Gold Coast girl Donna Moore has opened her new unisex hair salon, Mane St, at Lismore Central.Ms Moore was in the market for a salon originally on the Gold Coast but the one she was eyeing had been sold.Ms Moore wanted a salon in a shopping centre, ideally with a Woolworths in it and within a month an opportunity to make a tree-change to Lismore presented itself."I actually didn't know much about the area when this was first offered to me and I thought, well it's only an hour and a half down the road, it can't be much different from the Gold Coast ... and yeah, here I am."I'm doing it!"A hairdresser by trade Ms Moore covers every facet of the business and specialises in colour, perming, and style cuts for men, women, and children."I've had all the locals come in and say hallo and wish me luck ... you don't get that on the Gold Coast, that warm and friendly country welcoming,""Older clientele, the younger clientele, they all come in to make appointments, ever since I first opened," she said.Lismore Central Shopping Centre has been home to many hair salons in its time."I am surprised how many people just love a hairdresser being in a shopping centre," Ms Moore said."I mean they wanted a hairdresser here,"Ms Moore explained her salon is covid-safe with her new business adhering strictly to health guidelines."As a new business there are rules and we've adapted to those, including the health regulations for covid19,""Opening a new business at such a time is something ... it (covid19) had gone too far by the time everything had happened, yet here we are,""You've got to roll with it," Ms Moore said.Mane St unisex hair salon is a large, bright, modern, open-plan salon offering a full range of hairdressing needs for clients of all ages."Hairdressing for me is about making people happy ... a good hair style or cut can really make people feel better,""We have an apprentice plus myself, and are looking for another senior, experienced hairdresser to join us too," Ms Moore said.Mane St salon is located on the second floor of Lismore Central opposite Chempro.

This week the Our Kids Charity would usually be getting ready to shut the streets of Lismore to host hundreds of runners and walkers for the iconic NAB Darrel Chapman Fun Run.Instead, this year the Fun Run is going virtual, and Our Kids has encouraged runners, walkers and cyclists to still take part and be part of the event, in their own time.The week began on the 24th and will end on August 30. This gives you four days to register and participate in this years event if you haven't already.Like in previous years, participants will be able to register online, choose their distance, and then in their own time this week head out, all in the name of Our Kids.(Runners Kylie Avery, Julie McFadden and Belinda Smith in the 2019 Darrel Chapman Fun Run. Photo: supplied)Going virtual has opened up the opportunity for participants to walk, run, and even cycle their chosen distance. Participants are able to choose from the Our Kids 4km, Lords Taverners 10km, Lismore Masters 21km and now there is an opportunity to do the Southern Cross University Marathon.“We are excited that we can still hold the Darrel Chapmen Fun Run, and going virtual gives us the opportunity to host the region’s first ever marathon,” Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator said.“In previous years due to the cost of closing a road for the length of time required for a marathon, this was not an option”.“We have teams all over heading out this week walking on the beach, running throughout our towns, we have cyclists riding the distances and we even have some doing the distance on a horse,” Rebekka said.The aim of the varied courses is to include, encourage and champion everyone to walk, cycle, or run and just have fun.This year there is no cost to participate, but instead an opportunity for people to donate, fundraise or be sponsored to do a particular distance.“Already the event has raised an incredible $23,000 to help purchase a humidicrib worth $30,000 for the Special Care Nursery, which sees one in three babies born in the Northern Rivers,” Rebekka said.If you would like to help Our Kids reach their goal, head to www.darrelchpaman.com to donate. The NAB Corporate Challenge and the NAB Community Challenge has a leaderboard that will champion the fundraisers. There are also incentives to fundraise which include a Limited Edition Darrel Chapman Fun Run shirt.“The NAB Darrel Chapmen is a much loved run in the Northern Rivers, it is an event that brings the community together for Our Kids and although it may look different than normal it still is a way for our community to help our kids stay local when needing medical care.”Darrel Chapman, husband, father, distinguished academic and sporting legend, lost his own personal battle with cancer in October 1992. Having been both a keen sports person and respected sports administrator, Darrel was a much loved and highly regarded member of the Australian sporting community. Schooled at St. John's College, Woodlawn near Lismore, Darrel played Rugby League for Australia and captained South Sydney before becoming NSW Assistant Director of Sport. He also established the Human Movement Science and Sport Management program at Southern Cross University. His legacy lives on through this event.To register: www.darrelchapman.com

