As four-year-old Charlotte fights for her life in Brisbane Children’s Hospital, her heartbroken Lismore-based father Brad Jones can’t get over the border to see her.Charlotte and her mother Melissa have been in Brisbane since January 23, since Charlotte was diagnosed with leukemia at Lismore Base Hospital.For the past few months, Brad has been holding down a job, as well as regularly travelling up to visit them while Charlotte undergoes chemotherapy - however the recent changes as to who is allowed to cross the border have put a stop to that.To make matters more complex, Brad is looking after the couple’s other children at home, while his partner and daughter stay in children’s cancer care accommodation in Brisbane.Read the update: Border politics still stands between Lismore dad and his sick daughterDeterioratingCharlotte’s health has been deteriorating and this week, she even stopped breathing. Brad said he is desperate to find a way that the family can be together.“I’m trying to not show too much emotion for my children’s sake,” Brad said. “I’ve been talking to border control and I’ve enlisted the help of Page MP Kevin Hogan.“Before the border closure I could go as freely as I chose as we had compassionate grounds passes and oncologist reports.Stuck“The last time I was up there, I left three of my children up there as I didn’t think we would be locked down as hard as we are – then I found out there was no medical or compassionate grounds any more and they were stuck up there.“Last week, my partner’s brother drove the kids down and they walked through the border and I picked them up. We are lucky he was up there, or no one would have been able to look after the kids in the unit while Melissa was at hospital with Charlotte.Border crossing“While I was there waiting at the Queensland border to pick them up, I watched surfboard riders and dog walkers walking across and back again.“I could have walked across too – I guess if I was stopped by police and asked for ID my licence would have shown I’m not in the border bubble - the security were only stopping cars.“When I talked to Queensland border security, all they said to me was we can exempt you but you will have to stay in hotel quarantine at your expense and pay for your meals – and you’ll only be allowed at the hospital for a maximum of two hours.Ridiculous“That’s ridiculous. The people at the cancer support unit have said if I can get over the border, I can stay there."Brad said even if he could get an exemption to go up there for a week and take the children with him, there is still a two hour visit restriction at the hospital.“And I don’t know if they’ll let us do it again anyway,” Brad said. “There’s hardly any COVID-19 cases up there now – there’s more road crash fatalities than coronavirus. I know it’s a pandemic, but this is a hard one.“I knew this year would be hard with Charlotte, but it’s harder than I ever could have imagined.Football disgrace“I think it’s disgraceful that Queensland is allowing footballers to go back and forth - it’s not right. It’s not State against State – maybe they are taking it hard that they lost the football – but they can have the trophy back if it gets us over the border.Birthday tears“I haven’t held my daughter for four weeks – we’ve never been apart that long before.“We missed out on a family birthday together – we had a video call and a cake on both ends and there were lots of tears.“She’s got a port in her chest and been through chemotherapy, steroids, had 11 blood transfusions and platelet transfusions.“She needs support and her dad needs to be there. When we Facetime, she’ll look at me and say ‘daddy I need you to come here’ and then she gets sad.“She’s a warrior. If she died and I didn’t get to see her…. I don’t know what will happen.“I’ve done 21,000 kilometres travel in seven months visiting her already. Now, it breaks my heart that she is 2.5 hours up the road and I can’t see her.”MP Hogan slams border decisionFederal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has released a statement slamming the Queensland Premier’s decision to keep the borders closed.“There seems to be one rule for some and other rules for others,” Mr Hogan said. “Following extensive lobbying by the Premier, Queensland is now hosting the AFL Grand Final.“Why is she happy to open the border for AFL footy players, but not for us from our COVID-free region?“Our region has no community transmission of the virus. We are not a 'hot spot'. There is nothing but heartache and damage being done to families health and livelihoods.“This might be playing well for the QLD Premier politically in the short term, but this border closure is causing havoc."TragedyMr Hogan also cited the case of a local tragedy of a pregnant mother from Ballina who needed emergency care for her unborn twins.“She waited 16 hours to fly to a Sydney hospital, rather than a short trip to Brisbane. Sadly, one of the babies has now tragically passed away,” Mr Hogan said.“This is not Australian, this is not how we operate.“The Queensland Premier says Queensland hospitals are only for Queenslanders, well more than 6000 Queensland citizens were treated at Tweed Hospital (in NSW) in 2019. This represents 20% of all in-patients.”

