At 3pm this afternoon when the school bell or siren sounds, the winter school holiday break begins. That means thousands of families hitting the road to get away for prolonged period after being in lockdown for the Easter holidays.The word from the Richmond Police District is to stay safe on Northern NSW roads during school holiday period.Richmond Police District police are urging those travelling on the roads this school holiday break to be alert and aware of their surroundings, as thousands of people are expected to travel throughout regional NSW.The NSW school holiday period commences on Monday 6 July and runs until Friday 17 July, with thousands of families expected to head north to regional and coastal towns.Richmond Police District Acting Commander, Cameron Lindsay, says this is likely the first trip many families have taken in months and is urging them to take it slow.“We understand and appreciate everyone’s desire to get out and explore parts of the state outside of our local towns, but with a large influx of traffic on the roads, we all have to be aware that some drivers haven’t been behind the wheel of a car in three-months.” Acting Superintendent Lindsay said.“With Queensland re-opening its border with NSW from Friday 10 July and many people heading north to chase the warmer weather, we all have to be patient – there will be delays, there will be congestion, but please take your time and don’t rush.The reported traffic jam is predicted to be up to 20km's from July 10 as Queensland police check declarations that travellers have not come from a Melbourne hot spot.“Ensure you take regular breaks at rest stops along the way, drive to the conditions and don’t have your mobile phone anywhere within reach while behind the wheel.“In saying that, before you head out for that road trip, make sure your vehicle has been given an appropriate safety check by a mechanic – particularly if it’s been stored in a garage for some time collecting dust.“With a larger volume of vehicles and caravans on the road, we are urging drivers to please take it easy and don’t rush – it’s better to get to your destination a couple of hours later than not arriving at all.“Popular locations such as Ballina and Evans Head will also likely see an influx of visitors during the next fortnight. Please keep in mind social distancing when out in public and adhere to all relevant COVID-safe plans and rules at pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants.“We aren’t out of the woods yet with COVID-19, we all still have to be alert and following social distancing guidelines. This is even more important in regional and rural locations where a large portion of holidaymakers will be from out of town." Acting Superintendent Lindsay said.

With no new cases of coronavirus yet recorded in the local health district in the last 66 days, the arrival of passengers from travel-restricted Covid hot-spots in Melbourne into Ballina airport has raised community concerns about virus transmission.Read more news: NSW to ban visitors from Victorian Covid-19 hotspotsBallina Mayor David Wright said since the NSW Government’s Public Health Order restricting travel came in yesterday, people arriving at Ballina airport from Melbourne were being screened for Covid by airport staff when they arrived.“People are coming because the borders are open and still airlines are legally allowed to fly in,” Cr Wright said.“I understand people being nervous – I’m nervous too.“I’m elderly too and I meet a lot of people. I don’t have the power to stop people arriving – even though Council owns the airport, it’s run by State and Federal guidelines.“We’ve only had flights back in our airport for the last week or so, from Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.“Since yesterday, arrivals were also tested in Melbourne for Covid before they got the plane.”Cr Wright said the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has also sent a team of medical professionals to the airport to help with the testing.“So now we have nurses running the tests and police are also there to help,” he said.“If they and police find anyone with a high temperature, they will be put into a testing area, like Ballina Bowling Club.“If they are found to be carrying Covid, they will be taken back to Melbourne on the next flight, or if they are from a Melbourne suburb in lockdown, they will be fined.“If they just picked it up, they will be quarantines by the Local Health District staff.”Cr Wright said next week Ballina airport is ramping up and would be receiving 43 flights a week.“We are doing everything we can and making sure you can’t go without hand sanitiser,” he said.“It took an extra half hour to get on plane yesterday.”TourismWith school holidays about to start in NSW and already underway for QLD and Victoria, this is one of the busiest times of the year in the Northern Rivers and more people are arriving.Cr Wright said a lot of people from Victoria had already arrived in town after driving up.“Hopefully they are alright too,” he said.“We’ve have Queenslanders here from start and some businesses in town are doing well."With a need to open up the economy after a quiet period of shut down across the whole area - from Lismore to the coast - the unfolding issue of the potential spread of Covid-19 and the need to have tourists is a complex one.Cr Wright said Council was taking it very seriously, but would accept what the experts said was necessary.“If Covid is spreading on Melbourne, it may be that they say airlines can’t fly from Melbourne to here anymore,” he said.“I’m pleased we have Sydney and Canberra flights arriving and people still want to stay.”A recent Facebook post from a local about the issue.Local MP speaks upLismore MP Janelle Saffin said she had already made representations to the State Health Minister Brad Hazzard on behalf of many concerned Lismore locals about the arrivals from Melbourne.Ms Saffin said while the current response from local health authorities was reassuring, it should have been brought in sooner.“Why don’t they bring in the restrictions and testing at the start of Victorian holidays?” she said.“We have to go with it and be as safe as we can – but I understand the community’s concerns.”Health responseNorthern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) chief executive Wayne said the new Public Health Order included penalties of up to $11,000- or six-month imprisonment for those found guilty of breaching them. “We will continue to keep the public updated on any changes to health advice as the pandemic evolves,” Mr Jones said.“We urge individuals to maintain physical distancing, wash hands regularly, and cover coughs and sneezes to minimise any risk of COVID-19 transmission,” Mr Jones said.If you have any symptoms at all, even a mild sore throat or runny nose, don’t delay in getting tested at your local hospital, GP or pop up testing clinic.What is the Public Health Order?Public Health (COVID-19 Interstate Hotspots) Order 2020 relates to “affected persons”, persons who in the last 14 days have been in a COVID hotspot.The order directs that an affected person must not travel to NSW unless:they are a NSW residententering to obtaining medical or other care; to fulfil a legal obligation or give effect to a Court order; to provide an essential service (there is a non-exclusive list in the order re what is an essential service and it includes emergency, law enforcement, freight, health services, defence).If an affected person enters NSW, they must self isolate at their place of residence or another suitable place and remain there until 14 days have passed since the person was in a COVID hotspot. There are only limited reasons an affected person can leave their home, including obtaining medical care, complying with legal obligations, providing an essential service, in an emergency or to leave NSW. The person must comply with the NSW Health self isolation guidelines.Another person cannot enter the affected person’s place of residence except in limited circumstances e.g. normally live there or providing medical care or delivering food.The Minster has the power to exempt compliance, which has been delegated.Where are the hotspots?3012 Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham, West Footscray3021 Albanvale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans3032 Ascot Vale, Highpoint City, Maribyrnong, Travancore3038 Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens3042 Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie, Niddrie North3046 Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park3047 Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana3055 Brunswick South, Brunswick West, Moonee Vale, Moreland West3060 Fawkner3064 Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickelham, Roxburgh Park, Kalkallo

