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.

Scammers are having a field day during the COVID-19 pandemic.With millions of people in lockdown spending more time on the internet it is no wonder that Scamwatch has received a staggering 24,000 reports of stolen personal information this year alone, an increase of 55 per cent compared with the same time last year.In the Northern Rivers, NBN themed scams are one of most common scams reported to Scamwatch, with more than 2,300 reported between January and June this year, amounting to losses of $320,624.NBN Co has partnered with Scamwatch to raise awareness on the evolving nature of scams and provide tips for how the community can stay safe, with free information sessions to be held nationally.These sessions will be held online using Microsoft Teams and are available to anyone in the community that would like to learn more.The dates and times are listed below along with the links to join the event that suits your availability. Webinar Option 1 - Aug 18, 2pmNBN Scam Awareness Webinar one 2pm Tuesday Aug 18Webinar Option 2 – Aug 19, 2pmNBN Scam Awareness Webinar two 2pm Wednesday Aug 19Webinar Option 3 – Aug 20, 11amNBN Scam Awareness Webinar three 11am Thursday Aug 20Webinar Option 4 – Aug 21, 10AMNBN Scam Awareness Webinar four 10am Friday Aug 21To coincide with National Scam Awareness week (17–21 August), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have released a five-episode podcast series entitled 'This is not your life'.Produced by Julian Morrow, the creator of ABC TV’s consumer series The Checkout, the podcast contains advice on how to avoid a scammer stealing your identity and features cameos from ACCC Chair Rod Sims, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant and IDCARE’s founder David Lacey.Australians reported losing more than $22 million to scammers who also stole their personal information with people aged 25–34 reporting losing personal information more than any other age group.ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said personal information, such as bank and superannuation details or passwords, are extremely valuable and scammers will try to steal them for their own financial gain. "Our increased use of technology has created more opportunities for them to do so," she said.Ms Rickard added that scammers are attempting to steal a range of other documents, or the numbers associated with them, including passports, driver licences, credit cards, tax statements, utility bills or Medicare cards, so that they can impersonate their victim.Once a scammer has that information they can then use it to access individuals' bank accounts or superannuation, take out loans under their names and impersonate them on social media to try to get money from family and friends.“Never give your personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know or trust via email, text, social media or over the phone,” Ms Rickard said.If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, contact IDCARE on 1300 432 273. IDCARE is a free government-funded service which will work with you to develop a specific response plan to your situation and support you throughout the process.

The funeral of much loved local Peter Jackson will take place this Saturday August 22 with a private service for the family. Peter also known as Roa Dart was tragically killed clearing trees on a property in Koonorigan on August 7.Peter touched so many lives in the 2480 community. He has left an indelible mark with his generous gift of hearts that were either painted, drawn or made as well as painting white outlines around the many potholes that formed on our country roads to keep us safe.The family have been inundated with condolences and memories of how Peter touched their lives so together with Binney Family Funerals, they would like to give the community a chance to show their love of Peter this Saturday by lining the streets as the cortege takes Peter to his final resting place by showing a Heart (Guard) of Honour.The route will start from the Crowther Carpark on Woodlark Street at 9:30am this Saturday proceeding down Woodlark to Bridge Street and left along Terania Street before concluding at the Wilson Street intersection.For those that want to pay their respects to Peter, you are asked to socially distance yourself along the route because, as the family has said "the safety of the community was a priority to him".The family has asked that you wear bright colours and bring your beautiful loving hearts in memory of Peter.Peter's daughter Jenna told Lismore App that Peter was born in Lismore, and that the family was one of the first pastoral settlers to the Lismore area in the 1880's."I am so happy that people are spreading their stories of Pete on social media", Jenna said, "he touched so many lives and was such a character, it feels good to read what people are saying about him".Close friend Robyn Kelly said Peter was a 'great mate' and a thorn in my side. "We worked together for the community and our country through fundraising, education and the environment", Robyn said, "you would always see Pete at charity events manning the barbecue or the gate. He was our fix-it man for The Channon Markets".Social media pages have been inundated with comments with people saying Peter was quirky, eccentric, humorous, irrational and generous.Robyn agreed and gave the example when Peter turned up at The Channon Markets with a gander dressed with a bow tie and when questioned he would say it was a proper-gander. Or another time Peter walked around the markets with a doll nailed to a piece of wood and the words "baby on board".Even if you don't know Peter Jackson well you start to get a feeling for who he was.Robyn Kelly said "There is a little bit of Peter Jackson in all our hearts. It was a joy and a pleasure to know him".You can honour Peter and say farewell this Saturday from 9:30am when the cortege will make its way along Woodlark Street, Bridge Street then Terania Street until the Wilson Street intersection.A larger service for the community will be organised once allowed.As a community we could with more people like Peter Jackson.