If you see more mullets around Lismore than usual, don't worry it is not a massive new trend than has moved from the AFL into the broader community.It is all part of 'Mullets for Mental Health" that is running throughout the month of September.Anthony MacDonald from Greg Clark Building got in touch to promote the cause, raise some money and show off their newly acquired hairdos."There is seven of us and now six of us has got the mullet cuts in the last two days but to be honest the seventh guy kind of already had a mullet so he's just getting a tidy up," Anthony told the Lismore App.(The Mullets For Mental Health cut begins for Jack Jeffrey. Photo: supplied)Anthony has had three tragic personal experiences with mental health in his life, two this year. An ex Lismore Swans AFL player committed suicide and a painters father, that was used by the company, also committed suicide in 2020 while a school friend of Anthony's ended his life in 2006.The company behind Mullets For Mental Health is the Black Dog Institute. Anthony and his work mates heard about their September endeavour through emails and watching footy when the NRL Canberra Raiders wore the logo on their jumpers.Black Dog say that 1 in 5 people will experience mental health issues in any given year, that equates to about 5 million Australians. The sad fact and the part of the reason for the campaign is that 60% of those people will not seek help. For some one like Anthony MacDonald it is not only raising money for the charity but to gain awareness of mental health issues and that we need to openly talk about our experiences more and that will help save lives.(Jack Jeffrey's new mullet for the month of September. Photo: supplied)"It's one of those things, it is everywhere and you know it's there but the awareness is not. We decided to do something about it in our small way," Anthony said.When Anthony and the team at Greg Clark Building started their campaign on Monday their financial goal was to raise $2000, I am pleased to say that they have raised $1858 already. You can help by pushing on the link and donating what you can afford https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/GregClarkBuilding.What has been the reaction to their new mullets?"We did send an email out to our clients and friends to warn them," Anthony said, "People were interested to see what we looked like"."You look hideous has been the first reaction but there have been many comments from people who have donated that are positive like 'rocking that mullet for a great cause."(Abe Crawford shows off his new mullet. Photo: supplied)"After all this is a cause close to my heart."Mullets For Mental Health runs for the month of September.

Young writers from Northern NSW have the opportunity to win cash prizes from a prize pool of $1300 and publishing opportunities through Byron Writers Festival.You can submit a short story of up-to 1000 words into the 2020 Susie Warrick Young Writers Award (SWYWA ) - which is open to Stage 3 Primary students and all Secondary School students. Susie Warrick was a much-loved member of the Byron Writers Festival team. The award was established to honour her memory, celebrate the art of the short story and to support emerging young writers in furthering their career. This year Byron Writers Festival has introduced a new age category for Stage 3 Primary students in memory of the late Jesse Blackadder, founder of the children’s outreach creative writing program, StoryBoard. Jesse was an acclaimed author, StoryBoard mentor and Byron Writers Festival board member. ‘We encourage all eligible young aspiring writers to apply’, says Byron Writers Festival’s Gabby Le Brun ‘entering a competition can be the push you need to finish your story, regardless of the outcome’. This fantastic opportunity for young people is generously sponsored by the Warrick Family, Hilarie Dunn and the Byron Writers Festival Jesse Blackadder Memorial Fund. Applications close Friday 18 September, 11.59pm.For submission guidelines and to apply go to byronwritersfestival.com/swywa/Enquires contact storyboard@byronwritersfestival.com