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on Union Street in Lismore this weekend for essential maintenance work to be carried out on Colemans Bridge.The bridge will be closed to all traffic from 6am on Saturday 4 to 5pm on Sunday 5 June, weather permitting, as part of ongoing strengthening and maintenance work.One of the bridge’s two pedestrian walkways will remain open at all times.Work will be carried out between 6am and 5pm each day, but the bridge will remain closed overnight on Saturday.Motorists are advised there will be regular weekend closures until the end of June 2020.An alternative route from South Lismore to the Lismore CBD is available via Union Street, and the Bruxner Highway (Elliott Road).From the Lismore CBD to South Lismore, use the Bruxner Highway and Union Street.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.

Lovers of history can again explore the treasures in the Lismore Regional Museum on Molesworth Street.The museum has reopened its doors after a few months of Covid-19 induced dormancy, but it is operating on limited hours because of a shortage of volunteers.Richmond River Historical Society president Robert Smith said the museum and its research room are particularly short of volunteers on Tuesdays and Fridays.“Due to the extra work for our volunteers due to Covid19 requirements, we can only open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am-1pm,” he said. “We are being careful with Covid safety procedures and have maximum numbers in rooms and hand cleaning.“We could stay open longer if we had more volunteers.“Our normal hours were usually 10am to 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.”If you are keen to volunteer at the museum, Robert said you don’t need to have special skills to help out. Read more news: Can Nimbin’s 150 year old tree be saved from developers? “You can pick up skills that are useful elsewhere and get good references with a smile,” Robert said.“You can be trained up on the front desk, forwarding queries onto others.“You don’t need to know all the history of the local area, but you learn a lot along the way. Every day is stimulating - meeting different people and thinking of new topics to explore in history.“People often come in with an object from their family and don’t know anything about it and think we might like it. “So, working here, you get to find out what happened to the object and how we evaluate it.“Sometimes rare objects distinct to region need to go on immediate display – or there might be old copies of the Northern Star which we already have or might be available electronically.”Robert is particularly interested in people with IT skills who can help out making Audio Visual displays to help make the museum more contemporary.“if you have a First Aid certificate or RSA for functions or a drivers licence for a bus or customer service expertise that’s always helpful too.”If you are interested in volunteering, phone the museum on 6621 9993, email [email protected] or visit the website http://www.richhistory.org.au/lismore-museum/If you’ve never been to Lismore Museum on Molesworth Street before, it’s opposite the Rous water building.“We’ve been here since 1991 and we’re trying to Council to allow us to have a bigger sign so people can see us,” Robert laughed. The museum is housed in the old Lismore Municipal Building at 165 Molesworth Street, in premises provided by Lismore City Council.The Museum is on the upper level, and access is available by stairs or lift. Parking is available on the street.Read more news: More help arrives for domestic violence survivors