The NSW Government has introduced new school restrictions to minimise the chance of student to student transmission of coronavirus.This is a further crack down on what was in already place following a number of Sydney students testing positive after acquiring coronavirus in known hot spots forcing the closure of a number of schools.If all schools police these changes effectively and to the government guidelines then your daughter or son will need a negative COVID-19 test result before they are allowed back into the school grounds. Not only that if they attend school with flu like symptoms they will be required to leave the school grounds as soon as is practicable.From this Wednesday August 19, schools will be required to:exclude students and staff with even mild symptoms of COVID-19encourage immediate testing for any symptomatic child(ren) or staffprohibit return to school for anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 until a negative test result has been reported.ensure that adults maintain physical distancing at all timesensure good hand hygiene at all times (e.g. upon entry to the school, entry to the classroom and upon exit of the classroomStaff gatherings should be minimised and social distancing applied with names being recorded if a gathering does occur.Inter school sports are to be banned altogether with a big question mark hanging over the graduation process of those doing their HSC this year.The NSW Government ceasing the following activities:activities that result in the mixing of students from schools in different regions, such as sporting-related activities, drama and debating.school-related group singing or chanting activities and use of wind instruments in groupsschool-related social activities (e.g. school formals, dinners or dances; graduation ceremonies; or parent engagement functions)school-related overnight events (e.g. retreats, camps, excursions) as there is increased risk of transmission of the virus in a residential type setting with shared facilities.While the amount of active cases in NSW is below double digits for the last two days (seven and five respectively) the NSW Government is not taking any chances with school transmissions. Now it is up to the parents to keep their sick children at home and the schools to be vigilant in policing the new policy.

Sony Singh claims he has the only Indian grocery store in the Northern Rivers following the opening of Marsala Indian & Continental Grocery at 171 Keen Street, Lismore.It was only in June 2019 that Sonny opened his Indian restaurant, Marsala Fusion next door in Keen Street."People used to ask me where do you get your nice spices", Sony said, "So, I came up with the idea to open an Indian grocery store".The old Iguana Restaurant that was next door to Mr Singh was vacant when he moved next door and remained vacant over the next twelve months so he rented the space from the owners before coronavirus put the idea on hold for short while as business declined in April and May.As well as the delay in opening the store, COVID has also caused some stock issues."It was a bit of a struggle to bring some of the products into the new shop because of the border closures but I managed to get them slowly", Mr Singh said.What can you buy at Marsala Indian & Continental Grocery?Everything to make an authentic Indian meal to any palate whether you like no heat, a little heat or a lot of heat in your meals.There is 60 different spices like buttered chicken powder, curry powder to all the usual herbs and spices you find in a supermarket including mild or hot combinations. Then there is all sorts of seasoning and premixed spices from Pakistan and India.Some ingredients like Lentils come from Australian farmers while there is lots of different varieties of rice, pickles, chutney's, flour like chickpea, semolina and rice flour, pastes and papadam's, the list goes on.So, if you are thinking of cooking your own Indian food for dinner you don't have to rely on the Coles and Woolworths of the world to buy your ingredients anymore. Support your local business and check out Marsala Indian & Continental Grocery at 171 Keen Street.Sony Singh has been living in Lismore for 13 years with his two daughters going to Blue Hills College in Goonellabah.

