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 

Dust blanketing Lismore this morning is set to continue due to a strong southerly cold front lifting dirt from the South Australian border, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.A spokesperson for the BOM said that the dust will be most poignant in the early morning then should clear by mid to late afternoon.However the event is set to repeat itself depending on the strength of another cold front making its way across from South Australia, associated with a complex low pressure system near Tasmania. These fronts will maintain vigorous westerly winds over most of New South Wales through to the weekend, and bring increasingly cool weather.Local residents can expect some haze and dust over the weekend with the potential for more dust to be picked up on the South Australian border. Lismore has had its share of dust storms, most notably during and after the black summer bushfires caused many with respiratory conditions much grief.The National Asthma Council advises those with respiratory conditions to be prepared when dust events are forecast in their area.High levels of dust can irritate the lungs causing asthma to flare up. Associated stress from a severe weather event can rouse anxiety which in turn can affect asthma.Those immediately affected are advised to remain indoors and enact their asthma plan.

The Northern Rivers NSW Brand is taking off with over 100 businesses and community groups signing up for the new initiative from Northern Rivers Together.CEO of the Northern Cooperative Meat Company (NCMC) and interim Chair of Northern Rivers Together, Simon Stahl said it's a 'terrific uptake' in these trying times for those who have signed up to promote and use the new brand in its first few months.“This has included some of the region’s largest entities such as NCMC, Southern Cross University (SCU) and Stone & Wood," He added that the project was two years in the making with the view to create an over arching brand for the region that celebrates what the region is about and that the NCMC intended to “use the brand to anchor our products to the region, famous for natural beauty and loving, caring, innovative people”.Chief Marketing Officer at Southern Cross University, Dean Gould explained that the brand will add real value to the regions university and is ideal to solidify location and geography when competing with other businesses outside the area that may share similar initials or acronyms. “The Northern Rivers NSW brand will assist Southern Cross University to promote its Lismore campus nationally and internationally," he said."Harnessing the diverse and wonderful assets and benefits the region offers as part of our messaging to prospective students and academic staff will make the university’s proposition even more powerful.” Northern Rivers Together encourages all businesses, not-for-profit and sporting organisations, community groups and individuals in the Northern Rivers to sign up and be part of this new venture. "The Northern Rivers has it all - it is a powerful message," Mr Gould said. For more information visit www.northernriversnsw.com.au

Following the closure of the NSW and Queensland border, Lismore City Council is conducting a survey to determine the impact the closure is having on our community.There have been health stories through specialist appointments on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane needing to be cancelled or specialist doctors that were coming into our region each week as well as visiting family members and trying to get stock for local businesses from Brisbane. LCC want to hear your story.Lismore City Deputy Mayor Darlene Cook urged residents and local businesses to participate in the survey, which can be found at http://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au“Anecdotally, the closure is having a severe impact on many members of our community,” she said.“We have all seen media reports about people with medical conditions being turned away from the border and others not being able to get to their place of work or visit family,” she said.“It is important that our state and federal leaders understand the impact this border closure is having on our community.“The results of the survey will be forwarded to our State and Federal Government Members of Parliament so that they can make representations on the community’s behalf.“It only takes a few minutes to fill in the survey at http://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au”The survey is now open and closes on Friday, 4 September 2020

Following the hugely successful inaugural Dark Science festival in 2019, Lismore Quad and The Northern Rivers Science Hub celebrate National Science Week presenting Dark Science (Fri 28 Aug -Sun 30 Aug) in our time of Covid. Dark Science explores the vastness surrounding us, our ancient Indigenous astronomy, peeking in at creatures under cover of night, planting emerging forests and discovering the art in science.This year Dark Science delivers free, bite-size happenings and experiences including Explore the Australian rainforest at night using night vision technology to Introduction to Indigenous Astronomy with celebrated astronomer Kirsten Banks.There will also be a community tree planting session with Wilsons River Landcare and a chance to Discover the night sky from The Quad with North Coast Astronomy’s powerful telescopes.Events will take place in person and online, beneath the starry skies and in the forest under cover of night.Lismore Quad Placemaking Officer Jane Fuller said the Quad's 2019 Dark Science festival was such a hit they're running it again this year."The 2019 Dark Science Festival was so embraced by our Northern Rivers audiences that we decided to keep the spirit of Dark Science alive in 2020,”“We’ve designed a range of online events and limited capacity in-person experiences that celebrate the wonder of science. Dark Science 2020 lifts our spirits and sees the local community connect once again through bite-sized happenings that are COVID-safe experiences,” Ms Fuller said. All Dark Science events follow a Covid Safety Plan - pre-registration is essential for all events via www.lismorequad.org.au . Audience numbers are strictly limited. Physical distancing will be implemented at all events. The Quad strongly encourages participants to bring their own masks, gloves and hand sanitiser. 