Domestic violence specialist support services in the Lismore region have received a much needed funding boost from the Federal Government.Legislative Council Member Ben Franklin announced today that $750,000 would be made available to allow domestic violence victim-survivors to access more help during the Covid-10 pandemic."This pandemic has increased the potential for domestic abuse in homes across our community, so we want to ensure help is available and accessible at this crucial time," Mr Franklin said.“Our dedicated frontline services as well as police and local court staff do an incredible job each day responding to the terrible scourge of domestic and family violence.“It is amazing that we have so many dedicated organisations to helping victims of domestic abuse and I can’t thank them enough for the work they do in protecting and supporting vulnerable people in our community.“If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please contact the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 when it’s safe to do so,” Mr Franklin said.Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said more victim-survivors have sought assistance during the pandemic and are presenting to services with more complex needs.“This comprehensive package responds to a range of issues raised with the Government during this pandemic, and aims to protect women and children and ultimately save lives,” Mr Speakman said.Services to receive money include:Lismore Homelessness Accommodation Support Service for Women and Children Experiencing Domestic and Family ViolenceNorthern NSW Homelessness Support Service for Aboriginal Women Experiencing Domestic and Family ViolenceNorthern NSW Homelessness Support Service for Women Experiencing Domestic and Family ViolenceWDVCAS – Northern Rivers Community Legal CentreMullumbimby Women's ServiceMDNC Staying Home Leaving ViolenceHope Haven Women's RefugeThe $21 million additional investment across the State for domestic violence frontline specialist services comprises $12.8 million from the NSW Government and $8.8 million from the Commonwealth Government.The package includes state-wide funding for women’s refuges, Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV), Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), legal services, and for the NSW Domestic Violence Line which provides 24/7 crisis counselling and support referrals

A tree on Alternative Way in Nimbin is under threat of being removed for housing development - and Lismore councillor Vanessa Ekins said the community has one last chance at saving it.Cr Ekins said the large tree, along with another near it, was originally to have been protected. But the developers now want to modify the existing development application to remove it.Read more news: Nimbin Environment Centre gets money for weed removalOver the last year, Cr Ekins said councillors had already received numerous complaints from concerned residents about the large trees and the 60 lot housing development being too close to them.While the Development Application (DA) has already been on public display and numerous public submissions were received in response to it, Cr Ekins said the developers now wanted to divide up the housing lot on which the trees stands - and potentially build a road to access a pump station.“We can still stop changes to the development,” she said.“I urge concerned community residents to ring or email their councillors before July 15 when we are likely to discuss and potentially approve the DA modification.“We need the public to urge councillors to change their vote in chamber and say they don’t want the tree removed.“It’s a powerful thing to ring a councillor – they respond to phone calls.“We lose 200 mature trees from our urban area every year and even though we plant some, it takes a long time to replace a 150 year old tree – that’s six human generations.”HistoryThe Nimbin housing 60-lot subdivision has already seen stages 1-3 completed, but stages 4-7 are still underway.The large tree under threat was originally thought to be a 150 year old River Red Gum – a koala food tree - and developers were told they had to retain them and create protection zones around them, after public objections were made.Cr Ekins said Council sent an arborist to inspect the two trees and discovered they were actually Sydney Blue Gums, which are not koala food trees.The arborist also found that one of the trees had structural defects and a history of large limb failure, which could cause potential risk to life if a branch fell. “My argument is leave the tree, move the road around it and make the area a park for people instead of being greedy and making an extra housing lot,” Cr Ekins said.“Even if they are not koala trees, they still provide habitat because they contain hollows – which are rare. “Some of the submissions Council received also say how the trees are important and highly visible in the landscape.”Cr Ekins said if councillors voted to keep the DA as it was, Council staff would then be able to ask the developers to prepare a tree remediation plan.“This would make sure enough space was cleared around the tree so there was no asset damage and shows we value the trees.”If you want to contact your Lismore City Councillors, visit Council’s website for their contact details: https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-ZZF-64-48-20