We have missed out on a great deal of life's moments in 2020 due to COVID-19 striking in March. Events like the Lismore Lantern Parade and Lismore Show, iconic annual events on the calendar.Live music is another example of a normal life that has been erased from our lives since March.Until now, that is.NORPA and Kate Stroud have partnered to re-introduce live music in The Studio at Lismore City Hall in September through a project called 'Studio Sessions'.The Studio Sessions will be limited in numbers due to current restrictions but at least lovers of live music will have some entertainment options.The 'supper and show' performances will be held in September featuring Ben Wilson, Sara Tindley, Lucie Thorne, Harry Angus, Emily Lubitz and friends. Food by Secret Chef. The Studio Sessions bring outstanding musical talent to Lismore City Hall, with all shows combining live performance with supper provided by favourite Lismore foodies, Secret Chef. “The past five months have been tough for NORPA and City Hall, so we’re excited to open up again to small audiences for the Studio Sessions. Lismore City Hall is a registered COVID Safe Venue and measures are in place to make sure we gather safely,” said NORPA Artistic Director and CEO Julian Louis. The partnership between Kate Stroud and NORPA started last year after Kate received a Create NSW Music Now grant to bring live music to Lismore. Following the closure of live music venue Dusty Attic, NORPA offered Kate Stroud a larger space and the first Studio Session took place with Sofiella and the Handsome Husbands at the NORPA 2020 Season Launch.  “The energy, creativity and enthusiasm Kate brings to Lismore is so needed. Our partnership is built on helping Kate with her live music grant through providing a bigger venue, our equipment and team, all with the aim of increasing access to live music in Lismore. The Studio is a fantastic, intimate live performance venue for music, cabaret and comedy,” said Mr Louis.  Kate is excited to bring people together once again, “Appreciation grows in absence - we’ve experienced a short while without the magic of live music, more than ever the value and power of human connection is apparent. The Studio Sessions celebrate the importance of community and the inspiration and wellbeing art brings to our lives.” Studio Sessions in September at NORPA Friday 4 September - Ben Wilson (on sale now)Saturday 5 September - Lucie Thorne & Sara Tindley (on sale now)Friday 11 September - Harry Angus (Cat Empire) (on sale 19 Aug)Saturday 12 September  - Emily Lubitz (Tinpan Orange) and friends (on sale 19 Aug) Performance: 7:30pm (doors 6pm)Bookings: Tickets on sale at www.norpa.org.auCapacity is strictly limited. All ages.Price: $60 per person + Booking Fee (tables of 2, 4 or 6 includes performance, supper and a drink on arrival)Venue: The Studio, NORPA at Lismore City Hall, 1 Bounty St, Lismore.Menu: For menu details please visit www.norpa.org.au (vegetarian options available)Be CovidSafe: Lismore City Hall has a COVID Safety Plan in place. For conditions of entry please visit www.norpa.org.au. 