Two Lismore venues have been issued $5,000 fines following non-compliance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders.About 11.45pm on Friday 21 August 2020, police were called to a hotel on Keen Street, Lismore, following reports a 20-year-old woman had been glassed.The woman was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment, while a 27-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.She was charged with reckless wounding and granted conditional bail to appear at Lismore Local Court on Monday 21 September 2020.As a result of their investigation, licensing officers from Richmond Police District commenced inquiries into potential breaches of the NSW Liquor Act (2007) and potential breaches of the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders.Police will allege staff failed to eject a highly intoxicated person from the premises, while other patrons were not seated and were mingling between groups with no physical distancing on Friday 21 August 2020.As a result of these breaches, the 67-year-old male licensee was issued with two Penalty Infringement Notices yesterday (Monday 24 August 2020) for the offences of:- Licensee permit intoxication on licensed premises - $1,100- Not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID 19 – Corporation – $5,000Richmond PD licensing police also attended a second licensed premises on Keen Street on Saturday 22 August 2020 as part of ongoing business inspections in relation to COVID-19 Public Health Orders.Police will allege patrons were not signing into the venue, whilst also standing and mingling between groups with no physical distancing being observed. The venue also had an expired COVID-19 Safety Management Plan, and had previously received a warning from police for not having a plan in place.Following further inquiries, the 60-year-old male licensee was issued with a $5,000 Penalty Infringement Notice for failing to comply with the noticed direction today (Tuesday 25 August 2020).Licensing police will continue to enforce compliance checks at licensed premises and other venues across the state, to ensure the Public Health Orders are being adhered to.

Lismore council has released their initial survey results about the impact on local residents from Qld locking its borders and the results pour out community pain.More than 220 people who have been affected by the border closure with Queensland have already completed a survey by Lismore City Council since it was posted online only five days ago.Lismore City Mayor Isaac Smith said the response rate was 'extremely strong' giving a firm indication of the hardship put on residents of Lismore and surrounds by the Queensland Government deciding to close its borders.“All of those who have responded have been affected in some way, and many of their stories are heart-wrenching."The one takeaway from this survey so far is that much more thought needs to be put into the possible far-reaching repercussions of slamming closed this busy border.“While we understand the need to move quickly to stop the spread of COVID-19, all governments need to think a lot harder about the impact their decisions are having on local communities.“I encourage everyone who has been affected by the border closure and have not yet completed the survey, to do so before in closes on 4 September.“The results of the completed survey will be provided to our local State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation of Councils and the NSW State Government.”Some extracts of comments from residents who have completed the survey.My business has suffered financially directly as a result of the QLD border closure.I have two step children whose biological parent lives In Queensland, because of the closure of the border, they cannot visit.Emergency services are severely impacted by the closure with a significant percentage of workers now unable to work which also impacts heavily on those who remain.There is too much ambiguity and a lack of communication in the Qld health system to get a straight answer. There is also little opportunity to discuss or manage your application once you have applied.The people making these decisions obviously have never lived near the border. They have no idea how often people on the Far North Coast/inland use health facilities/specialists there.It is impacting on local cancer care services.We need to be able to access mental health services across the border. I was already suffering severe depression and anxiety prior to COVID and spent time as an inpatient and need to continue my treatmentCommunity Transport is unable to take patients to Qld hospitals for appointments or surgery.One of my parents needed a heart operation. The QLD hospital initially refused to take them because they lived in NSW, they were accepted but no family members are allowed to visit. It is just wrong.NSW is not just Newcastle, Sydney  Wollongong. We are not a hotspot but we are being treated like we are.I live in Qld and need to visit my elderly parent in Lismore on a regular basis. The mental stress is not good for either of us. The Queensland Government is out of control on this.We were turned away at the border for an essential medical appointment for my baby after even though we had all the required documentation.Community Transport drivers are unable to take patients to Qld hospitals for appointments or surgery.We can’t see our teenage child who lives in QLD and has health issues.We also can’t go into QLD for work which is affecting our livelihood.Residents are invited to complete the survey by COB on 4 September via https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/qld-border-closure

