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Lismore businesses called to get flood ready with a $25K grant
Lismore businesses called to get flood ready with a $25K grant

12 August 2020, 4:28 AM

Moving your electricals up above flood zone could be one the projects your business could undertake with funding now offered through Lismore City Council. Lismore City Council Deputy Mayor Darlene Cook said eligible small businesses in Lismore’s flood prone areas can apply for up to $25,000 grant funding to help make their businesses flood ready.“It’s a step toward revitalising our CBD," Ms Cook said. “We know there will be another flood sometime down the track and we want to assist businesses to be more resilient.”Who can apply?Ms Cook said the $250,000 NSW Government funding program was open to small business owners employing fewer than 10 employees.Eligible business premises must be located in the flood-prone urban areas, including the CBD, East Lismore, Girards Hill, North Lismore, South Lismore and Loftville.“This program is great news for our local businesses which have been struggling since the 2017 flood,” Ms Cook said. "It will support them to undertake improvements and repair damaged infrastructure."Lion and Lamb marketing agency owner Ryan McCann.Lion and Lamb CBD business owner ‘excited’ Ryan McCann, owner of Lion and Lamb marketing agency in Club Lane said he already has plans for what needs to be done for his business, which is right in the flood zone.“I was immediately excited about the funding,” he said. “Being on the ground level, we have quite a few projects we’d like to do to mitigate against the next flood – it’s always been a concern. “We want to move our electrical systems so we can come back in after a flood, clean up, plug in and get straight back to work.“We also want to make improvements with new, innovative materials for shop fittings that will be resistant to flood – as well as install modular systems that we can take out. We’s also like to put in some raised platforms to store equipment on.”Cash flow concernsMr McCann said he was still unsure how his business would be able to pay for the improvement works if the grant funding wasn’t paid to the business until after the work was done.“We are growing fast and have five full time employees, so wage growth is large and we are still building a customer base,” he said.“Cash flow is always going to be an issue for small businesses that are trying to stay in the CBD, so I’d like to see a direct to vendor payment system introduced as an option with the funding, rather than a progressive payment given later."I’d like to see how it’s all going to work.”Chamber of Commerce asks for flexibility  Lismore Chamber of Commerce executive officer Emma Wallace said seeing the investment in Lismore CBD revitalisation and upgrade has been high on the wish list of the Lismore business community. She said the Chamber was looking forward to seeing the impact of the funding injection on the community and hearing what business operators gained from the opportunity.However, she expressed concerns over the grant selection criteria and urged Council to cooperate with businesses with regard to the timeframes for completing the work and the Development Approval process.“Council giving assistance to businesses to make the application process easier is something that is regularly requested from our members,” she said. “We’d like to see flexibility on some of the timelines given, due to the border closures making it harder for tradespeople to come to our area."Many local tradespeople are already busy rebuilding after the bushfires last year and it could be hard for businesses to get work completed on time within the current grants timeframe."Emma encouraged business operators to apply for the funding quickly – and to think creatively.“If we get lots of applications, it will show there is a big need for this assistance in our community," she said.“You can also reach out to the Chamber and local Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin for assistance or guidance with the application process.”Ms Cook said the grant program is one of four initiatives identified for implementation utilising an election commitment of $1.5 million from the NSW Government to support Lismore CBD revitalisation.Applications open today, Wednesday, August 12 and close 4pm Tuesday, September 15.To apply, or for more information, visit  https://lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-MWJ-33-27-88

Bushfire assistance grant eligibility expanded for primary producers
Bushfire assistance grant eligibility expanded for primary producers