Tonight, NORPA brings back the performing arts! For the next three nights (July 2-5), you can listen to livestreamed new short works by some of Australia’s best playwrights for Dear Australia.Dear Australia explores the recent pandemic which “exposed and prised open many cracks in our society”, according to Playwriting Australia chair David Berthold.Playwrights such as Nakkiah Lui, Jada Alberts and actors like Jack Thompson and Miranda Tapsell will be livestreamed into your home as part of NORPA’s new collaboration with Playwriting Australia (PWA).The Dear Australia project involves 50 postcards, described as comforting, confronting, and a unique celebration of Australian voices.At a time when a pandemic has forced reflection and change, these playwrights have responded to questions that get to the heart of where our nation is and where it might go.“These 50 micro works address major questions, allowing us to see into some of those cracks, but also inviting us to see light ahead,” Mr Berthold said.Commissioned by Playwriting Australia, the 50 monologues have been recorded by 50 actors, many in their own homes.Playwriting Australia is the national body for the development of Australian plays and playwrights. For the project, it invited 25 theatre organisations from across Australia to each nominate two playwrights and then commissioned them to write a short monologue, which were then filmed by 50 extraordinary actors.These moving and sometimes provocative stories will be grouped over three nights and live streamed by the partner theatres, along with major performing arts centres such as Arts Centre Melbourne, Sydney Opera House, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Canberra Theatre Centre and Darwin Entertainment Centre.A Dear Australia panel discussion will be broadcast from the Joan Sutherland Theatre by the Sydney Opera House on Saturday, July 4 at 7pm.Dear Australia livestreams over three nights (Thursday 2 July, Friday 3 July and Sunday 5 July) on the NORPA Facebook page and on Playwriting Australia’s YouTube channel). 

Weed removal and rainforest restoration has been part of work of Nimbin Environment Centre for some time – and a new grant from the Federal Government will help the good work continue.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the volunteers at the centre had been working to protect native plants in the Mulgum Creek Rainforest by removing infestations of high priority weeds. The Centre’s Mulgum Creek Rainforest Restoration tackles the upper reaches of Mulgum Creek, which has “significant” infestations of seeded banana, giant devil fig, privet and maderia vine. Part of the process of weed removal involves volunteers drilling and poisoning mature woody weed species and hand weeding seedlings.”“They centre wants to continue this work and remove more weeds, so it was great to announce $10,000 to support the project,” Mr Hogan said.““Environmental weeds are a serious threat to the health of our waterways and the management of exotic weed species will help native plants and animals.”

It’s been 10 months since a compost fire destroyed equipment at the Lismore Recycling and Resource Recovery Centre. While the centre is processing some recycled materials, it’s not yet up to full capacity – but the centre’s manager Andy Irvine said September is looking good for getting the equipment up and running at full capacity.Lismore Recycling and Resource Recovery Centre manager Andy Irvine.“It’s been hard since the fire for the people that work here, but we are on track now for the rebuilding of the new facility,” Andy said.“We are currently processing about 40% of the recycled materials brought in and hopefully we’ll be ready by September for handling everything.“Plastics and aluminium are already back to full processing, but our capacity to process some cardboard and papers were affected because that was the end of the machine we lost in the fire.”IngenuityAndy said it was the ingenuity of the centre’s 20 staff that got the equipment running again after the fire.“It’s a dirty job working here and these workers never get any credit for it, but they do it every day – invent ways to get things done and build something.“Along the way we’ve added bits and prices to machine sections to get them working for processing again.“When one end of the equipment here burnt, we couldn’t fit material into it and these guys worked out a way to build stuff and feed things into it.“It greatly reduced our reliance on other facilities to get the processing done.“Recycling and resource recovery is a big business.”Kieran Byrne has been leading hand at the centre for three years. He enjoyed a celebration with his workmates recently in a show of recognition for the work done by Council’s quiet achievers.Revolve shopAndy said staff were trying to get the Revolve Shop at the centre open soon.“The covid period has been difficult,” he said.“We have had to control people’s movements who come in and walk around, so opening the shop has been a staff resourcing issue.“The public have been awesome and understanding. It’s been a real imposition on them because they can’t get in and do the things they normally do.“We are just following public health rules.”The quiet achieversAndy said when the covid restrictions first kicked in, it was tough on the staff who worked there because they had to wear masks all day long in very hot conditions.“They work processing equipment and the landfill and compost areas and help people sort things in cars,” he said. “We also have people who fix dams and do building work and engineering plant repairs.“Then there’s the people who get up early to drive the trucks and pick up the garbage – and they are never heard of.“It’s a varied job and the town couldn’t run without this service – it would drown very quickly."