Spring in Northern NSW is the peak of the tick season. All pet owners need to be more vigilant in checking their fur babies to make sure they do not end up at the Vets in a life or death situation due to the dreaded paralysis tick.Local veterinarian Daryl Deeley from Keen Street Vet told the Lismore App while Spring is the peak time of year for ticks we do get them all year round in the Northern Rivers. "We had four tick cases in June", Daryl said, "they are around all year so pet owners should be aware for 12 months of the year not just the peak time."This was supported by VetLove Vet Director Simon Arnesen, "we have had three cases in the last week and if the forecast wet spring weather comes true then it will only get worse because ticks become even more prevalent after we have rain."Both vets said 'prevention' is essential, it is the simplest and best solution.Daryl Deeley said the cost of prevention is around the $55 mark for 3 months treatment for a medium size dog if using Brevecto. This amount varies depending on the size and weight of your pet.Simon Arnesen said there are some very effective products that have been released in the last 18 months to two years which has seen an 80% reduction in the amount of ticks cases.If you are weighing up the cost of prevention versus the risk, something to keep in mind is the vet bill if your animal gets rushed to your local vet seeking treatment from a paralysis tick."With no complications and depending on the size of the animal, an owner would be looking at $500-600 and if there were breathing difficulties or other issues the cost will be closer to $1200", Mr Deeley said.What signs do you look for in your pet?If your pet has been outdoors especially in bush areas then stroking their coats feeling for ticks is a good habit to get into.If you miss the tick, other symptoms to look out for are weak in the back legs, vomiting and nausea, gagging, difficulty breathing and if your pet is off their food. "The key is to get them in early to your vet before the symptoms progress," Daryl said.How do you remove a tick?Both vets said the easiest way is to get down to your local vet let them remove it and do a test to see if it is a paralysis tick or not.If you are likely to try and remove the tick from your pet, the advice is to pinch it with your nails under the head and pull gently with tension to remove the entire tick. Another way is to get some cotton, make a lasso, tighten it under the ticks head again and pull gently with tension again.Importantly you are looking to get the entire tick out of your pet and not leave the head, this can cause a small infection."You can see the head and legs still wiggling if you remove the tick properly," Mr Arnesen said, " people should keep in mind that just because the tick is out doesn't mean your pet is out of danger.""A paralysis ticks poison is slow working so monitor them closely over the next 24 hours. Pets can get sicker once the tick has been removed."AntiserumWe are lucky in the Northern Rivers as this is the only place where an antiserum is made.Mr Deeley explained that in the 1950's and 60's his old boss Jack Frogley along with David Jones and Keith Curtain produced an antiserum that is still available today, in some cases it is being produced by their children.When you think of ticks this spring, the key word appears to be 'prevention'.

George and Anne Singh just can’t get enough local workers to come and pick blueberries at their Caniaba blueberry farm.Their daughter Suzanne Singh-Dhesi (owner of Pirolos Fruit Barn) said it’s because the people who pick regularly for them, year after year, are sitting comfortably at home, receiving Jobseeker payments.Read more news: Border closure brings heartbreak to local family“They don’t want to work 20 to 30 hours picking blueberries to make same amount of money they are given in Jobseeker,” Suzanne said.“Normally we would have 30 people picking at this time of year, but now its only family and friends helping us out.“I’m even helping mum and dad picking and packing, even though I’m working all week in the shop. Our kids go picking after school and my son who works full time as a lawyer also helps out when he can.”Local help neededThe blueberry season runs from May until the end of November and Suzanne said the family really needs more locals to come and help pick the berries before the hotter months kick in.“When the weather gets hotter, the berries will waste on the trees, so we really need to get onto it now,” she said.Suzanne said other blueberry farms are hiring backpackers to pick the berries, but the Singhs have strictly chosen to avoid that.“My parents are elderly and we don’t want the risk of backpackers bringing Covid-19 to the farm,” she said. “That’s’ why we want to make sure the pickers are locals.“You don’t know where the backpackers have been – sometimes they go missing for a few days and they might go to Sydney and come back.”A day in the life of a pickerSuzanne said the average day for a picker can be flexible depending on what your needs are.“Some people with kids start at 9 or 10am and leave at 2.30 or 3pm to pick up the kids,” she said.“Some don’t have responsibilities and when daylight savings changes, they start early and finish late.”The one thing to note about blueberries is that you can’t start picking in the morning until the dew had dried off the berries.How much can you make?Suzanne said the good pickers can make $800 over three or four days.“We pay $10 a bucket and the good pickers do 2.5 to 3 buckets an hour,” she said.“People often expect to start picking that straight way, but you have to get used to it and it takes a few weeks to get to that speed. There’s also a technique to picking the berries and we grow a few different varieties that are picked a bit differently.“We also do everything above board and pickers receive a pay slip every week and they know how much tax and superannuation is.”Covid-safeSuzanne said distancing between pickers is taken very seriously and people are given opposite ends of a row to pick so there’s no close contact.“Pickers write on their own tickets for their buckets so they can keep tabs on it, then people pick up buckets for them.“We also have a shed with a shower, toilets and kitchen where people can heat up their own food.”What to bringIf you want to pick berries, make sure you pack your hat, a long sleeved shirt and a water bottle. It’s an outdoors job but it’s not too sunny because the branches of the bushes shade you.Suzanne said the farm, which has been growing blueberries for 11 years now (among other things) is closer to Lismore than Goonellabah, about 10km out of Lismore after the airport.You can phone George Singh for information if you are keen on 0468 352 497.