11 August 2020, 11:58 PM

Primary producers impacted by the last year’s bushfires have more time to apply for a $75,000 recovery grant.Page MP Kevin Hogan said the eligibility criteria for the grants has been expanded, as well as the timeframe for applying.Small businesses now have more time to request support,” Mr Hogan said.  “The $75,000 Special Disaster Grant, which was scheduled to close at the end of the month, will now be available until December 15. “These changes and the decision to extend the application timeframes recognises that some primary producers have experienced drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, and need more time to make a claim.”The primary producers grant provides support to farmers and other primary production businesses in fire affected areas with the costs of such services as safety inspections, veterinary fees, waste disposal, and purchases or repairs to property or equipment damaged in the fires. Key eligibility changes include:• Removal of the off-farm income threshold where an applicant’s income from primary production is less than 50% of their total income.• Allowing extra time for applicants to reach the 50% income threshold in recognition of long lead times required by some sectors to reach full production.• Applicants are no longer required to be registered for GST but must still hold an ABN.• Businesses earning more than 50% of their income from a combination of primary production and goods made directly from that produce will now be eligible for assistance. Mr Hogan said these changes will come into effect shortly. “Applicants who were previously unsuccessful and may now be eligible will not need to reapply - agencies administering the grants will contact these applicants,” he said.“This grant has been incredibly successful, with more than 1,500 farmers across the State receiving close to $100 million to help cover the costs of repairing and rebuilding infrastructure on their properties. “We have also extended the timeframes for other small business bushfire recovery grants and loans.” Applications for small business assistance in the form of $10,000 and $50,000 grants and concessional loans of up to $500,000 can now also be made up to 15 December 2020. Primary producers and small business operators in fire affected areas that have not been in touch with support agencies are encouraged to not self-assess and to speak to a support officer.For more information, visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/

Last night's council meeting was attended by seven councillors
Last night's council meeting was attended by seven councillors

11 August 2020, 7:06 PM

Last night's Lismore City Council monthly meeting was attended by only seven (7) councillors with two late 'leave' withdrawals.At the start of the meeting Deputy Mayor and Chair Darlene Cook mentioned that Councillors Nancy Casson and Eddie Lloyd applied for leave yesterday due to both being unwell while Mayor Isaac Smith was on holiday leave. Former Councillor Gianpiero Battista resigned last week effective immediately.The question remains as to whether Councillors Casson and Lloyd will continue their extended twelve month term that was forced upon all local councillors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday Councillor Casson told the Lismore App she will make a decision about her role as a LCC Councillor at the end of September. Councillor Lloyd has not responded for comment.It should be noted that this would have been the final LCC council meeting before council elections were held before COVID-19 struck in March.The Lismore Park Plan of Management was adopted by council five votes to two.(the Lismore Parklands masterplan)Those in councillors in favour spoke of the planned parklands being a real attraction to bring people into Lismore and the CBD. "Passive recreation activities are increasing and we are not investing in these areas", Cnr Ekins said, while Cnr Marks referred to the success of the Tamworth Recreational Park where a lot of families rugged up and used the park and its facilities during winter. "This may not happen tomorrow, next week or in the next 5 years", Cnr Marks said, "but we need to have a vision and this is something that is positive for families to look forward to".Cnr Guise spoke against the adopting the plan because if its huge price tag which now sits at $25 million. "It is what I consider a park with bells and whistles that goes beyond what we can afford as a community". Cnr Guise said. He also took a swipe at the $1.2 million being paid to consultants for the completed project.The point was made that although the Lismore Park Plan of management is now adopted in principal, it will not progress without Federal and State Government funding. Then there is the proposed $1 million maintenance costs that need to be offset.In other agenda items Northcott Drive in Goonellabah was re-zoned to potentially allow another seventeen blocks of land for sale in the future while the Farmers Markets Guidelines Review was also adopted. The debate regarding the guidelines was the impact of selling non-locally grown fruit such as Stanthorpe apples at the Magellan Street markets and what impact this has on local fruit & vegetable businesses. The new guidelines states that 75% of stalls must be given to locally grown produce.The final part of the meeting was accepting the resignation of Councillors Bennett and Battista with both being thanked for their contribution to the Lismore community in their time as councillors. Councillor Bennett said that he decided two years ago to not contest the next council elections then put his farm on the market. An offer was made which is now unconditional so Cnr Bennett will no longer be part of Lismore as he will be moving out of the area.The next council meeting will be on September 8. The question is how many councillors will attend that meeting?