The NSW Government has today announced that it will ban people living in Victoria’s coronavirus hotspots from entering New South Wales. Anyone living in an affected hotspot postcode in Victoria who is found in NSW could be fined $11,000 or jailed for up to six months.The decision comes after our local health authorities advised Lismore and North Coast residents not to visit Victoria during the upcoming school holidays. Read more news: Health authorities warn holiday makers not to go to Victoria Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the announcement by the NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard was very welcome. “I know how concerned everyone on the North Coast has been about the rising number of cases in Victoria and people coming to visit,” Mr Franklin said. “I have heard, I have listened and I have been advocating within Government for measures to be introduced to protect our community - I’m very pleased this announcement has been made today. “This virus is a still a serious concern. NSW has done incredibly well to contain the spread and we don’t need a second surge in cases here too.” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the new ban at a press conference on Wednesday morning and also said people in NSW must not visit Victorian hotspots."If you choose to go there when you really shouldn't be going there, and you come back to NSW, you'll be required to go into isolation here for 14 days," Mr Hazzard said."And if you breach that order, you'll be liable to a penalty ... it could be an $11,000 fine or a six-month jail sentence." Minister Hazzard is expected to sign the new Public Health Order this afternoon.Read more news: Lismore's Italo Club could be saved from closure"Regional Victoria should not pay price for careless behaviour of a few Melbournians"Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said regional Victorians should not be penalised because of COVID-19 spikes in isolated parts of Melbourne.Senator McKenzie encouraged Victorians not living in Stage 3 Stay at Home restricted postcode areas and the rest of Australia to support regional businesses and tourist operators by visiting and holidaying in regional Victoria."Regional Victorians have done the right thing and are not seeing a second wave or a spike in COVID cases," she said."Many regional Victorian tourism hotspots such as the great Alpine National Park, our beautiful winery regions, the Great Ocean Road, Gippsland and our iconic coastline et cetera have seen little to no coronavirus cases throughout this pandemic."Those regional small businesses and tourism operators have been suffering extreme economic impacts, not just of COVID-19 but bushfires and drought.T"ravel restrictions and some state Border closures mean Victorians can spend holidays, time and dollars in our regions supporting our local tourism operators and enjoying all that regional Victoria has to offer."We welcome Queenslanders, South Australians and obviously New South Welshman to come and support our regional communities and enjoy a regional break in the great state of Victoria."State premiers who say ‘we're not letting Victorians in’ must realise Victoria is so much more than Melbourne, as we Victorians who choose to live outside Melbourne can attest."Premiers who are seeking to make political points, political mileage in their home states from the spike that's occurring in Melbourne, need to accept that living with coronavirus is something we must do, and we all need to change how we behave."This spike in certain areas of Melbourne is disappointing but all of Victoria should not pay the price."Localised lockdowns of these Melbourne hotspots is an appropriate response."These heightened measures mean Victorians from those affected areas are actually unable to travel interstate under these restrictions, making South Australian and Queensland premiers’ media statements on banning Victorians unnecessary, parochial and playing to their own state base."An appropriate and informed response from those state jurisdictions would be to not blame all Victorians for the careless behaviour of a few Melbournians."Those of us out in the regions also don't want people from these hotspots risking the health and life of rural and regional Victorians who have done the right thing and embraced medical directions."It again shows the importance of following that medical advice, not assuming the worst is over and doing the right thing for all our sakes."

An installation by artist and musician Ross Manning has brought light and sound back to Lismore Regional Gallery after months of closure.Ross’s touring exhibition Dissonant Rhythms is described as a mesmerising installation of light and sound - and it truly is.Ross will be giving an online talk tomorrow, Thursday, July 2 at 5.30pm and you can join in via zoom. Click here to join Ross, a Brisbane-based artist, will discuss his sculptural works, which use everyday materials, like repurposed ceiling fans, fluorescent tubes, and overhead projectors - and he combines them with carefully crafted soundscapes.Dissonant Rhythms is Ross’s first ever survey exhibition, which premiered at the IMA in 2017.Ross recently unveiled a major new commission at Carriageworks in Sydney (2016), presented new work at the Shanghai Biennale (2016), and was featured in MCA’s Primavera (2009) and The National. Museum of Contemporary Art, New South Wales (2019). Over the past decade, Ross has developed what could be described as his own world, animated by light and sound.Combining choregraphed mechanical movements with gravity, friction, and chance, his works use light, sound and motion to “colonise nearly every surface and wavelength in its vicinity”.Dissonant Rhythms will be on exhibition in Lismore until August 16.For more information about exhibitions at the gallery, visit https://lismoregallery.org/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-UQK-36-11-82#.XvvajChLhPZ