Lismore health workers are safe, insist health experts after last weeks assault on a registered nurse at Lismore Base Hospital.Chief Executive, Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Wayne Jones said in a statement that Northern NSW Local Health District has robust security measures and strict policies in place to protect staff, patients and visitors and to respond to any aggressive behaviour."A duress alert was called, and security staff immediately assisted when a staff member was assaulted in the emergency department on the evening of 15 August."We are continuing to support this staff member, including assistance from senior management and the Workplace Health and Safety Team."We are also assisting police with their enquiries," Mr Jones said.He explained that while some patients may have underlying clinical conditions that can cause challenging and aggressive behaviours, NNSWLHD takes a zero tolerance approach to violence and aggression in their facilities.Health Services Union Lismore organiser Peter Kelly said the duress response is great yet the union's stance is more on the preventative measures that take place when a person is admitted to ER."The clinician sees the patient first and then consults with security to manage that patient," he said. Mr Kelly said that communication between clinicians and security is paramount in preventing incidents like what occurred on the 15th August. Secretary of Health Services Union Gerard Hayes said that due to increased community stress, hospital security is a greater challenge than ever."The hospital workforce are sick of being on the receiving end of violence. "We need extra security officers employed with special constable powers and we need them now."$19 million has been invested at public hospitals to improve security in emergency departments with an extra $5 million spent on duress alarms for staff in emergency departments."At Lismore Base Hospital this includes an additional health and security assistant in the emergency department overnight and ongoing training to prepare staff for violent or aggressive behaviour," Mr Jones said.Last week Lismore Police charged a 37 year-old Lismore woman with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, and assault authorised officer in exercise etc of functions (Public Health Act 2010). She was issued with a future Court Attendance Notice to appear at Lismore Local Court on 12th October 2020.

Lismore Police are still searching for missing local man Rohan Lloyd who was reported missing two weeks ago, on Thursday 13th August.Last seen in Barkersvale near Nimbin, 37 year-old Rohan Lloyd is described as caucasian, 5ft 6 inches tall, medium build, balding brown hair and short/fine beard.Mr Lloyd, a Lismore resident, is known to visit the Kyogle and Barkers Vale areas.He drives a blue 2010 Hyundai Getz sedan, NSW registration CI19FC.Family and friends of Mr Lloyd said that Rohan could be in a 'sensitive state' pleading for help on social media to help find him.An investigation is underway, and Police urge anyone with information regarding Mr Lloyd's current whereabouts to contact Lismore Police Station on 02 6626 0599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Please quote Police event number E77508477.