Every Wednesday night at Christina Sharman’s Lismore home, there’s an open invitation to friends to come over and watch The Bachelor on television. It’s a show that many love to hate - watching 22 women compete against each other for one man.For Christina, seeing her daughter Izzy Sharman-Firth on the show is something best done with a glass of wine.“I’m horrified I’m watching it - it’s not a feminist show is it?” Christina said. “It’s not my thing, but Izzy told me she wanted to apply for the show and I’ll support her in what she does.”Izzy meets the bachelor Locky.Izzy (Isabella), 29, grew up in Lismore and went to Trinity Catholic College and according to Christina, she has brains as well as beauty. Izzy now works as a human resources consultant in a cyber security firm in Brisbane.So why would she choose to go on a national TV show where women fight for the love and attention of a man?Christina said Izzy went on The Bachelor as a profile-building move for her career – and her Instagram profile has got quite a few followers now.“She wants to go into business by herself and have a job where she can travel with her consultancy,” Christina said. “She loves her job and has no intention of leaving it, but she always thought she would travel next.“I’m not horrified with how she’s conducting herself in the show. I said to her, ‘you’re not going to be the bitch are you?’“When I wonder how come my daughter is not on screen? - it’s because the ones with all the screen time are bitching madly - the producers want drama.”The idea behind The Bachelor is spruiked as the search for love - and this year’s bachelor, Locky, is an outdoors adventure type man. Christina said Izzy also has a sense of adventure and likes those things too - perhaps one of the reasons why she was chosen for the show.“Applying to get on the show was big process for Izzy,” Christina said.“First you apply, then there’s a video call and finally a screen test,” she said. “It was all done last year before Christmas.“Then the show started and they had to lock down in the Sydney mansion, and the girls were all given dresses and nice clothes to wear - until Covid made them all come home and they did the show via zoom.“She was looking forward to getting an adventure date with Locky, but Covid put a stop to that.”Contestants on the show.Christina said once Izzy entered the mansion, her mobile phone was taken away and she was allowed one phone call once a fortnight - with a producer listening in. So, who does Izzy call with her one call?“Of course, she calls her mummy,” Christina said. “She’s not allowed to tell me too much about the show, but she can tell me how she’s feeling. She often says ‘yeah good, thanks mum’. She says the bachelor is funny, nice and charming.”While the show is already “done and dusted” and Christina can’t say what happens next, she did say that if Izzy makes it into the final four, it means Christina heads off to Sydney to grill the bachelor about what kind of man he is, along with the other contestants’ family members.The Lismore App will keep you updated as the fun and games of The Bachelor progresses. You can watch it tonight (Wednesday) at 7.30pm on WIN. 

Local sporting clubs can now apply or a share in $50,000 of funding in the NSW Government’s 2020-2021 Local Sport Grant Program.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said "you have to be in it to win it" and encouraged clubs to apply soon, before the grant closing date of October 7. “I’m disappointed that the electorate allocation has dropped from $93,780 under the 2019-2020 program," Ms Saffin said. "Because that more generous amount allowed 11 local sporting clubs to utilise these small grants extremely well as Covid-19 hit.“I know that many sporting clubs really struggle with fundraising and this very much has been the case as the pandemic led to cancellations of sport or curtailed seasons over winter. “If applications stack up and are successful following an assessment process, any extra assistance in the form of small grants, I’m sure will be welcomed by club officials and members.” Ms Saffin said maximum amounts available for four project types under the Local Sport Grant Program are: Sport development: $2000; Sport events: $5000; Sport access: $5000; Sport facility: $15,000. The minimum requested amount available is $500 for all project types. The maximum available to any one organisation under this round of the program is $20,000 in a financial year. For application details and guidelines go to https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport

Slow down on the road and watch out for koalas! Lismore City Council is urging motorists to keep a close eye out when driving, as koalas are taking advantage of the spring weather to venture out in search of food and a matCouncil’s Environmental Strategies Officer Wendy Neilan said while we are lucky to live in an area with a significant koala population, it is up to all of us to help protect them, particularly after last season’s devastating bushfires.“Spring has sprung and koalas are actively moving around trying to find territory with enough food and opportunities to breed in the ever reducing and fragmented koala habitat areas,” she said.“Unfortunately, during this time each year the Friends of the Koala (FOK) receives an ever-increasing number of calls about injured or dead animals. in the past 10 days alone 7 koalas have been hit by cars around Lismore. “Koalas are vulnerable to extinction in NSW and many of our roads cut right through some of their prime habitat.“People need to be especially careful in areas that we know are hotspots for koala vehicle strikes. For example, on Wyrallah Rd, Coraki Rd, Bruxner Highway and Ballina Rd, Rous Rd, Bangalow Rd, Dunoon Rd, Nimbin Rd, and near The Channon and Rosebank.“Koalas are most active and on the ground between dusk and dawn, but it’s important that motorists are vigilant at all times.“Please slow down and watch out for koalas. If you see a koala that is sick or injured, phone FoK’s 24-hour rescue hotline on 6622 1233.“Lismore City Council will place variable message signs at hotspots over the coming months to remind drivers to be vigilant when driving through koala habitat.”

There’s fresh paint on the walls and the coffee machines are being set up in the new Piggy Bank café on Molesworth Street. The café, at the front of MP’s the Meeting Place, is the new venture of The Bank café owner Brad Rickard.Read more business news: Food, craft beer and family friendly vibes planned for CBD venueBrad said he has been busy setting up the new “hole in the wall” cafe – on top of running The Bank cafe and The Loft restaurant.Brad said the Piggy Bank is set to open in about three weeks’ time and he’s excited about it.“It’s going to be good, clean, honest lunches for office workers and the business community,” Brad said.“It will offer simple salads, wraps, rolls cakes and coffee. There are no gimmicks, no fads - just affordable, fast grab and go food.“It’s a lot of work to organise it – I’m a busy man at the moment.”Brad is looking forward to seeing more life come back to shop fronts in the CBD, with so many shops currently being unused.Watch this space - The Lismore App will keep you informed on progress as Brad’s new café unfolds.

Whether you use the regional Mobile Library or not, lovers of reading are called to take part in a review of the local Mobile Library by September 6.While the Mobile Library is not currently running due to COVID-19 restrictions, Richmond Tweed Regional Library (RTRL) is in the process of planning the future for the service and wants input from the community.“If you don't currently use the Mobile Library or any of our branches, we would still like to hear from you and how you use it, or why not,” a library spokesperson said.“The more contributions we get, the better able we are to target library services.“The Mobile Library has been providing the community with outreach services since 1980 and during that time the service has evolved to meet changing community needs and expectations,” the spokesperson said.“The outcome of the survey process may result in changes or adjustments to the current service, or we may find that what we are currently offering best fits the need. We need your input to plan what happens next.Focus groups“We will be facilitating four focus groups during September and October to seek feedback on the findings of the online survey and possible library responses. “To express your interest in participating in the focus groups, please complete the online survey which has a section to leave your details. We will then contact you with further details.”To complete the survey and register your interest for a focus group, visit http://www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-BOT-68-53-24Questions?You can visit https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/home.asp, email RTRL@rtrl.nsw.gov.au or phone Support Services on 02 6625 5100 

It’s the first official day of Spring and the magpies in Lismore are already building nests, ready to swoop and chase as they protect their young.As the daylight hours increase, the temperature will soon be warming up and the breeding season for many birds is underway. The national Birds in Backyards Spring survey is also underway throughout September and October and you can take part by recording breeding bird activity in your home.Spring survey webinarsIf you are new to bird surveying and want to find out how to take part and why these surveys are important, you can join a free webinar. Register to attend on either Wednesday September 9 or 23. How do I take part?To do a Birds in Backyards survey, spend 20 minutes in one spot where you can view birds - your backyard, local park, school, or other favourite outdoor place. Simply count how many you see of each bird species you see using that space and tell us about what the outdoor space is like. Then to enter your survey data, register your free Birdata account, read the instructions for the web or app or watch the video. If you download the Birdata app you can take your smartphone or tablet outside with you to do your count. There are a few important interactions you can share if you see them. The biggest one to keep an eye on this season is breeding behaviour. If you see a bird carrying nesting materials, sitting on a nest or feeding chicks, let the survey know.Remember to keep your distance though from birds who are breeding. We don't want to disturb any nests. Be sure to limit your observations and don't get close enough to scare a bird off its nest.Also keep an eye out for:• Aggressive interactions – Let them know if you have observed any species initiate interactions with other birds and whether this interaction could be classed as aggressive – you can do this in the sighting details tab using the specific species interactions option.• Have you seen any birds feeding on the native plants in your garden? If so – who was dining on what? – you can tell us in the notes section when you record the species you have observed under “sighting details”• Have any birds been dabbling in some Oscar-worthy acting? – tell them about the weird and wonderful things your backyard birds have been up to you using the notes section in the sighting details tabs.Why do these surveys?Your surveys are used by BirdLife Australia and the Urban Bird team to track the health of our urban birds, and to monitor the impact of our gardens, outdoor spaces and even our own behaviours on bird populations. We can learn a lot from Birds in Backyard surveys, like how different types of gardens can attract different types of birds, and which features birds may be avoiding or are negatively affected by.Your surveys also contribute to the on-ground conservation work including local planting and habitat improvement projects and national advocacy and campaigns. To find out more, visit https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/getinvolved/How-survey 