Lismore’s Italo-Australian Club could have a reprieve from closing down after a Special General Meeting for members was held last night.Italo Club president Americo Melchior said the club could now be amalgamating with Club Marconi - another Italian club - based in Sydney.But the future of the Lismore club is not yet definite.“Club Marconi have also bailed out another club and they are keen to come up and talk and look at the Italo Club next week to see if they want to go ahead with it,” Americo said.“Everybody at the meeting was happy last night. “Club Marconi made $3 million after tax last year, so it’s not much for them to spend over $200,000 on our club.”“The Italo Club needs a lot of improvements – the air con and freezer are broken and the kitchen needs upgrading,” he said.Americo said he had been talking on the phone to the Club Marconi chief executive, Tony Zappia over the last few weeks to discuss the amalgamation. “If the amalgamation goes ahead, the Italo Club will be run from Sydney, but still have a figurehead board here,” he said.“Club Marconi will send a manager up here – but we don’t want to get too excited – it hasn’t happened yet."Americo said the Liverpool Soccer Academy had also expressed an interest in amalgamating with the Italo Club, but that had fallen through when the Academy recently lost its affiliation with Southern Cross University.The Italo-Australian Club has been an important fixture of Lismore’s social scene, hosting functions, dances and music since it was established in 1960.The club had been struggling financially for a few years and Americo said the Covid closure period earlier this year was just the “nail in the coffin” which lead to the board’s earlier decision to close the club.Mr Melchior said the club was built by volunteers, and relied on the patronage of Lismore’s Italian community for many years. The club currently has about 420 members.Americo said patronage has been declining over time and the club’s inability to hold the weekly smorgasbord due to coronavirus restrictions impacted heavily on the club’s income.

Weekend market goers and sellers can soon rejoice, because all regional markets are set to start again in August, after four months of inactivity due to the pandemic.From Lismore’s Car Boot market, to the Channon Craft Market and beyond, all North Coast markets have banded together to face the new world of living with coronavirus - and how they are going to handle it once they reopen.Read more news: Health authorities warn holiday makers not to go to VictoriaHowever, there will be a few differences – particularly for market stall holders.Manager of the Channon Craft Market, Robyn Kelly, said all of the market managers, from Brunswick Heads to Lismore met recently to discuss how they will collaboratively “get up and going again” after four months of inactivity due to pandemic restrictions.“As long as the NSW Government regulations stay the same, markets will resume,” Robyn said. “But it will be a different landscape than what we are used to.“We are working with NSW Health to manage the outdoor spaces, but it’s not clear enough about the regulations at the moment.”So, what are the changes?There will be no live music or a chai tent at the Channon Market for the time being.“Because that space would need to be managed as a gathering space, and there are not enough staff to clean and manage it,” Robyn said.“Don’t bring your blankets for sitting and resting for the day – just come, do your business and leave.“We want people to be at markets – but we will have to count people in.“There will no food court areas that need to be roped off and managed.“For the time being, there is no busking.“All the markets will have a reduced number of stalls.”What do the changes mean for stall holders?Robyn said all stall holders will need submit a Covid safety plan when they register, as dictated under the law.“We are working together as a collaboration of markets to create a best practice for retailers,” she said. “We want the process to be simple, so businesses want to come back.“All the markets have about 1000 small businesses between us and we are creating one website where stall holders can apply for a stall.“When stall holders register their interest, we will give them you a link to the government website.“They will need to show how they offer the ability to do cashless payments, manage wipe down of hard surfaces, provide hand sanitiser and how manage how many people come into your stall space. “Soft surfaces like material don’t need to be wiped – and people can use signage like don’t touch clothing, ask for assistance.“While these regulations might throw people off, as market people we will say ‘think beyond covid and all you are doing is a safety plan for now’.”Changes for food stallsRobyn said food stall holders will have to do a food training course.“The markets have decided its compulsory in order to trade at regional markets,” she said. “We are serious about protecting the community as much as we can.The futureRobyn said the future of regional markets is a changing landscape, and while people may be upset about losing the chai tent or live music for the time being, it’s always possible that by September or October, we can have it back again.“The virus is here,” she said, “If we want to create spaces for people to come, we need to plan well for the future.When are the markets on?1st Sunday of the month: Lismore car boot and Byron Bay markets2nd Sunday of the month: Channon craft market3rd Sunday of the month: Lismore car boot market4th Sunday of the month: Bangalow marketFor more information on all regional markets, visit: https://www.visitnorthcoast.com.au/regional-markets/Read more news: Tomorrow (July 1) sees a lot of positive change for the holidays