Each year there are many local petitions handed to members of parliament because of a passionate issue. Think 11 year old Oliver Bastion when the Liverpool Academy closed down.IN AN historic first, local residents living in Janelle Saffin MP’s State Electorate of Lismore are now able to petition the NSW Parliament online, following the introduction of ePetitions.Ms Saffin said the digital move would make it easier for people to create, share and submit a petition, and could not come at a better time given the COVID-19 pandemic has forced communities to avoid in-person meetings, and instead find safe, non-physical ways to be heard by their elected representatives.Ms Saffin said while local people will still be able to submit paper petitions to the NSW Legislative Assembly, the introduction of ePetitions provides a second, simple, online option to get their message to the NSW Parliament.“We are well and truly living in a digital age, so it makes sense that we have an easy, online way of connecting with the Parliament,” Ms Saffin said.“The petitions are created online, signed online and can be shared online, including on social media.“The ePetitions platform has been custom-built with safety and security in mind, which means neither the public nor members can see who’s signed the online petition, and email addresses required to sign the petition are only used to inform signatories of its progress, and then deleted after six months.”Once a petition closes, a copy is provided to the relevant Minister. If the petition has more than 500 signatures the Minister must provide a written response. If an ePetition has more than 20,000 signatures, it will attract time in the Chamber, and arrangements will be made for Members to debate it in the House. For paper petitions, the threshold to spark a debate is 10,000 signatures.“While petitions can’t force the Parliament or the Government to do something, they are an important tool in raising local issues, stimulating discussion and can often lead to action,” Ms Saffin said.The NSW Parliament's ePetitions platform is unique in Australia – it's fully online and almost entirely automated. It connects petitioners, through a presenting Member, to the Parliament itself.New South Wales is also the only jurisdiction in the country where citizens have the chance to have their petition debated by parliamentarians.The Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Jonathan O’Dea, said the introduction of ePetitions highlights the Parliament’s desire to modernise, and become better connected with citizens.“We want Parliament to be a place that’s accessible and easy to navigate, and I congratulate the staff of the Legislative Assembly and Department of Parliamentary Services for developing this new online platform to better serve the people of NSW,” Mr O’Dea said.“I look forward to seeing the new ePetitions roll in from across NSW.”For more information about ePetitions, go to www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/epetitionsHow ePetitions work:1.    To create an ePetition, Lismore Electorate residents should go to the NSW Parliament’s websitewww.parliament.nsw.gov.au/epetitions2.    The ePetitioner must first provide their contact details to allow Legislative Assembly staff to get in touch with them, to ensure the ePetition complies with the rules of the Assembly.3.    The ePetitioner must then find at least five people to support the ePetition.4.    Once the ePetition has five supporters, a Member of the Legislative Assembly, such as me, your local member, must agree to present it to the NSW Parliament.5.    The ePetition can then be signed by others, and shared online.6.    To sign an ePetition, people must identify themselves as a resident of NSW and provide a valid email address.7.    The ePetitioner selects the timeframe for the how long the ePetition will remain active, either one, three or 12 weeks.8.    Once the ePetition closes it is automatically tabled in the Assembly, and is also provided to the relevant Minister. If there are more than 500 signatories the Minister must provide a response, if there are more than 20,000 signatures there will be a debate in the Assembly.9.    Signatories to the ePetition will receive updates on the progress of the ePetition, unless they opt out of receiving emails.

We have had some good news on the coronavirus front from Wayne Jones Chief Executive, Northern NSW Local Health District.Mr Jones has said there have been no new cases since July 25 so the total of cases remains at 58.In further good news the two people recently hospitalised at Lismore Base Hospital have been discharged into home isolation, with the support of the Hospital in the Home team.This means there are no patients being treated in hospital, and 53 are known to have recovered from coronavirus. Testing continues Across the Northern NSW Local Health District more than 45,000 tests have now been done since the pandemic began. The rate of local residents coming forward for testing is currently higher than it has been in recent months, at more than 10 per every 1000 residents. Last week we recorded the highest single day of testing to date, with 682 residents being tested in a single day. "We are pleased to see so many people still presenting to the clinics in the region", Mr Jones said. "This is an excellent result, and it shows that our local community are taking this very seriously. By continuing to come forward for testing, we will be able to quickly identify any new cases among our community, and improve the chances of stopping any spread of the virus". Anyone directed to undertake a 14-day self-isolation period must stay in isolation for the full time, even if they test negative. Early testing may not detect an infection, and release from self-isolation based on a negative test could allow an infectious person to infect others in the community. Most people who are infected and develop symptoms will do so within 14 days of exposure. The Lismore testing clinics is located at the Lismore Base Hospital between 9am and 5:30pm.

Today we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the almost one million Australians who served our nation, and the support and fortitude of millions of Australians on the home front.The event will be commemorated at St Andrews Anglican Church, Lismore at 12 noon when the bells will chime. They will join other bell towers throughout Australia in marking the occasion. Stephan Hall Parish Secretary Anglican Parish Lismore said "unfortunately not all the bells in the Lismore tower can ring due to COVID-19 restrictions".Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said Victory in the Pacific signified the end of the Second World War for Australia and was met with scenes of celebration and relief 75 years ago, and tomorrow, a special commemorative service would be held at the Australian War Memorial to remember all those who served.“The end of the Second World War is a moment our nation will forever remember, it is part of our history, and the stories told by Australians who were there on 15 August 1945 remind us of this,” Mr Chester said.  “Tomorrow a grateful nation will tune in to watch the national commemorative service broadcast live on the ABC from the Australian War Memorial – collectively we will say ‘thank you for your service’ to our Second World War veterans.“It is a time to remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the almost one million Australians who served, the 39,000 who died, and the some 30,000 who were prisoners of war.“Remarkably, around 12,000 are still with us today, with veterans planning to attend the commemorative service, along with Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley and the Prime Minister Scott Morrison.”“Given we cannot gather in large numbers to commemorate and pay our respects, I urge all Australians to think of ways they can still do so, safely,” Mr Chester said.The broadcast of the commemorative service will commence at 9.30am, with the service starting at 10am and can be viewed on the ABC, Commemorations and War Graves Australia Facebook page or on the ABC’s on-demand and catch-up TV service, ABC iview.The Sunday Profile is Phil Eckford, a navy veteran and Goonellabah resident who talks about the sinking of the Nimbin and remembers the day that World War II was over. You can read Phil's amazing account first thing Sunday morning on the Lismore App or on the website, www.lismoreapp.com.au.