Secret flower deliveries boost Lismore business' spirits
Secret flower deliveries boost Lismore business' spirits

11 August 2020, 6:07 AM

A secret donor who has been sending bunches of native flowers to businesses in Lismore has started an avalanche of giving.Over the past couple of months, numerous businesses have received flowers – and they have no idea who sent them.Linda Heilbron, owner of Hanging Rock Flowers in the Star Court Arcade said the donor (who is known to her and wants to remain anonymous) approached her a couple of months ago with the idea.“The person came into the shop and said I want to donate money each week and you can make a bunch of flowers and deliver them to local businesses,” Linda said.“Sometimes, this person suggests who to send them to and sometimes I offer suggestions – like if someone really needs a thank you or something special has happened.“It’s amazing - they donated an extra bunch this week to go to the Casino school staff because they lost a staff member last week in tragic circumstances. They are a very generous soul.”Already local Lismore businesses Little Polly and the Blackbird, Maven Boutique, Daley’s Homewares, PJs fruit and vegetables, Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Lismore Acupuncture Centre received bunches of flowers.Read more news: Acupuncture practice closes its doors after 28 yearsLismore Chamber of Commerce executive officer Emma Wallace said two weeks ago, when the Chamber had just finished moving into its new Molesworth Street location, the mystery flowers arrived.“It was quite emotional and touching to know that we really make a difference and someone noticed that," Emma said. "People do feel we are supporting them and that was so good.”Read more about the Lismore Chamber of Commerce: Chamber of Commerce makes a fresh start in a new homeLinda said the random acts of kindness gave people a boost during the Covid-period, when spirits were down and they needed a lift. Now, it has started an avalanche of giving.“Another person who wants to remain anonymous has also donated extra money to go to the Casino school,” she said.“It’s a feel good story in these times when people need some good news. I feel so honoured to be a part of it all."Linda said she and her horticulturist partner Paul have a native flower farm at Wadeville - and the Star Court Arcade shop has been the shopfront where they sell their flowers from.Linda has a passion for native flowers and said on their farm, the couple grow natives endemic to our area and are experimenting all the time with what grows best.“Our shop has been open for six months, she said. “We were fortunate during the Covid lockdown because people wanted to connect with others and send them flowers.“There’s a lot of businesses who have had to downsize or discontinue.“Now, we are growing and business is blooming. Through Covid, we’ve learned, changed our delivery methods and expanded – and we get to meet amazing local people."Read more business news: Rainbow Wholefoods' future still uncertain - but there is a light of hopeRead more business news: New business hopes to make a splash during COVID

What's in store for Clunes as Bangalow Road works progress?
What's in store for Clunes as Bangalow Road works progress?

10 August 2020, 11:33 PM

Lismore to Bangalow Road has been getting a facelift over the past few months. You may have noticed the wider road shoulders, new safety barriers and drainage that have appeared in places on the much-frequented local road.Now, the road work at Bexhill is complete and the road rebuild and safety improvements have moved on to Clunes - which Member of the Legislative Council, Ben Franklin said follows on from “extensive community consultation”.“This involves resurfacing the road, widening road shoulders and building a new 800-metre overtaking lane between Eureka Road and Kirklands Lane,” Mr Franklin said.“The community was consulted about the design of an access road to be built between Stewarts Road and Kirklands Lane.“This design has now been finalised and the community will be kept informed about the project as development continues.”Mr Franklin said the $11 million safety improvements by the NSW Government were progressing well.“The improvements will deliver safer and smoother journeys for thousands of motorists who use Lismore to Bangalow Road each day,” Mr Franklin said.“They will ensure road users complete their journeys safely every day, and they will also help sustain jobs in local communities,” Mr Franklin said.“The Lismore to Bangalow Road project is sourcing materials from local suppliers and employing local contractors, delivering on the NSW Government’s commitment to maintaining jobs in regional communities.“Crews have also completed work on Wilsons Creek Bridge at Nashua to clear vegetation and improve the stability of bridge abutments.“Work on the bridge abutments also used recycled rock excavated from another section of the project, saving resources.”