Agricultural field days affected by Covid-19 have been offered a one-off financial boost from the Federal Government. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the $2.7 million boost for agricultural show societies and agricultural field day organisers will ensure the field days can continue to showcase our region’s innovation in agriculture after the pandemic.“Field days like Primex generate hundreds of jobs and inject millions into our local economy,” Mr Hogan said. “The initiative is part of our Government’s $1 billion Covid-19 Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors severely affected by the pandemic.” “All agricultural shows and field days that have cancelled their event in 2020 because of COVID-19 will be eligible and they will not have to compete for assistance.”Field Days could be eligible to claim reimbursement costs including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licensing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent. “Our agricultural field days are uniquely Australian and provide huge economic spin-offs for the town hosting them, as well as opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit,” Mr Hogan said. “They are truly local events, with local sport clubs, men’s sheds and emergency services often providing services such as set-up and car parking.”Mr Hogan said this announcement is in addition to the $36.3 million previously announced to support agricultural show societies. For more information, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/supporting-ag-shows.

The iconic Lismore Lantern Parade is fighting for its existence as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affects public events."It is serious", said Jyllie Jackson CEO and Artistic Director of LightnUp Inc (the not for profit organisation that plans and runs the Lismore Lantern Parade), "we need money or we're gone".The survival of the Lantern Parade is firmly in our hands as a community. We can help out by donating money or the organisation looks likely to close its doors and Lismore will lose a huge family event that attracts an average 30,000 people each year plus brings in an estimated $34 million into the local economy. Only last year we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Lismore Lantern Parade.(The 2017 finale. Photograph by Peter Derrett)The reason is LightnUp Inc has very little revenue coming into their business due to all mass gatherings being cancelled because of coronavirus. Under normal circumstances, Jyllie Jackson and her team would not only put on the Lismore Lantern Parade but also many other programs and workshops throughout regional, rural and metropolitan Australia from small communities in North East Arnhem Land to Perth, Alice Springs and a great deal in between.They purchased their current building in Keen Street in 2014 to add some certainty to their long term future. This means the overheads include a mortgage, electricity, rates, water, insurance as well as some part-time wages to pay each month.Jyllie, like many families around Australia, has managed to delay their mortgage payments until September but the time to start paying again is fast approaching."If we can get 2000 people or families donating $20 each that will see us through until March next year", Jyllie said, "and if we get more, it secures our future well in 2021."(carried by Cancer Council and Jodie's Inspiration. Photograph by Peter Derrett)There is a live GiveNow page so you can help save our beloved Lismore Lantern Parade, https://www.givenow.com.au/lightnup-lanterns-sos or if you prefer direct debit the details are Summerland Credit Union , Name - LightnUp, BSB 728728 and Account Number 2229 1137."Everything we do is about bringing communities together and increasing social connection. Your support will help sustain us until we can take the light of the lanterns to the community again.""We’re looking to our loyal friends and supporters, old and new, to help us. By providing a donation large or small you will ensure that we are able to save our organisation""Please rest assured all money raised goes directly to LightnUp Inc and the joy we bring to so many communities."As for this years Lismore Lantern Parade, Jyllie and her team are madly working on plans to have some sort of event on November 14."We will put on something beautiful for our community. We are talking to council about using Crozier Field as an option but it is too early to say at this stage".There is a lot of whingeing about losing events in Lismore because of Council but this is one that falls squarely on the shoulders of all residents.The fate of the Lismore Lantern Parade is in our hands.(Lismore Lantern Parade 2017. Photograph by Peter Derrett)