With school holidays about to start in NSW, local health authorities are sending out a message for us to avoid travelling parts of Victoria that have seen recent increases in Covid-19 activity. Instead, consider travelling to national parks, ovals, or local pubs and restaurants. Read more news: Businesses urged to get Covid-19 ready for the holidaysNorthern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, said it was imperative that North Coast residents keep up the good work in avoiding the spread of coronavirus.“The local community has done an amazing job maintaining physical distancing and hand hygiene over the last few months,” Mr Jones said. “But we certainly don’t want to have what’s happening in parts of Victoria being repeated here. “With the extra freedom of travel and the likelihood of seeing more friends and family, it is more important than ever to remain vigilant. “I encourage anyone, local or visiting tourists, if you have even mild symptoms, please go get a free test at your local testing clinic and stay in until you get the result.Mr Jones said these Covid-19 increase areas in Victoria are being closely monitored, and interventions to prevent further transmissions from these areas are being implemented by the Victorian Government. Non-essential travel between Melbourne and New South Wales is strongly discouraged. In addition, restrictions on workers and visitors who have been in Melbourne in the previous 14 days to high risk settings have been implemented. Further restrictions may be implemented as the situation evolves. “If you are visiting family or friends in Victoria, I would urge you to reconsider the need to travel,” Mr Jones said. “If travel is essential, for compassionate or other reasons, please do the right thing and self-isolate for two weeks when you return and get a test if you’re feeling even a little bit unwell.”More information is available at: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/response-outbreaks-covid-19. A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx 

Tomorrow is July 1st and that means more easing of COVID-19 restrictions for entertainment businesses, great news for the school holidays which begin at 3pm on Friday.The main change to the restrictions is the 'one person per 4 square metre' rule. Basically, this means that there is no maximum number of people providing that the business can provide that rule so it depends on the size of the floor plan. Each business will have up to date operating instructions for you to follow when you enter the premises to keep you and your family and friends safe from coronavirus.A lot of these businesses have been closed since March so will need our support to get them profitable once again. Even if you go once to each venue over the two weeks it will go along way to supporting local businesses just like we did for cafes and restaurants when they needed some help.As with cafes and restaurants you will need to ring and book in advance.Craig and his family at Rollerworld have been madly cleaning, measuring and getting things ready at their North Lismore roller skating rink. They will be hosting limited birthday parties again as well as general admission skating. To check the session times push this link Lismore Rollerworld.Movie lovers are in for a treat as the big screen opens up this Thursday July 2 at BCC Cinemas (Cnr Keen and Zadoc).What's on, I can hear you ask?Unhinged (July), The Personal History of David Copperfield (July), Babyteeth (July), Broken Hearts Gallery (August), High Note (August), Slim & I (August), Antebellum (August), Bill and Ted 3: Face the Music (August) as well as Wonder Woman 1984, Black Widow, No Time to Die, Death on the Nile, Westside Story and Peter Rabbit 2. In addition, cinemas will be showing popular recently released movies like Bad Boys for Life, Joker, Knives Out, Invisible Man and Sonic the Hedgehog and retro content on Superhero Sundays and Friday Fright Nights.BCC Cinemas are offering a special for the re-opening with half priced adult tickets for Cinebuzz members.Lismore Ten Pin Bowl have been operating for a couple of weeks but is another option for the school holidays. Tell them the Lismore App sent you.Rous County Council have opened Rocky Creek Dam again from tomorrow. If you are going to take advantage of some nice weather next week the water bubblers will be switched off but you can fill your water bottles up from the tap, BBQ's and amenities will be cleaned daily but other hard surfaces will not be cleaned.For the golfers who like a hit at the Lismore Golf Club, you can now have two people to a buggy once again. This announcement has been long awaited for many of the members who have the use of a buggy.If you didn't know, you can now have up to 20 people inside your home to go with the 20 outside.While the Easter school holidays were restricted due to lockdown these winter holidays look so much brighter.

Businesses need to have a COVID-19 safety plan in place before the winter school holidays at the end of this week.That’s the message from the North Coast Public Health Unit (NCPHU) as it works toward making sure we don’t have a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. With NSW Health and other government agencies currently visiting local business premises, NCPHU Assistant Director Greg Bell said it was important that business operators seek assistance with developing and implementing their plans in compliance with Public Health Orders issued in response to the pandemic. “Some businesses will need to complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the public health orders, like if a pub, club or small bar, but you can also voluntarily complete one for your business,” Mr Bell said.To find out if your business needs to complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan, visit the website whttp://ww.nsw.gov.au/covid- 19/covid-safe-businesses. Mr Bell said the NSW Government recommends all businesses use their own COVID-19 Safety Plan to protect staff, customers and visitors on their premises. “We applaud those operators who have developed their plans already, and our public health staff are keen to assist other business operators to develop their plans, to ensure their premises comply with the requirements of the Public Health Order and are safe for staff and customers,” Mr Bell said. “To prevent a second wave of COVID-19 across the north coast we need everyone to play their part in preventing further transmission of the virus in our region.” While the current Public Health Order requires development and compliance with a COVID-19 Safety Plan for some types of premises, any business can voluntarily complete one. “When you’re completing your plan, consult with your staff, and share the plan with them when it’s done,” Mr Bell said. “By implementing your COVID-19 Safety Plan you can show your staff, customers and community that you are a COVID-safe business and you’re committed to keeping them safe.” Different industries have specific requirements for COVID-19 Safety Plans, but each one needs to outline how a business will manage: • hygiene and safety • physical distancing • the recording of contact details of staff, customers and visitors such as trade suppliers, and staff wellbeing. Resources, including guidance and templates for developing a COVID-19 Safety Plan are available at the COVID Safe Businesses website http://www.nsw.gov.au/covid- 19/covid-safe-businessesFor on the ground support, guidance and assistance, please contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 or your local council. 