Free resources help you research family history in WWII
Free resources help you research family history in WWII

10 August 2020, 9:46 PM

Australians are being encouraged to learn more about the stories of our Second World War veterans as the 75th anniversary of the end of the war on August 15 approaches. A number of online research services are being made available for free, to help Australians conduct their research, including http://www.ancestry.com.auFederal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said our community has a rich Second World War history, from residents who served to veterans, widows and family members who now call the region home. “Each story is unique, and is just as important as the next,” Mr Hogan said.“As a community we have a job to do –to ensure these stories live on and that we never forgot the role of all Australians who served overseas or on the home front in the Second World War.”The National Archives of Australia has been digitising all of its Second World War service records and the Australian War Memorial also has a wide range of useful information just a click away.”“I encourage each of us to start by looking into our own family’s military service history, and from there, extend our research to the Second World War more broadly and learn more about the six years that forever changed Australia’s history,” Mr Hogan said.  “All that Australians need to do is ‘Just Ask’ the question – whether that is about a family member who served, or just wanting to learn more about the war. “The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has brought together all of its nominal rolls, including the Second World War nominal roll, into one website to make it easier to search and find information on those Australians who served in this war.”“DVA’s Anzac Portal also has a range of historical educational resources free for download – showcasing the war from an Australian point of view.”The Researching Australians at War page on the Anzac Portal is also a great resource to learn more about the Second World War and to access educational resources: http://www.anzacportal.dva.gov.auAncestry.com.au is helping Australians pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the Second World War by providing free online access to all Australian and New Zealand military records on the site from August 13–16.

Final stage of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway bypass to be opened in September
Final stage of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway bypass to be opened in September

10 August 2020, 2:35 AM

Holiday travellers heading south for the October or Christmas holidays should save 25 minutes on their journey between Woolgoolga and Ballina when the Woodburn, Broadwater & Wardell Pacific Highway bypass is completed next month. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and State Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis today announced locals have been given advanced notice of traffic changes that will take effect when the 34-kilometre upgraded section opens between Woodburn and Pimlico in September this year, weather permitting.(part of the roadworks between Woodburn and Pimlico) “The Pacific Highway upgrade continues to deliver for our regional communities, creating more than 3,000 jobs during the peak of the Woolgoolga to Ballina project alone and injecting millions into local economies,” Mr Hogan said. “This new section forms a large part of the final stretch of the upgrade, which is on track to open to traffic by the end of this year.” Mr Gulaptis said motorists would be able to use the new interchanges at Woodburn, Broadwater and Coolgardie for safe access to the Pacific Motorway as part of the upcoming opening, which would improve connectivity between neighbouring towns. “Travellers will be encouraged to visit the newly bypassed towns with large signs to be installed at the approaches to Woodburn, Broadwater and Wardell,” Mr Gulaptis said. “These signs have already been installed along the Pacific Highway upgrade, most recently at Nambucca and Kempsey, helping support regional communities.”(the new bridge over the Richmond River looking south at Broadwater) The Pacific Highway upgrade is now about 91 per cent complete, and continues to deliver improved travel times for locals, tourists and the freight industry. To help explain the upcoming change, a community update will be distributed to local residents from this week and made available online at pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au. Local businesses interested in receiving updates about the upcoming bypass are encouraged to register at w2b@pacificcomplete.com.au.  Electronic message signs will provide wayfinding information and motorists should be aware of traffic management and reduced speed limits though the area while work continues to build the upgrade. Road users are encouraged to visit livetraffic.com and plan ahead to avoid any potential delays. For more information about the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, contact the project team on 1800 778 900 (dial 1) or email w2b@pacificcomplete.com.au. The Australian and New South Wales governments are jointly funding the $4.945 billion Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade. With the Australian Government providing $3.76 billion towards the construction, planning and pre-construction. The NSW Government is providing the remaining funding towards the project.