North Coast Local Land Services District Veterinarians are reminding owners that now is the time of year to be alert for Paralysis ticks. Paralysis ticks are a common cause of sickness and death in cattle, alpacas, sheep and goats on the North Coast. Although found year-round, they are most prevalent in late winter and early spring when adult females are emerging to breed.  Young calves and small ruminants (sheep, goats) are most commonly affected, although adults in poor body condition or with heavy infestations can also succumb to paralysis ticks.  District Veterinarian Jocelyn Todd says,  ‘Initial signs are incoordination or “wobbling” in the hind legs which then progresses towards the head impacting on breathing muscles and the forelimbs. Often animals are found “down” and unable to stand.’  ‘Ticks are tough to find and may have dropped off by the time symptoms become obvious, so it is not unusual to be unable to find a tick on an affected animal’ said, Jocelyn. ‘Tick paralysis can be treated by private vets using tick anti-toxin, with reasonable success rates if treatment sought early’.Prevention of tick paralysis can be difficult due to their short period of attachment to the animal, and a lack of effective chemical products available for use.  Chemical products for control of paralysis ticks in cattle are labour-intensive to apply, and most have minimal residual effect. There are no products for prevention or treatment in other small ruminants (alpacas, sheep and goats).  Jocelyn said, ‘It is important only to use products which are registered for use on external parasites in the target species and ALWAYS read and follow the label. Be sure to obey withholding periods (WHP) and export slaughter intervals (ESI).’  Preventing or reducing infestation is the best form of control. There are steps which stock owners can take to help minimise tick problems, such as.Altering breeding patterns, so that vulnerable young stock are not being born during the time of highest risk (late winter/early spring). Avoid having a dense layer of mulch of dried grass, such as Setaria or blady grass, because it can provide an ideal environment for ticks to survive. For further information on the prevention and treatment of Paralysis Ticks contact North Coast Local Land Services District Veterinarians on 1300 795 299 or seeNSW DPI Primefact 1372 “Paralysis Ticks and Cattle” https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/beef-cattle/health-and-disease/parasitic-and-protozoal-diseases/ticks/paralysis-ticks“Beef Cattle Health and Husbandry for the NSW North Coast” https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/north-coast/articles,-plans-and-publications/beef-cattle-guide

Friends of the Koala in Lismore have received a licence to operate the first specialised koala hospital in the Northern Rivers region, after IFAW sponsored veterinarian Dr Jackie Reed was approved as Superintendent Vet."We are now a fully functioning veterinarian hospital," Dr Reed said.Dr Reed explained that the centre receives over 400 koalas a year with more than 150 koalas coming through the centre within the four short months she had been in Lismore. It was the 'sheer need' for a koala hospital in Lismore that drew her here after working interstate and with Northern Koalas. "Friends of the Koala didn't have a vet onsite and with the amount of koala's coming through a vet was really required."We can tend to the animals here now, we have x-ray and ultrasound equipment, all the medications and a vet nurse. "This means that we don't have to send already traumatised animals to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital which is an hour and a half away ... we can tend to them here now."Acting President of Friends of the Koala, Susannah Keogh is excited about the development.“We have been working toward becoming a licenced koala hospital for many years, so are thrilled to finally be able carry out immediate veterinary care and procedures onsite,”Ms Keogh added that the approval of their licence has come at a good time with their vet team tending to six koalas over the weekend that had been hit by motorists. “We could also potentially be receiving fire victims in the coming days from the recent fires in Tweed. "The one positive of these events is the fact that these koalas can now receive immediate specialised veterinary care.” As peak koala season begins, members of the public are reminded that koalas will be on the move in the region."Males will be out and about looking for a mate," Dr Reed said."A lot of the koalas have been injured on the roads and also we're seeing a lot of koalas being attacked by dogs."We're asking the public if they have dogs to please watch them and if you come across an injured koala call our hotline on 6622 1233," Dr Reed said.Due to COVID19 the centre is closed to the public at this time but will reopen when safe to do so. 

