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

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

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

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

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

While Lismore’s annual horse racing half day holiday is going ahead tomorrow, September 22, at Lismore Turf Club, it seems the buying of new frocks by fashionistas has petered out.With reduced numbers through the gates and ticketed seating the only options for Lismore Cup punters this year, it seems local fashion shops have also paid the price.Read more news about the Lismore Cup: Lismore Cup 'Sold Out', no walk-ins allowed in 2020They're set for the running of the 2020 Lismore Cup on ThursdayQuiet on the fashion frontAccording to clothes shop keepers in Lismore’s CBD, it’s been quiet on the fashion front with very few women shopping for new dresses, shoes and accessories for the big day.There’s also been a drop off in dress sales due to the fact that there are no school formals to attend this year and few big events like weddings to attend.On Molesworth Street, Sportsgirl manager Lauren Kaehler said she had been busy selling the usual clothing items, but that many young women were not going to the Lismore Cup this year.“Heaps of young girls would normally go - it’s a big social event,” she said.“They would go to their friend’s house first and at the event, walk around and mingle with friends – but that won’t be happening this year.“People are not even buying accessories. I used to get special dresses in for the cup but I haven’t bothered the last couple of years.“People don’t make as much effort as they used to – they don’t seem to have a sense of style and will wear a playsuit that they wear to the beach to race day.Traditional race day dress“The tradition for race day fashion should be a nice dress or tailored dress, with some sort of heel. You should do your hair and wear a feature like a fascinator, hatinator, or a hat or clip to match your outfit. Not short little playsuits and dresses that you wear to the beach. It should be more formal.”Lauren also speculated that many young people are changing their opinions on horse racing and choosing not to go because they don’t like the sport.Petria Powell in Trea's Shoes.FascinatorsTrea’s Shoes on Molesworth Street is one of a few shop windows in the CBD adorned with race day fashion items like fascinators.Shop owner Trea said people had been buying shoes to go with dresses they already had.“I’ve also sold a couple of fascinators,” she said.She said she luckily bought the fascinators from Reg Bailey, the owner of Lismore’s popular dress shop - Tahiti Hut - before it closed earlier this year.“He asked me to at least make a display of them in the window and make it look like race day, even if I don’t sell them,” Trea said. “George Gooley’s shop has also got horses in the window.”Trea said in previous years, she would have gone to the race day for the social element.“But Covid has affected the event and it’s smaller and you have to stay seated, so I’m not going,” she said.“I know someone else who is going and had five friends. She booked a table for ten, but had to get another five women to take up the other end of the table.”Gloves feature in the Lifeline shop.Sad story for fashionThe same sad story for fashion was reflected at the Lifeline charity shop on Magellan Street.Lifeline shop manager Julie said there had been so little interest in people buying fancy race day clothes that she had decided to take down the themed window display earlier in the week.There are still a few items of formal dress on display at the front of the shop, including gloves – which Julie said she had sold a couple of pairs of.Fashions on the FieldWhile fewer punters are going this year, there’s no doubt that those who will go will be dressed to the nines.The Lismore App will keep you informed about the Fashions on the Field at tomorrow’s event.Until then, stay fashionably dressed!

Should planning controls be changed to allow additional forms of rural tourism? That's the burning question Lismore City Council is asking residents, particularly those living in rural areas.Council has received numerous enquiries from landowners in recent years about developing facilities for weddings, day spas, yoga retreats, micro-breweries and other similar activities in our rural areas, all of which are currently prohibited for areas zoned for Primary Production (RU1).Before any changes to planning controls are considered, Council wishes to hear the community’s views on:What, if any, activities should be permitted with Council consent?Where should they be allowed or excluded?Council also wants to hear ideas on tourism and related activities in our rural areas and suggestions on the types of controls Council could implement to manage these opportunities.Council’s Strategic Planning Coordinator Paula Newman said “it’s important that before we look to change any planning controls, we understand how the community feels about rural tourism and the ways in which people may want to see this industry grow".“Rural tourism has the potential to provide significant economic benefits to our community, but it can also create traffic and noise issues, and have impacts on agricultural land and our natural environment," she said."It is important that we consider the future character of our rural areas and understand how our community feels about increasing tourism opportunities so we can manage any changes to reflect the wishes of our community.”The rural tourism survey is open until 16 November and can be accessed via Council’s Your Say Lismore online community engagement hub at http://wwwyoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au

A new Festival is coming to Lismore next year. Modelled on Sydney’s Shine Festival, it will see the laneways in the CBD become a hive of activity.Yesterday, Page MP Kevin Hogan announced almost $600,000 of Federal Government funding for Lismore City Council to put the festival on. He also announced funding to resurface Eggins Lane, to improve drainage and roof water discharge, as well as install power infrastructure to support community events, festivals and pop-up businesses.Back Alley GalleryEggins Lane is part of the Back Alley Gallery network of street art and will become a focus of the festival in the heart of Lismore’s CBD.Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said the upgrades to lighting, roads and drainage will make the popular laneways safer for visitors.“People always come to see the Gallery when they visit Lismore – you have to go as far as Melbourne to see something similar,” he said.“The upgrade will take away trip hazards and new street lighting will make people feel safer when they walk through Lismore CBD.”Grants a big step forwardThe funding for the laneways is part of a multi-staged upgrade and Mayor Smith said it was a “big step forward” as Council worked with government grants to make it happen.Shine FestivalThe Shine Festival is set to be a week-long event to “re-illuminate the region's 'shine' attracting visitors and reigniting tourism in the region”, Cr Smith said.“The program will include streetscape illuminations, visual art show of indigenous storytelling, live multimedia art exhibitions and a live sculpture walk.”Lismore Councillor Elly Bird the festival will showcase the area and revitalise the heart of the city.“It will be held over a number of locations and involve local musicians and performers in the festival,” she said.“We are an innovative and creative region and will be looking to involve local artists,” she said.2021 dateThe Shine Festival is currently set for September 2021, but Cr Bird said because of Covid, “we don’t know what it will look like 12 months from now”.“We hope we will have more free movement and enjoy the Festival.”She acknowledged that the festival and street upgrade will also create jobs, generate income for local businesses, as well as boost tourism.Lismore City Council received over $1 million as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program. $447,570 has been allocated for the reconstruction of Eggins Lane. Councl also received $145,000 through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants for ‘Shine Festival’.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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