Lismore Quad wins Local Government NSW Award
Lismore Quad wins Local Government NSW Award

10 August 2020, 12:21 AM

The Lismore Quadrangle’s 2019 project, Dungarimba Wandarahn received a Highly Commended Award in the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture category at the Local Government NSW Awards.Commissioned by The Lismore Quad, Dungarimba Wandarahn (Lismore place of learning) was a major new Australian work by internationally acclaimed digital artist Craig Walsh.One and a half years in the making, the project was created in collaboration with Southern Cross University’s Indigenous School Gnibi Wandarahn and Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar, high school and university students, researchers and arts practitioners, and was funded by the Australian Government’s Heritage Near Me program.Dungarimba Wandarahn was a powerful multi-sensory experience of Bundjalung Elder, Aunty Irene Harrington’s memories as a young Aboriginal girl straddling two worlds in the 1950s.During the four-night event, the original Lismore High School was animated with large-scale projections and a soundscape depicting her experience of a white education system. A large dome was also constructed on the grass over a sand circle evoking traditional Bundjalung story, language and song with music composed by Brett Canning from Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar and didgeridoo from local musician Tom Avery.Audiences were invited to experience the work however they chose - lying down under the stars and listening, walking around each of the spaces, or sitting on a picnic rug while the kids played in the sand circle covered with animated projections of Bundjalung art.Lismore City Council’s Deputy Mayor Darlene Cook congratulated the gallery team lead by Brett Adlington, and in particular, project producer, Marisa Snow“This recognition by Local Government NSW is well deserved,” she said.“The Regional Gallery and The Quad continues to punch above its weight and attract a wide audience by commissioning artists who tell our local stories.“I congratulate Craig Walsh and the team at the Gallery and The Quad for having the vision and passion to deliver this multi-sensory experience of Bundjalung language, history and story.”

24/7 Gyms forced to change operating times following new regulations
24/7 Gyms forced to change operating times following new regulations

08 August 2020, 11:00 PM

Local gyms were doing it tough following the initial COVID-19 restrictions that were put in place by the NSW Government in March. After a brief respite as restrictions eased in June they took a step back on August 1 when gyms had to have a COVID-19 Safety Hygiene Marshall present at all times the doors are open.While this does not affect some gyms that operate restricted hours it does adversely affect 24/7 gyms. To employ a person to be the COVID-19 Safety Hygiene Marshall or ask a staff member to take on that role during non-peak times is an added cost that a small business already under financial pressure can not sustain.The answer is shorter business hours so 24/7 gyms are having to adjust their trading hours to survive.George Stevens Manager at Anytime Fitness in Goonellabah said they looked at their most popular times and have made sure they are catered for.(George Stevens, Manager of Anytime Fitness in Goonellabah)"We are doing the best we can to staff the gym with our available staff", George said, "we're not 24 hours but we are doing our best to keep members happy".This has upset a small amount of members with most happy that they are still open.This was the sentiment at F-Fitness in East Lismore with Manager Casey Clark saying a few people were upset but the majority of people understand the situation."It has affected our business slightly", Casey said, "we have lost a few members but the majority have been very supportive".The main change to 24/7 gyms is the opening hours.Anytime Fitness are now open 6am to 12 midday and 4pm to 8pm Monday to Thursday, Fridays 8am to 4pm and weekends 8am to 12 midday.F-Fitness's opening times are 4am to 10pm Monday to Friday while Saturday's are 8am to 5pm and Sunday's 8am to 1:30pm.Switch 24/7 in the GSAC building has also changed its hours. Tony Duffy told the Lismore App: "Due to the requirement for a COVID-19 Safety Marshal, we have had to close the 24/7 GSAC gym. However we have extended operating hours at the gym. The new hours are Monday to Thursday, 5am to 8pm, Friday 5am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 3pm."Spare a thought for a new 24/7 gym opening in Lismore Central Shopping Centre on August 18. It is hard enough opening up a new business and in a competitive field. Manager Sam Waller saying "the restrictive hours affects shift workers like nurses and police officers but we'll do the best we can by opening from 4am to 10pm".Any further restrictions could well see a few operators closing their doors for good.