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan today officially opened the $6 million expansion of Summerland Farm.“Summerland Farm approached me a few years back with a need to upgrade their Alstonville facility,” Mr Hogan said.He added that the upgrade will create more local jobs for people with a disability through increased agri-tourism.“I was able to secure more than $4.5 million Federal Government funding for this project, this is a fantastic outcome for our community.”The funding has provided for an upgrade to dehusking and sorting facilities that will better serve the regions' macadamia industry and will contribute to developing a nationally significant tourism experience.“This included integrating existing horticulture activities into the tourism experience, showcasing the regions’ produce through an edible arboretum, a farmyard animal barn, farm-themed play and educational attractions and equipment. There will also be upgrades to parking, the road network and amenities,” Mr Hogan said.Executive Director Businesses of Aruma, Brett Lacey said this is a transformational project for the site and the region.“The team is incredibly excited by this new development,” Mr Lacey said.“We have the privilege of employing 100 employees with a disability at the farm, and with this funding we’re thrilled to be able to create an additional 35 employment opportunities."

The chances of a La Niña weather event occurring this year has increased to 70% according to the Bureau of Meteorology, this is roughly three times the normal outlook.La Niña means higher than average rainfall in the central, eastern and northern parts of Australia.Dr Andrew Watkins the Bureau of Meteorology Manager of Climate Operations said "It typically also brings cooler and cloudier days, more tropical cyclones, and an earlier onset of the first wet season across the north".The last significant La Niña event occurred in 2010/11, which was Australia's wettest two year period on record beating the previous record of 1973/74.During both of those periods severe flooding occurred.2010/11 saw Brisbane suffer major flood damage as homes were ripped off their foundations and swept down river while some people in Lismore will remember the floods of 1974. The memories of the more recent 2017 floods very much in the forefront of all our minds.The long term forecast from the BOM is not to say that major flooding will occur but to say there is an increased chance of higher than average rainfall.The impacts of La Niña often continue into the warm months. In eastern Australia, the average December-March rainfall during La Niña years is 20% higher than the long-term average, with eight of the ten wettest such periods occurring during La Niña years. This is particularly notable for the east coast, which tends to be less affected by La Niña during the winter months but can experience severe flooding during La Niña summers.The reason is the cooling of surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean and an increase in the strength of the Pacific Trade Winds. When these two changes occur at the same time, at this time of year, we see a greatly increased chance of a La Niña forming and persisting through spring and into summer."Climate models suggest that further cooling and intensification of Trade Winds may occur over the coming months, which has triggered the Bureau to shift from a La Niña watch, issued on 26 June, to a La Niña Alert", Dr Watkins said.In the short term, our clear blue winter skies will continue for the next seven days with some fairly strong westerly winds turning north westerly this afternoon. This will be the pattern into the weekend with some cloud about.

The NSW Government is working with Foodbank NSW and ACT to provide thousands of emergency food hampers to international students across the State including regional locations like Armidale, Lismore and Wagga Wagga.Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the $100,000 program is providing a helping hand to vulnerable students and their host communities.“Some international students stranded by the global pandemic are facing hardship through no fault of their own and we’re providing a range of assistance measures, including these hampers delivered to international students across the state," he said.State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin MP, is encouraging international students in Lismore to access these emergency food hampers.“Our international students are valued members of the Lismore community. This program is one way to show them that we care,” “We know that our international students contribute immensely to the local economy and community. It is only appropriate that we support them in return,” “I have advocated strongly for SCU, and I welcome the decision by the NSW Government to provide a helping hand for our International students in Lismore,” Ms Saffin said. International students can access the program through the Northern Rivers Community Gateway (NRCG).NRCG Social and Financial Inclusion Manager Warren Anderson said the program is an invaluable outreach to international students that cannot get home due to the pandemic and have little or no immediate support to help them through these unprecedented times."We have a multicultural network integrated into NRCG. It can make things easier for international students to engage with their own culture so they can feel safe to come in and pick up their hamper," he said.Located at 76 Carrington Street, Lismore, Northern Rivers Gateway are open 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday. "Students can drop in during those times, bring their student ID and pick up a box. A box will last around a week and is filled with staples like pasta, soup and toiletries," Mr Anderson said.For further information call NRCG on (02) 6621 7397 or visit the Study NSW website and subscribe to the Study NSW mailing list for updates.