The Spring weather outlook is out with the Northern Rivers looking likely to be wetter than normal with higher temperatures.Today's picture perfect weather is an example of the warmer days and although we are predicted to get some rain in the next 7 days it is not the pattern expected for the rest of spring.The Bureau of Meteorology has increased the chance of rainfall exceeding the average to 80% for most of NSW except for the mid to north coast which is slightly lower, so still a very good chance of some good rainfall as the weeks progress.The average rainfall for Lismore for spring is 239 mm with November the wettest month.The reason is due to ever increasing likelihood of a La Niña forming this year, the first since 2011/12. La Niña sees an increase in sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and Indian oceans. The result of which is an earlier arrival of the northern wet season.This predicted weather pattern is set to test the new $8.2 million Flood Mitigation Plan that is being undertaken in South Lismore and is due for completion in October, 2020.In minor flooding the system does not change because the Leycester Creek banks have not been broken and the Hollingsworth Creek flood gates remain open. In the case of a major flood, more floodwater will flow behind South Lismore, ultimately re-joining the Wilson River at the airport. This should reduce the amount of water that would otherwise travel towards the CBD.The modelling for the Flood Mitigation Plan anticipates a reduction in water of 100mm (10cm) in South Lismore, North Lismore and the CBD.With La Niña is on our doorstep once again all the theory that has gone into reducing the chance of a major flood in Lismore reaching 2017 levels should be put to the test.Hopefully, the mark is an A+.

If you have walked down Keen Street recently you would have noticed a couple of changes.Firstly that Lismore Embroidery isn't where it used to be at 83 Keen Street, it is now at 101 Keen Street.The other noticeable change is in the building where Lismore Embroidery used to be. There are tradies working overtime getting the building ready for Matthew Healy and his team from Daleys Homewares & Monogramming to move into in about two weeks.Daleys has been an institution in Lismore since John Daley opened his store in the Strand Arcade in 1989 ( SUNDAY PROFILE: John Daley & Matthew Healy on 30 years in business). Then in 1996 John decided to move Daleys to its current location at 21 Woodlark Street.Now in COVID hit 2020, Daleys is on the move again to 83 Keen Street.Owner Matthew Healy purchased the building earlier this year so he can have more space as well as make the showroom as flood proof as it can be."The new building is three stories so plenty of room for flood storage", Matthew said, "All the fit-out is with flood in mind so no gyprock, it is villaboard, which is waterproof, we just hose it off. The fittings are either mobile or waterproof.""We are being as flood aware as we possibly can be".The building is not just three stories but wider which will make a huge difference in what can be displayed on the floor as well as the work environment for the monogramming which is done on the second level."The new shop is double the size and the building is triple the size. The monogramming space is about five times bigger than our existing space so lot's more space for the team to work so we can work more efficiently and there is lots of room for expansion which includes buying new machines as well.""Plus there is room for future expansion. We are planning for the future."Over the course of the next two weeks you will see some action in the old and new shops as the monogramming equipment is transferred including the big machine which needs to craned out, forklifted around the back alley and craned into the new building.The concern for Matthew here is the weather because the roof of the new building has to come off to get the large machine in place."It is all subject to weather. Taking the roof off is the thing that makes me really nervous because that is absolutely outside our control. It will either happen or it won't and there is nothing I can do to make it happen one way or the other".If all runs according to his plan the new location for Daley's Homewares & Monogramming will be on Monday September 14, two weeks from today.That does mean Daleys will be closed the Friday and Saturday (September 11 & 12) before the opening on the Monday.83 Keen Street has significant history in Lismore. For a long time it was occupied by Sidney and Hacking Plumbing. For quite a few years, tin coating cream cans was part of the business. Matthew has one of the old cream cans and wants to display this above the awning.Everything old is new again.