The Lismore City Council has put the Visitor Information Centre on Molesworth Street up for lease.The building which sits adjacent to Heritage Park has 256 sqm of first floor retail space and 34 sqm of upper floor office space and features and indoor rainforest replica, cultural gallery including Aboriginal historical display, gallery space, office space, staff toilets, display shelving and service counter.The Council's Tenders, Quotes and Expressions of Interest website portal states "Lismore City Council is inviting Expressions Of Interest (EOI) from suitable organisations/individuals who may be interested in the lease of the Visitor Information Centre in Lismore.""Council prefers that proposals include the provision of tourism information services, including the retention of existing rainforest replica and cultural and historical displays within the Centre."The Visitor Information Centre was closed on July 1st this year following the adoption of the Operational Plan 2020/21 by councillors at the June 17 council meeting. There was much debate over what areas of council services were cut in order to reduce a ballooning council deficit.In that meeting Director Partnerships, Planning and Engagements Dr Sharon Harwood said "there is no money to run any Visitor Information Centres"Heritage Park is currently undergoing a $500,000 makeover which may make the business more attractive to potential leasees. The upgrade includes a new water play area, with a range of squirters, misters and water cannons. As well as 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 inground trampolines.The works are continuing but should be open in the coming months. Submissions for the Visitor Information Centre lease close at 2pm on Thursday, 17 September 2020.Interested parties are required to register at Council's eProcurement portal www.tenderlink.com/lismore, to access relevant documents

Enquiries are still continuing following the discovery of a body in an East Lismore unit on Saturday morning.The NSW Police media unit told the Lismore App there is no additional information at this stage.Detectives and police vehicles could be seen in Rosedale Square and along Wyrallah Road yesterday as forensic evidence was being collected and enquiries continued.The body is believed to be that of the 60 year old occupant but has not been formally identified. The circumstances of her death are being treated as suspicious.More news as it comes to hand.ORIGINAL STORYA police investigation is underway after woman's death in East Lismore this morning.About 10.40am today (Saturday 22 August 2020), emergency services were called to a unit on Rosedale Square, East Lismore, after a woman’s body was found.The woman is yet to be formally identified, however, she is believed to be the 60-year-old occupant.Officers from Richmond Police District established a crime scene, which will be examined by forensic officers.Local detectives, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, have established Strike Force Boughton to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, which is being treated as suspicious.No further information is available at this time.

Farmers, fishers and foresters can now apply for Australian Government funding of up to $100,000 to support their natural resource management efforts.Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said applications for Round 4 of Smart Farms Small Grants were now open.“This is a hugely popular program that provides a real bang for buck when it comes to delivering benefits for farms, the environment and local communities,” Minister Littleproud said.“Aussie farmers not only produce the best food and fibre in the world, but they are also our greatest environmentalists.“Our farmers have always looked after the land and through these grants we can give them a helping hand to adopt the next generation of sustainable farming practices.“There is $6.5 million available under this round of Smart Farms Small Grants to support one- to two-year projects that boost best practice sustainable farming awareness, skills and capacity.“We’re looking for projects across a range of areas such as pest control, vegetation management, farm input efficiency, climate and market management, and the use of new technologies.”“Previous rounds of this program have delivered benefits across the length and breadth of the country— from Indigenous fishers and aquaculturalists in Cape York to pistachio growers in Robinvale, Victoria. I want to continue that trend and get innovative practices out on the ground and delivering real benefits to our farmers.”Smart Farms Small Grants is a sustainable agriculture element of the National Landcare Program (NLP).The Australian Government is investing more than $1 billion towards the second phase of the NLP from 2018-2023.For more information and to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants

The COVID Fever Clinic queues at the Lismore Base Hospital have become noticeably longer following stricter regulations for NSW schools announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian last week. Wait times have increased to 90 minutes from 60 minutes in peak times.The line from the NSW Government Education website that has all parents concerned is "Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 is prohibited from returning to school until a negative test result has been reported". If your child has any flu like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough or sore throat then all schools are being more vigilant in asking parents to not send their children to school or to pick them up from school if it is a concern for teachers. You must present a negative test result from the NSW Health before your child can attend school again.Wayne Jones Chief Executive of Northern NSW Local Health District says they have seen a spike in tests since the government announcement on August 17. "Last Monday we performed 345 COVID tests which increased to 529 on Tuesday and 460 on Wednesday. We can directly relate the increase in tests to the impact of the new public health policy", he said."We have complete just under 51,000 tests since the Fever Clinics opened and we review the activity on a regular basis".This weeks review will lead to an increase in services for the Fever Clinic at Lismore Base Hospital to reduce the longer waiting times."We understand that this is an inconvenience for parents and those looking to be tested", Mr Jones said, "this week we will have more staffing to increase our testing capacity"."The more testing we can do the more confident we can be in containing coronavirus on the Northern Rivers".The Lismore Base Hospital Fever Clinic is open between 9am and 5:30pm 7 days a week.