New business hopes to make a splash during COVID
New business hopes to make a splash during COVID

07 August 2020, 10:00 PM

COVID-19 has thrown some curve balls for everyone since March especially small business.This story proves that out of a place of adversity opportunities can arise, it just takes the courage and a little luck to make it a success story.Phil Evans has worked for three pool companies in the area, Profile Pools, Poolwerx and more recently Lismore Poolscene. COVID-19 meant that the doors of the business were reduced to opening two days a week and Phil was not sure the business would return strongly or when that might be.What makes it more difficult is that Phil has a young family with partner Amy and their two children Madeliene and Georgia. Amy is on maternity leave and looking to get back to her elderly care role early next year.(Phil Evans with partner Amy, Madeliene (5) and Georgia (8 months). Photo: Supplied)"I always wanted to do my own thing", Phil said, "initially COVID stalled me and we thought wait until this over but then the shop hours changed and we thought why not give it a go now"."This gives me the flexibility to get the kids up and take them to daycare when Amy starts work at 6am plus more freedom to make decisions to help people out and do some favours where I can, it's me calling the shots".Winter is the quiet time of year for pool maintenance so Phil is getting his head around the bookwork and accounting procedure he will face once the busy summer period is in full swing.Why the name?"It was a play on dependable and the deep end of a pool", Phil explained. You could add jumping in to the deep end opening a new business as well.Deepend Pool Maintenance offers pool maintenance, sales of chemicals and equipment parts as well as repairs and installations and according to Phil "great customer service".You can contact Phil via his mobile 0n 0429 510 303 or via email at phil.dpe82@gmail.com.au. As Phil has only just started his business you can guarantee you will be talking to the owner.

Lismore Community Gardens receive some financial aid to keep growing
Lismore Community Gardens receive some financial aid to keep growing

07 August 2020, 7:57 PM

Most locals would know about or have heard of the Lismore Community Gardens on the corner of Brewster and Magellan Streets in Lismore.However, most of us would not know of the amazing work that a group of hard working volunteers achieve each week which includes supplying fresh vegetables and herbs to food banks.Earlier this week Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan presented funding of $1,350 to Lismore Community Gardens to purchase new garden and power tools to help develop the gardens.Mr Hogan said "Volunteers are central to so many local organisations and provide important services in our community."Peter Luckett is coordinator of the Rainbow Region Community Farms which manages the Lismore Community Gardens. Peter said "This will allow us to purchase new gloves and tools to encourage more volunteers and support our great existing volunteers with the cost of fuel for delivery of produce."Peter told the Lismore App they are always looking for volunteers so if you have a green thumb, love gardening and have some time on your hands go and see Peter and the team at gardens on a Wednesday or Saturday morning between 9am and 1pm."This is very much a social thing, it's a place where friendships are formed", Peter said.The 'Mutual Obligation' system is also operational for the gardens. This is where people can volunteer 10 hours a week in return for social welfare instead of looking for a full time job.A new addition to the Lismore Community Gardens is offered by the Herb & Vegie Organisation each Saturday morning between 10am and 12noon. During the two hours you have the chance to swap produce seeds and drop off or pick up cuttings and plants. There are two tables to use that this Saturday will have strawberry runners, crucifix orchids, a bangalow palm, agarves and New Guinea bean seeds on offer.The next improvements for the gardens is the Indigenous Bush Tucker Garden which was planned by Phil Dudman and includes a smoking circle, bbq area as well as indigenous plants.Also in the pipeline is a waterless compost toilet that already has DA approval from council and will include wheel chair access.

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