Northern NSW residents needing specialist medical care in Queensland have today received clearer guidance from health authorities about what to do if they live outside the border zone. Read more news: Local doctor says Qld border closure puts lives at risk While eligible residents can apply for a medical exemption border declaration pass, quarantine rules still apply for patients – with different rules applying to a support person accompanying them to the appointment. Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) chief executive Wayne Jones said people coulsdstill travel to Queensland under under Paragraph 11 (i) of the current Public Health Direction.Mr Jones said eligible residents must apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass and choose the option “Entering Queensland to obtain specialist health care that cannot be obtained at your place of residence, or as a support person to a person obtaining such care and can provide evidence of the time and place of the specialist appointment.”To access the pass, visit: https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/border-closingWhen crossing the border by road into Queensland, residents will need to present their border declaration, as well as documentation confirming their medical appointment or treatment.Specialist health care includes the following:• Queensland Children's Hospital appointment confirmed in writing by the hospital• Specialist outpatient appointment at a Queensland Hospital and Health Service, confirmed in writing by the service• Specialist appointment at a licensed Queensland private health facility, confirmed in writing by the service• Specialist appointment, confirmed in writing by the service along with a written referral from a GP• Other appointments at a Queensland Hospital and Health Service accompanied by a form signed by the Chief Executive that the patient requires specialist health care in Queensland.“A patient who does not meet these requirements will not be able to enter Queensland unless granted an individual exemption by the Chief Health Officer,” Mr Jones said. “Exceptional circumstances must exist.” Exemption requests can be made at https://healthserviceportal.health.qld.gov.au/hdspQuarantinePatients will have to quarantine as follows:An inpatient must stay at the hospital if receiving treatment as an inpatient.An outpatient must stay in government arranged accommodation if treatment is as an outpatient for more than one day.For a day treatment or appointment, the person must leave Queensland immediately following the treatment/appointment.A support person accompanying someone receiving essential medical care will need to stay in government arranged accommodation, at their own expense. Alternatively, they can drop the person at the medical facility and drive straight back without stopping in Queensland and then come back to pick them up.Children receiving treatment at the Children's Hospital, and their family, can quarantine with the child at the hospital.For more information about border declarations, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass Tweed Hospital closureMr Jones also said the Tweed Hospital will not close if harsher border restrictions are enforced by the QLD Government.“The NNSWLHD, NSW Health, and the NSW Government are working tirelessly with the Queensland Government and Queensland Health to overcome these unprecedented challenges,” he said.“We are implementing workforce contingency plans to ensure we continue to provide high-quality care at The Tweed Hospital.“The current restrictions imposed by QLD requires NNSWLHD to review services, including non-urgent elective surgery, to ensure we have appropriate levels of clinical staff to manage urgent and emergency presentations. All efforts are being made to minimise any impacts on service delivery.“The NNSWLHD is also negotiating with clinical and non-clinical staff to understand which staff, who live in QLD but work in NSW, are able to continue to provide their services if alternate accommodation arrangements are made.“All efforts are being made to limit the impact of border closures on our NNSWLHD hospitals and it is important to note that more than 20% of patients attending the Tweed Hospital Emergency Department are QLD residents, and these patients will be required to attend QLD-based hospitals for care.”