It was only fitting that Peter Jackson had a huge turnout this morning as people lined the streets of Lismore forming a 'Heart of Honour' to say farewell to a much loved man whose heart legacy will be long remembered.The funeral procession, led by local Funeral Director Warwick Binney (who walks in front of every funeral procession), began at 9:30 along Woodlark Street, Bridge Street and finally Terania Street where the procession ended at the Wilson Street intersection. The cortege then took Peter to his final resting place where family and close friends had a private service.Peter's coffin was adorned with hearts and as the hearse passed the crowds there was loud applause and calls of "love you Pete" and random cock-a-doodle-do's that was one of Peter's signature noises at any given moment.There was a life goose at the Woodlark Street roundabout with a sign that read 'PROPER - GANDER', one of Peter's jokes he took to The Channon Markets.Strangers standing next to each other were asking others how they knew Peter and were swapping stories as to how he touched their lives.Bramani and Aliison were displaying their hearts one made by Peter. Bramani first met Peter when he sat down ad started talking to them at a cafe. Now she has a small hand made decorated metal heart as a keepsake plus a large heart that Peter made for her front gate.Sandy Clarke works at the Lismore Base Hospital said she only met Peter twice but got the immediate feeling that "this guy was kind of special". Sandy was another recipient of two hearts, one a 5 cent piece and the other for her car.There were motorcycle riders lining the streets giving thanks to the man that painted rings around the large potholes that mark our country roads that made their rides that much safer.The Lismore App was told that an unidentified person has continued this tradition as potholes have been marked since Peters passing from his tragic tree felling accident.Peter Jackson, also known as Roa Dart, will long be remembered for the love of his community and he leaves two legacies. The white marked potholes and the many hearts that were carefully made and gifted to many people throughout the 2480 community.RIP Peter Jackson.

A health worker has been assaulted at the Lismore Base Hospital after attempting to treat a 37 year old female last Saturday night.Around 10.45pm a 33-year old registered nurse was attending to the woman who presented at the hospital.The older woman was verbally abusive before striking the nurse, injuring her eye.Police subsequently charged the 37 year old woman with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, and assault authorised officer in exercise etc of functions (Public Health Act 2010).The woman was then issued with a future Court Attendance Notice to appear at Lismore Local Court on 12th October 2020.