Young volunteers selling Legacy badges and other fundraising merchandise will not be on our streets this year, but that doesn’t mean the need for the charity’s support has gone away.  “The change to this year’s Legacy Week is another impact of the COVID-19 restrictions,” said Far North Coast Legacy Club President Narelle Scott, explaining that the 2020 appeal will be mostly an online event. “Despite this change, the Legacy tradition of giving continues,” Mrs Scott added. “Tax deductible donations can be made easily online at www.legacyweek.com.au with collectible Legacy items such as badges and the popular uniformed bears available for purchase at www.legacyshop.com.au “The items can also be purchased at our new office in the UPA building, 101-103 Main Street, Alstonville.”Mrs Scott said, “Legacy was founded in the wake of World War 1 when it became clear that the welfare of many families was suffering because of the serious injury or death of spouses or parents who had served in Australian military forces. “For nearly a century this unique Australian not-for-profit has been helping the dependents of those who died or were seriously disabled, whether physically or emotionally, whilst serving our country. Our focus is on working with the partners and children of former defence force personnel to assist with financial security, opportunities to access education, and the other things the rest of us enjoy.”Some ‘Legacy kids’ are well known, such as Rugby commentator Gordon Bray AM whose mother raised four children in difficult circumstances after their dad suffered from war service in PNG. One of many local Legacy beneficiaries is architect Don Granatelli, whose father suffered psychological impacts from WW2, and died when Don was eight years old.  “Times were very tough for mum in South Lismore, and if not for Legacy and repatriation support we wouldn’t have survived. Legacy helped us financially and emotionally, and there’s no way I would have gone on to uni otherwise.”The North Coast community is being asked to support Legacy Week, Sunday 30 August to Saturday 5 September 2020. This year’s theme is Little Badge: Big Impact, meaning that even the smallest of donations will have a real impact on veterans’ families.“Far North Coast Legacy, ranging from Kingscliff to Evans Head and west to the range, currently looks after 770 widows, many in their challenging senior years, others are younger women with children. We also help 19 people with disability and seven veterans’ families,” Narelle Scott said.“We provide services such as advocacy support, social day trips and short holiday breaks, as well as education support and holiday camps for Legacy Youth.”“All donations and purchases will go towards our work with local people facing hardship because of the sacrifices of their loved ones, whether in combat zones and peacekeeping missions, or from the aftermath of traumatic events. Small gifts mount up to make a big impact, and we’re hoping this online Legacy Week can be our biggest ever.”Online donations can be made to https://portal.legacyonline.com.au/pages/donation.aspx or bank transfer to Legacy Club Services BSB 032-000 Account no 883364

Bushfire season is just around the corner with NSW Rural Fire Service now informing residents in Lismore and surrounding shires that the bush fire danger period for the year will begin on Tuesday 1 September.Any person wishing to light a fire from 1 September 2020 must obtain a permit to light a fire until the bush fire danger period is revoked.Those wishing to light a fire at any time throughout the year are required to notify the NSW RFS and all adjoining neighbours 24 hours prior to lighting.Failure to comply can result in fines under the Rural Fires Act 1997.Smoke regulations prohibit burning in some areas and residents are advised to contact their local council or fire brigade for further information.For any enquirers or more information residents can call the Lismore Fire Station on (02) 6621 5660.

This years Dark Science 2020 Festival has been a huge success given we are still in a COVID-19 pandemic.The live sessions could only have minimum numbers due to restrictions and all are booked out within 24 hours, which is a strong indication that people in Lismore are looking for things to do in our region.Tonight at 6pm you can participate in a Zoom program called 'Into The Space Between'. This is an introduction into Indigenous Astronomy with celebrated astronomer Kirsten Banks.For those that missed out on the live sessions like 'Into The Wild Night' and 'Into The Green Trees' this is the perfect way to get involved in Dark Science 2020 from the comfort of your home.The Zoom link to use is SCUOnlinezoom which will use the SCU Zoom platform. The session runs for 45 minutes where you will get a taste of Aboriginal Astronomy as Kirsten shares with you a different perspective of the night sky that has existed in this country for more than 65,000 years.Kirsten Banks is an astrophysicist and science communicator with an undeniable passion for space and astronomy. She studies the stars in the Milky Way galaxy in an effort to understand more about the history and evolution of our island universe. Kirsten is also a very proud Wiradjuri woman who loves to share her passion for Aboriginal astronomical traditions.Jane Fuller Placemaking Officer at The Quad said "we had to transform the way we present our events this year while still engaging the community"."COVID forced us to think differently so we can put on the Dark Science program that involved a lot of bite sized events that was safe for people to physically enjoy.""While this year has been a great success we are treating it as seeding our way into what we can offer in 2021. We are hoping to expand live sessions and get Kirsten to physically come to Lismore next year."It is good to see that those involved in putting on events in our community are thinking differently and creating adapted versions during these unprecedented times.

Motorists are advised of changed conditions for the riverside car park next to Fawcett Bridge in the Lismore CBD this weekend as part of ongoing bridge maintenance and improvement work.The car park will be closed on Sunday 30 August from 7am to 5pm, weather permitting, to allow cranes to lift materials into place as part of repair work on the bridge piers.Traffic control and a reduced speed limit will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists. Traffic controllers will help people exiting the car park.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.