When stage two of the Eastwood housing development was released in Goonellabah yesterday, four families arrived the night before and camped out to make sure they got their preferred homesite.Eastwood Project Director Sam Rowe said the Eastwood stage two development was called the ‘Hemlock Release’ and marked the growth of the McCloy Group’s first residential community development in the Northern Rivers,“Set on 21 hectares off Invercauld Road, Eastwood was first launched in November last year, with Stage 1 offering 23 homesites,” Mr Rowe said.“Stage 1 is now registered, and it is great to see homes have commenced. “Earthworks are well underway with Stage 2 and the new park and playground facilities also.”Mr Rowe said with the current low interest rates available, families are able to build an affordable brand-new home to suit their families.“With several grants on offer for First Home Buyers and Second Home Buyers, the financial rewards from the state government could save you tens of thousands of dollars,” he said.What grants are available?HOMEBUILDER: a time-limited grant program to help the residential construction market to bounce back from the Coronavirus crisis. HomeBuilder will provide eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) with a grant of $25,000 to build a new home where the contract is signed between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020. Construction must commence within three months of the contract date.HomeBuilder will complement existing State and Territory First Home Owner Grant programs, stamp duty concessions and other grant schemes.FIRST HOME BUYER ASSISTANCE SCHEME: If you’re a first home buyer, you may be entitled to a concessional rate of transfer duty or even an exemption from paying it altogether under the First Home Buyers Assistance scheme (FHBAS).FIRST HOME BUYER GRANT (NEW HOME) SCHEME: If you’re a first home buyer and you’re buying or building a new home, you may qualify for a $10,000 grant under the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) scheme.NSW STAMP DUTY SLASH: Under the changes the threshold above which stamp duty will be charged on new homes for first home buyers will increase from the current $650,000 to $800,000, with the concession reducing on higher values before phasing out at $1 million.Under the changes the stamp duty threshold on vacant land will rise from $350,000 to $400,000 and will phase out at $500,000.“The government forecasts more than 6000 first home buyers will benefit from the changes, saving eligible first homebuyers thousands of dollars,” Mr Rowe said.For more information on Eastwood, as well as land availability, the purchase process and the new community contact Clint McCarthy on 0423 727 648 or visit eastwoodliving.com.au

Lismore City Council has expanded the number of burial plots available at its popular Tucki Cemetery. Council’s Commercial Services Manager Kevin Trustum said a newly constructed concrete beam for the placement of plaques or memorials, similar to the Lismore Lawn Cemetery, allows for lawn burials and cremated remains. “Many people are now deciding that they want a rural location as their, or their family member’s, final resting place, which is why we have increased the space available at Council’s Tucki Cemetery,” he said. “Overlooking the hills and farms of Wyrallah area, the Tucki Cemetery provides memorial options for loved ones in a rural setting.  “There are 48 new burials plots and 144 new spaces for cremated remains now available.” The burial plots can be double depth to allow for the burial of two people in the same plot, similar to other Council cemeteries. The cremated remains plots can be single or double. The Memorial Beam will be planted with small natives over time. Both burial and cremated remains memorial plots can be reserved in advance. The cost of a burial plot at the Tucki Cemetery is $3,755.40 and $2,641.70 for a second interment, with a single cremation plot $1,252.70 and $1,802.70 for a double plot (2020/21 prices).

After two glorious winter days we can expect some rain and a possible thunderstorm to kick off the weekend on Saturday.Alex Majchrowski from the Bureau of Meteorology said we can expect a cooler change on Saturday morning that will contain about 10-15mm of rain. There will be some gusty north westerly winds with the change.The predicted amount of rainfall could well increase if the possible thunderstorm eventuates on Saturday afternoon/evening.We will have a cloudy morning on Sunday but conditions will move back to clear blue skies and warmer temperatures as we progress through next week.Temperatures will hit 25 today, 22 for Saturday and Sunday with mid-twenties expected for the middle of the week.You can check out the weather here Weather on the Lismore App including the weather radar Weather Radar.