The Nimbin Markets is the third major market operator to open its gates following The Channon Markets and the Lismore Car Boot Markets in the last two Sundays.There are some slight changes to the operation of the markets due to COVID with the main entrance used to let people in but you will use a separate exit. All the stalls will be in the main market area and the bitumen quad. Gates open at 9am and close at 3pm this Sunday.The weather will be picture perfect of a winters day although those strong westerly/northwesterly winds will continue at various times of the day. This could result in more haze and dust in our skies at certain stages of the weekend plus it will keep temperatures down to about 20 degrees with some cool mornings of 6-8 degrees.The Lismore Farmers Markets strut their stuff tomorrow morning from 8am at the Showgrounds with the Blue Knob Community Markets on from 8:30am.Local legend Peter Jackson, aka Roa Dart, will be farewelled tomorrow morning with a cortege procession along Woodlark Street from 9:30am then head along Bridge Street before turning left into Terania Street and concluding at the Wilson Street intersection. The family has asked that you wear bright colours and socially distance yourself while lining the streets tomorrow morning.The Lismore Regional Gallery has a new exhibition opening tomorrow from 10am called the 'Language of the Wounded'. The exhibition is a powerful new work by Penny Evans which references bones or keloid scar's.The cheap petrol this week are the usual subjects with United on Ballina Road charging 112.9 for unleaded E10 while unleaded 91 is 114.9 which is also matched by the Woolworths station on Diadem Street near the Square. Diesel lovers should be looking at United and Liberty on Ballina Road and the Shell on Wilson Street, South Lismore are at 117.9.Marist Brothers Rams lead the sport this weekend when they take on last years Premiers at Crozier Field on Sunday. The Rams were convincingly beaten by Ballina 26-12 earlier this month so we can expect a closer result now the Rams are in hot form. Northern United travel to Mullumbimby on Sunday to tackle the Giants for their first match in the revamped Gold Competition.It is a full schedule for Far North Coast Football with Goonellabah at home to Richmond Rovers tonight at 8 at Western Park. Saturday's action sees Lismore Thistles tackling Alstonville at home with a 3pm kick off while on Sunday the top of the table South Lismore Celtics take on third place Maclean at 2:30 at Nesbitt Park.A full wrap of the weekend sport will be in the Lismore App.Your weekend reading welcomes Neil Marks' Blog return after being laid up last week. Neil talks about the controversial border closure with Qld while the Sunday profile this week is Corndale dairy farmer Ken Bryant. Ken and his mother Kaye talk about the dairy lifestyle and the changes over time. There is always the free Games & Puzzles button (Games & Puzzles) on the Lismore App if you have a few spare moments.Now, for a laugh to start your weekend.

NSW Labor has urged the Government to dedicate additional resources and staff to clear a backlog of driving tests at Service NSW centres.Driver licence testing was suspended between March and June due to COVID-19. While testing resumed on 1 July 2020, there are significant wait times.A survey of Service NSW locations across Sydney and regional areas shows there are waits of six weeks or longer to book a Driver Knowledge Test – the first step to obtain a Learner Licence. NSW licencing statistics show there is a backlog of learner driver licence holders waiting to obtain a P1 provisional licence. As of 30 June 2020:There were 18,588 more learner driver licence holders compared to 30 June 2019 with 22,517 fewer P1 provisional driver licence holders compared to 30 June 2019.Shadow Minister for Better Public Services Sophie Cotsis said even though a month has passed, in some locations tests cannot be booked for weeks.“Young people need to be able to drive to access education and employment opportunities.She added that the Service NSW staff are to be commended for their vital work especially during this pandemic yet reiterated that they need more support. “The NSW Government needs to take urgent action to employ additional staff to clear the driver test backlog.”Since yesterday a Service NSW spokesperson acknowledged the demand since reopening stating that community safety is their number one priority."We apologise for any inconvenience this delay has caused," the spokesperson said."An additional 50 driver testers have been hired across the state to increase the number of tests available to customers,"The current driver testing wait time in Lismore is eight days, according to Service NSW; significantly outperforming their city counterparts.A Service NSW spokesperson said that appropriate safeguards remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19, such as disposable seat covers, hand sanitiser and gloves."Customers currently need to sign a statutory declaration confirming they are well enough to take the test and temperature checks are being introduced for all driving test applicants."At present all Service NSW customers are able to book a driver test online, via phone or in a Service NSW Centre."Customers currently looking to progress their licence from P1 to P2 and then onto an unrestricted licence can also now do so online," the spokesperson said. 

