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.

Finding places where parents can be reunited with their children and demonstrate they are good parents is a challenge that local charity Caspa’s chief executive Naarah Rodwell has taken on gladly.Recently, Naarah was excited to announce the opening of Alaia’s Place - a new therapeutic accommodation place for families working towards restoration.Read more news: Lismore businesses called to get flood ready with a $25K grantThe North Lismore house is a family home - with bedrooms, a kitchen and a family contact room for groups. Here, family support workers trained in developmental trauma support positive and therapeutic contact between children and families.It is the first of its kind in this region and Naarah said it was due to the good will of the property owner who offered their home for the organisation to rent.“We are a charity doing grass roots, high needs work with children and families and our work is often hidden away in the background,” she said.“When the owner of this property approached us and said we love what you do, please use this house, it was amazing and we hope it happens more and more as people hear how important our work is.”Naarah said the house provides a natural, relaxed environment where parents who are working toward getting their children back from foster care can show the justice system that they are developing parenting skills and are ready to look after their children again.“By providing a home like environment, we allow parents to showcase their parenting skills in a realistic setting,” she said. “At Alaia’s Place, parents can work at maintaining a routine for young children, cook a meal together, relax and watch a movie.Traumatic time“Families have a time limited stay here – maybe a night or a weekend,” she said.“These parents work really hard to get their children back.“It’s such a traumatic rime to have the child removed and those parents are often suffering from all sorts of disadvantages - homelessness, addiction and domestic violence.“Some parents have to travel up here where their children are in care. They might have to do an overnight stay here on the weekend.“So, this is an environment where the parents can come and put into practice the parenting techniques they have been learning - and we can evidence this back to the court that they gave been able to do it.Read about Naarah Rodwell: SUNDAY PROFILE: CASPA chief executive Naarah Rodwell“Before, they would have stayed in a motel and that can be difficult for them in trying to facilitate time with their child. Here, they are in a community setting, not being watched by other people in a playground or a hotel.“They get to put their children to bed - it’s a natural, hands on way of being with their children and we see that.“They will experience challenges in parenting their children, but the beauty of this model of restoration is that our staff are trained to support them through those challenges.“We can evidence strengths and identify gaps where further support is needed and this results in a faster and safer reunification.“A mother recently in the final stages of restoration stayed for a week. She was finally able to put parenting into practice in an environment where she was in control of the process and she loved it.”Demand Naarah said Caspa’s goal is to get children back home to their parents.“That is where they belong, where they will thrive,’ she said. “The number of children in care in catastrophically high, but our goal is to help as many families as we can.“Demand is getting bigger because we are pushing harder to get those children home with their families.Evidence“It’s hard for parents with a child in care – they do parenting courses and work on themselves, but to be able to evidence they have changed is difficult. So, our staff report on observations that align with how the court assesses progress.”Caspa now has 27 properties in total – including in Coffs Harbour and they are now expanding into the Northern Territory after winning a contract for intensive therapeutic residential care.“We constantly put the child at the centre and we push boundaries - if it’s difficult to make it happen, we always find a way.”To find out more about Caspa, visit https://www.caspa.asn.au/

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

Lismore City Council has called to tenders for the resource estimation, modelling and planning at Blakebrook Quarry. The quarry been the site of extractive activities since 1979 and is part of Council’s Northern Rivers Quarry and Asphalt business unit, which supplies products including aggregates, roadbase, metal dust, fill material and drainage rock to local markets.Council is inviting 'reverse scope' submissions from appropriately qualified and experienced Tenderers for the Blakebrook Quarry located at 540 Nimbin Rd, Lismore.The contract is for a period to be determined between Council and the successful Tenderer.RFT submissions close at 2pm on Thursday, September 3.A site inspection will be held on Wednesday, August 19 at 11am with your attendance optional.Interested parties are required to register at Council's eProcurement portal to access relevant documents: https://portal.tenderlink.com/lismore/login?ReturnUrl=%2Flismore%2Fsubmission%2F2659.660508 Submissions may also be lodged at this site in the electronic tender box. All tender schedules must be completed for submission of a conforming tender. For more information, phone the Tenderlink helpdesk on 1800 233 533.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions tomorrow, August 13, on Glebe Bridge at Coraki as part of maintenance work being carried out. The bridge will be closed to all traffic from 9.30am to 2.30pm, weather permitting, while concrete is poured to strengthen the piers. There are no further closures planned during the current maintenance, which also involves painting and scour protection. The work will ensure the bridge continues to provide reliable service for many years. Alternative routes are available – see attached map. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and to follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

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 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?

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