Entries are closing soon for the biennial Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize. Artists have until August 27 to submit their entries for the prize which began seven years ago as the Northern Rivers Portrait Prize.With prize money of $10,000, the aquisitive portrait prize was originally open to paintings and drawings but has now expanded to include portraits of any subject in any medium.The exhibition of finalists will be on display from November 7, 2020 until January 31, 2021.The 2020 Prize will be judged by artist Adbul Abdullah.Last year’s judge Dr Michael Brand selected Nicole Kelly’s Jumaadi + Clouds + Rain as winner of the Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize 2018 and Zom Osborne's Who will Protect Us received a highly commended.The judge in 2020 is artist Abdul Abdullah and the winner will receive $10,000 (acquisitive prize).The Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize is supported by Hurford HardwoodThe entry fee is $40. For more information, visit https://lismoregallery.org/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-AUS-18-83-64#.XzTknehLhPa

It often starts with a sudden fever, headache, nausea and drowsiness. Meningococcal disease is something many parents don’t know how to spot – and that’s something NSW Health is trying to change.NSW Health is urging parents and young people to know the symptoms and act fast if they suspect meningococcal disease to help prevent premature death or life-long disability. As we head into late winter and early spring, infections tend to increase, and risk is greatest for children under five and for 15-24 year olds. Last year, there were 59 meningococcal cases in NSW. Symptoms usually start with a sudden fever, often with headache, nausea and drowsiness. Neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises may also develop quickly. Babies with the infection may be irritable, not feed properly or have an abnormal cry. While it is a well-known symptom of meningococcal disease, the rash does not always occur, or may present late in the illness. Keira Glasgow, Acting Director NSW Health Communicable Diseases Branch, said seeking medical help urgently can be lifesaving. “If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash - see a doctor urgently,” Ms Glasgow said. “While the number and severity of symptoms can vary, if you suspect meningococcal disease, you need to act fast because meningococcal disease can cause death or permanent disability within hours if not treated.” Meningococcal disease can be fatal in up to one in 10 cases, and one in five infections result in permanent disabilities, including learning difficulties, sight and hearing problems, liver and kidney failure, loss of fingers, toes and limbs, or scarring caused by skin grafts. “We strongly encourage vaccination as a key prevention against meningococcal disease.” Under the National Immunisation Program, meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine is provided free for babies at 12 months, adolescents, and people of all ages with certain medical conditions. In NSW, the adolescent dose is delivered through the school vaccination program in Year 10. As of 1 July 2020, Aboriginal children up to the age of two years, and people with certain medical conditions, can also access free meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine. For more information on vaccination please visit the NSW Health website. For information on symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment, see the NSW Health website. 

The closure of the Queensland border to NSW residents is putting local lives at risk, according to local doctor Chris Ingall.Dr Ingall is a pediatrician and an executive on the Lismore Base Hospital’s Medical Staff Council.Dr Ingall said the closure of the border has impacted on the ability of medical staff in Queensland to travel to work in Lismore – and it has also stopped people who need care from being able to travel to their doctors over the border. He said the mandatory quarantine of 14 days for someone returning to Queensland after being in NSW is stopping medical professionals from coming to work in Lismore - and creating shortages of medical staff. Read more news: Border bubble clarity arrives for patients seeking Qld medical servicesBorder bubbleLismore is not considered to be inside the Queensland/NSW border bubble, while nearby Kyogle is. Dr Ingall believes that the border bubble should be moved south of the Northern NSW Local Health District to allow medical staff and patients to access the medical services and care they need in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.“I want the government to realise its action in closing the border has an enormous effect on our local health district,” he said.“We have more than 100 medical staff who live north of the border who can’t get to work here every week. “We are in a situation now where we are worried about the specialist care of our patients.“Patients with significant health issues no longer have access to the doctors who know them.”Dr Ingall said while local staff and medical administration are doing a “wonderful job” of plugging holes and mitigating risks, the hospital is still “scrambling”.“We are asking local people to step up and do more,” he said. “We are trying to get the cardiac services working 24/7. If someone has a heart attack and needs a stent, we need to be there for them.”No roomWhile people inside the border bubble can enter Queensland for specialist health care, those entering from beyond the border bubble will have to go into government-provided quarantine for 14 days, at their own cost – unless they prove financial hardship and apply to have the fees waived.“They are not letting us though without a valid reason - unless you are being choppered out,” Dr Ingall said. “We are being told to look to medical services in Newcastle and Sydney instead – but they have no room there for us northerners.No reason “I’m bewildered by the Government’s decision. There is no medical reason for the exclusion of our area because we have no community transmission of Covid in the Northern Rivers.“Lismore is actually further from Sydney than Bourke is – it’s natural we look north.“If we took the border bubble to south of Grafton, it would go a long way to mitigating the effect of closures medically and the risk it creates.“A woman in labour at 30 weeks has a long trip to make it to Newcastle if there is a problem – there are risks when on a very long flight to Newcastle.“I want them to rethink what they are doing. It hasn’t been well thought through.”