North Coast Local Land Services has launched a series of online resources to support farmers with their Land Life podcast and Tips from our Teams video series that include a broad range of expert advice and information to support landowners in the Northern Rivers region.  General Manager of North Coast Local Land Services, Louise Orr, said her team want to do everything they can to ensure farmers feel supported and still have access to expert advice, information and assistance.“This is a tough time for our agricultural industry which has experienced severe drought, fires, floods and now COVID-19,” she said. .The Land Life podcast will be released on a quarterly basis and is designed to share knowledge and experience with North Coast Landholders to support farm productivity and healthy environments.The first episode, Preparing your Animals for the Fire Season, documents the lived experience of a Macleay landholder in the 2019 Black Summer Bushfires, with advice on caring for livestock before, during and after bushfires from Local Land Services Animal Health and Emergency Management Staff.One key message is repeated throughout the episode; Make a plan, be prepared.Episode 1 is being released early in anticipation of this year’s fire season.Future episodes are planned for the coming months and will cover topics on sustainable agriculture, biosecurity and animal health and welfare.The Tips from our Team video series features practical advice from our Sustainable Agriculture and Animal Health teams to support local farmers and livestock industries.The first four in a planned ten part series of videos provide information and advice on Cattle and Theileria, integrated pest management, Poisonous Plants and Livestock, and key differences between hay and silage.The podcasts are available through the usual outlets with the video series accessible via https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/north-coast/key-projects/tips-from-our-team-video-series

Two Lismore men have banded together to compile one of the regions most comprehensive collections of band poster art in a 327 page full-colour book titled 'Stick 'Em Up'.Local drummer Ned Cain said the project came about from a love of collecting band art since childhood."My Dad was very DIY and made his own printing press where he'd screen print all his own band's posters in Sydney in the '70s,""I started gigging around '08 but have always saved the band poster's from all the gig's around the area," Together with Matt Mason the two musicians have painstakingly assembled and published a book brimming with the best band poster art from across the Northern Rivers."Matt came back from the 50th anniversary Jazz Fest in New Orleans with memorabilia and poster books and we got talking about producing something like that here,"Ned already had a sound collection of band art and gig posters from 2008 - 2020."Matt had posters from the '70s and '80s so we've put them all together in the one book," For the next eighteen months the men complied the posters to deliver them in an historic keepsake.Featuring over 400 posters and more than 500 bands, 'Stick 'Em Up' captures a significant piece of the Northern River's music scene. "It's a snapshot of Lismore’s amazing music history and its evolution and resilience over the past four decades with posters from 1977 up until 2020," Mr Cain said.Owner of Northern Rivers Collectables Adam Bailey said they've gone through a box already within the first week of it being released."We're blown away, so many people, of all ages have come in looking for it because they either played in a band or know someone that did,""We've had people in their 20s up to folks in their 70s come in and buy one," "We've got another box coming in next week."Get your copy in Lismore from The BunnyHole, Northern Rivers Collectables and The Audio Room or online at https://nedlandstudio.com/shop/stickemup 

North Coast Public Health Unit is urging people with respiratory conditions to take caution, with high air pollution levels in some areas of Northern NSW this week as a result of high winds transporting dust and smoke from hazard reduction burns into the area. (read our earlier story today Hazy days of August )Assistant Director of North Coast Public Health, Greg Bell, said children, older adults and people with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution and excessive smoke.“Dust and smoke may aggravate existing heart and lung conditions and cause irritated eyes, coughing and wheezing,” Mr Bell said.“If you have asthma you should follow your Asthma Action Plan and take your relieving medication where necessary, and if symptoms get worse, seek medical advice.“When it is particularly dusty or smoky, stay indoors with doors and windows closed and follow your health plan.“To minimise any negative effects from air pollution, people should also consider avoiding vigorous exercise and seek out air-conditioned premises”.“It’s also a good idea for people with known health conditions to check the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website for air quality information and the NSWRural Fire Service website for regular updates on planned burns,” Mr Bell said.In case of emergency always remember to dial triple zero.For more information about bushfire smoke / dust and health, visit the NSW Health website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/bushfire-smoke.aspx and https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/dust-storms.aspx For information on air quality, visit the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website:https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/air-quality/current-air-quality For more information on hazard reduction burns and bushfires, visit the Rural Fire Service website: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me