financial Hardship Assistance to some struggling ratepayers through the creation of a reserve fund through the saving of former councillors Gianpiero Battista and Greg Bennett's wages, was lost 3 votes to 6. The money council saves from those two wages will be put into the general fund.

Applications are closing soon for Lismore City Council’s Business Flood Grants.The grants of up to $25,000 are to assist businesses and premises owners within flood-prone urban areas to become ‘flood ready’. Applications close 4pm, Tuesday, September 15. The program Guideline and Application forms are available at http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.auThe grants are in partnership with the NSW Government. For more information contact Tina Irish on 1300 87 83 87.To find out more about the grants, read The Lismore App story: Lismore businesses called to get flood ready with a $25K grant 

Calling for smarter water management, protestors wearing masks gathered outside the Rous County Council building in Lismore this morning to declare their opposition to the proposed new dam at Dunoon.The protestors were members of the newly formed alliance, WATER Northern Rivers – and they presented the water authority with 280 paper submissions objecting to the new dam.Read more news: Channon Dunoon Dam causing more than wavesWATER Northern Rivers spokesperson Annie Kia, said tomorrow was the last day for the public to hand in submissions expressing their views on the planned dam to the water authority.New report“We want Rous County Council to pause in the process of planning this new dam, especially since a new report from Professor Stuart White from UTS in Sydney has shown that the dam is unnecessary and would increase the cost of water significantly,” she said.“Professor White’s report says that the Rous assessment process failed to adequately analyse and cost better water efficiency, and that it incorrectly applied the concept of marginal cost in comparing options.“In view of this report, we call on Rous County Council to stop promoting the dam, and to adopt a management approach that values water at every part of its journey.”Annie said the way forward instead, was to invest in system-wide water efficiency, as undertaken by the City of Sydney – which then successfully increased its population by one million people without any extra water usage.“This involves auditing all the water pipes in the system, including schools, hospitals, aged care residences, government buildings and universities – every faucet, appliance and policy,” she said.“Then fixing it means more jobs are also created to address the issues where water is lost."Will the cost of water go up?Annie said Rous’ general manager already confirmed to Councillors that the cost of water will increase four fold.“Rous sells to local government and the dam costs at present are $245 million – it’s on their website,” she said.“It’s a huge infrastructure cost and we know these builds blow out, Professor White looks at this and analyses the costs.“He offers a different way of thinking about this and has worked with Egypt, Oman and the Phillipines on these modern approaches to water systems.“Sydney City put a big investment in it and got a big return on it, making incredible gains in the system."We lose water all the way on its journey.“It’s a mad notion that we need to raise water to the highest drinking standard and use it to flush toilets and mix cement.‘We collect energy on roofs here, but we are not good at harvesting water.Picture by David Lowe of the area to be flooded for the dam.Lismore Square“Lismore Square has a big roof and when they put rain tanks on, they collected the water and flush toilets with it – it’s their big water use. We can all do so much better.”Annie also said some councils dealt with water efficiency better than others. She cited Ballina Council’s purple pipe water reuse scheme and how it was used to feed water to new housing developments.“If the Lismore North Plateau development goes ahead, Lismore City Council still have no plans to take clean water to the development for reuse through the purple pipe system.“If we go ahead with the dam, we lose the opportunity to get a water system we can be proud of. Local resident, David Lowe has created video footage and pictures of the rare and endangered rainforest in The Channon Gorge, which would be destroyed by the new dam wall.Environment“This dam is destructive all round. It would obliterate Aboriginal Heritage. It would drown exceptionally rare rainforests. And with its eye-watering price-tag of $240 million dollars, it would increase the cost of water to consumers and industry."Annie said the plan to flood the Dunoon/Channon valley would destroy “quite an amazing place”."There is only 1% of the Big Scrub Rainforest left and the dam would destroy an important part of what remains, and with it, endangered ecological communities, and threatened species,” she said.MP HoganPage MP Kevin Hogan said "our area is good at catching water on the roof", but that government needed to look closer at policies that could restrict the ways we gather water from roof tops.“The issue here is we have is we have a growing population with a demand for more water and more energy,” he said.“Rous do a lot of work on this and there’s currently a public consultation and we’ll see what comes back.”LinksProfessor Stuart White’s documents reports can be viewed here:Brief summary: http://www.bit.ly/Prof-Stuart-White-Rous-Water-augmentation-proposalSlides in PDF form: http://www.bit.ly/Prof-Stuart-White-Rous-slidesAnyone interested in submitting their views to Rous County Council can do so by emailing council@rous.nsw.gov.au or get ideas from the Facebook page Dunoon/ the Channon Dam Proposal Forum

Water squirters, misters and water cannons - to keep the kids (and big kids) cool in the warmer months - will soon be a prominent feature in Lismore's Heritage Park.Lismore City Mayor Isaac Smith said work on the $500,000 upgrade of the popular Heritage Park is progressing well with the installation of the new water play area and upgrade of the Tiny Tots area expected to start in a couple of weeks.“Heritage Park is much loved and used by our community. This upgrade will ensure families will use it for many more years to come,” he said. “It is planned that the installation of the water play equipment will commence in the second week of September, with the new playground and nature play area installation commencing the following week.“While the installation of the playground areas has been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions, Council has used this time to employ local contractors to do various other aspects of the upgrade, including painting, plumbing, cleaning, fencing, landscaping and earth moving, all using local supplies. “With everything going to plan, and the weather being favourable like it is now, we are aiming to have the park open to the community for a well-earned play in early October.”The new water play area includes squirters, misters and water cannons to keep the kids cool in the warmer months.There will also be a new nature play area with boulders and timber features for children to climb on and new equipment in the Tiny Tots playground including a carousel, tree-tops tower, whirly dizzy, relocated tortoise seesaw and in-ground trampolines.The Heritage Park upgrade has been funded through a $250,000 grant from the NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund and $250,000 from Council raised via pocket park sales and flood insurance money.