Southern Cross University (SCU) is launching their new 26-day ‘Discover Southern Cross University’ online open day program for new and post graduate students from August 17 to September 11.Vice President of Engagement, Ben Roche said that as one of Australia’s leaders in online education over the past two decades, SCU knows that an authentic connection with other people online is paramount. SCU is embracing its top-notch online technology to deliver live Q&A sessions with lecturers and 360-degree virtual tours of the campus. “Not only can you connect with your future lecturers at Discover Southern Cross University, but you will also have the chance to interact with your future peers. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and to really get a feel for how a Southern Cross experience can take you even further,” Mr Roche said. The live Q&A expert line-up features leading water resources engineer Associate Professor Peter Coombes; multi-media artist Associate Professor Grayson Cooke; regenerative agriculture course coordinator Dr Hanabeth Luke; popular psychology commentator Dr Desiree Kozlowski (who also mentors first-year students in psychological science); sea anemone expert Dr Anna Scott (from ABC TV’s Australia’s Ocean Odyssey); Indigenous knowledge expert Dr Stuart Barlo will discuss what the practices of one of the world's oldest living cultures means in a contemporary context; and more.Postgraduate students looking to upskill or retrain with further study will discover session exclusively for them, something you don’t usually see at a conventional Open Day.Register for live Q&As to discover exciting new postgraduate options in disciplines like health, education, creative writing; or established postgraduate programs in law, science, tourism and engineering.For more information and to register visit scu.edu.au/discover 

Put your cable ties on your bike helmet and wave your hands over your head – because it’s time to be on the lookout for swooping magpies. If you have ever been swooped by a magpie before, you’ll know that shouting at it, or getting angry doesn’t help. It just seems to infuriate the bird even more. So, remain calm and read on for some helpful strategies to help us coexist with these iconic Australian birds. Why do magpies swoop?As the springtime nesting season arrives from July to November, the magpies hatch their eggs and often swoop to protect their young chicks.You’ll probably know a few local spots where the magpies always swoop – and that’s because a pair of magpies can claim territory for up to 20 years, which is why birds are often seen swooping in the same location year after year.Lismore City Council’s Environmental Strategies Coordinator Leonie Walsh said people can post on www.magpiealert.com if they feel others should be warned about a particularly troublesome magpie.“This is a great website that people can use to share information about how a particular magpie is behaving, and even offer suggestions for how to avoid his territory,” she said.There is a local post for swooping magpies at Ubrihien Street, Lismore already as a warning to local residents.Be cautiousLeonie also urged people to understand that these birds are just doing what is natural to protect their young and she advised people to be cautious rather than alarmed.“Swooping can be pretty scary, but it’s worth remembering this is normal defensive behaviour as the bird is trying to protect their eggs or newly hatched young in their nest,” she said.“This behaviour usually lasts about six weeks, and in almost all cases ceases when the young leave the nest. The best thing to do is avoid areas with swooping magpies and plan an alternative route until the behaviour stops.”Other tips for staying safe around swooping magpies include:Wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your head and eyes.Carry an open umbrella.If a bird swoops while you are cycling get off your bike and walk.Attach zip ties to your bicycle helmet.Do not approach a young bird or interfere with the birds or their nest in any way as this will likely increase swooping behaviour.If you are swooped, leave the area quickly but do not run.Watch the birds while walking away – it is less likely to swoop if it knows you’re watching.Never harass or provoke birds as this makes them more defensive and may lead to a worse attack next time.Magpies appear to have very good memories and have been known to attack the same people over subsequent seasons while leaving others alone. If a bird has attacked you before it may be a good idea to use an alternative route – even next season.