Lismore resident Chris was on his way to work when he hit a laughing kookaburra. He was on Pinchin Road between The Channon and Goolmangar and he stopped to see if the kookaburra was okay.He couldn’t find it.When Chris arrived at work in Goonellabah, he noticed the bird was caught in the grille of his car.So, Chris called Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES) and WIRES volunteer Julie attended.Julie saw that the unfortunate bird was caught by its right wing at an odd angle. The only way to get the bird free of the grille was by opening the bonnet of the car. Julie was then able to gently push the wing down and the bird was free of the grille. It was no joy ride for this kookaburra.Julie found the kookaburra to be in surprisingly good condition. The bird was obviously in shock but there did not seem to be any broken bones or major feather damage. Julie brought the bird into care and allowed it to rest before a thorough check up.No injuries were found, a flight test proved positive.Chris was called later in the afternoon and he collected the kookaburra on his way home from work and released it back to the spot where it had unfortunately crossed the road in the morning.Julie hopes next time the bird is in need to cross the road it will take a different and higher flight path.“Thank you Chris for saving this lovely bird, for calling WIRES and taking the time to release it back into its home territory,” Julie said.If you find an injured native animal, or one in trouble, call the WIRES Emergency Hotline on 66281898. You can also visit the website http://www.wiresnr.orgWIRES is a non-profit, Non Party Political organisation, where animal welfare always comes first. All carers are voluntary, and give their time and emotions free of charge.Wires NR encompasses an 8800sq km area taking in the local government areas of Byron, Ballina, Richmond Valley, 

With roads being an important issue for the majority living in our local community, this is a good news story to end your day.The Federal and State Governments will join forces to deliver a program which will improve local roads and create jobs.The Federal Government has committed $191 million to build on the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Local Roads program, ensuring even more communities benefit.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said this is about generating jobs, encouraging spending and stimulating local economies.“This will see $14.5 million invested across 16 projects in our electorate,” Mr Hogan said. “It means smoother, safer trips along the roads our community use every day.”State Member for Clarence and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads and Infrastructure Chris Gulaptis said this will drive real results for the region.“This is about delivering small projects that can make a big difference for local communities – projects that will drive valuable jobs in our region over the next 12 months as councils get cracking on delivery,” Mr Gulaptis said.In Lismore the roads that will receive funding include: Wilson Street (Casino Street to Robert White Bridge)Diadem Street (Laurel Avenue to Leycester Street)Caniaba Road (Ch. 527 to Muldoon Road)Tregeagle Road, TregeagleUralba Street (Brewster Street to Diadem Street)Cowlong Road (Soward Close to McKenzie Road)New Ballina Road (Ch.250 to O'Flynn Street)Woodlawn Road (Woodlawn College to 330m south of Savins Road)

The 2020 Lismore & Villages Relay For Life had their biggest raffle yet, which included a Toyota Yaris Ascent as the first prize (valued at $19,965). The lucky winner Emma claimed her prize from Lismore Toyota with the Lismore & Villages Relay For Life committee there to hand over the keys. “I can’t believe it, I’ve never owned a new car,” said Emma when hearing she had won the first prize. The 2020 Lismore & Villages Relay For Life has already raised $69,958 and has almost 500 individuals registered. The funds raised help Cancer Council NSW support residents in Lismore affected by cancer through vital research, prevention, information and support services, so no one faces a cancer diagnosis alone. “Thank you to the community for your ongoing support,” said Leanne Thompson, Lismore & Villages Relay For Life Chairperson. The organising committee has announced that the 7th and 8th November 2020 is the proposed rescheduled dates for Lismore & Villages Relay For Life. The committee and Cancer Council will be monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic then making decisions that is in the best interest of the health and safety of the community. "What we will be doing is monitoring the situation then in September we will be making the decision to potentially alter the event to fit within the current guidelines at that time""We will make whatever changes to the event that need to happen so it can still run and people can participate and doing so in a safe manner. We are completely open to any ideas that we will potentially have to make to the event like having two walking tracks given social distancing regulations" Relay For Life is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to reach out to those in our community living with cancer. The Lismore & Villages Relay For Life was scheduled for March 2020 but was postponed due to Covid-19. Every effort contributed, every cent raised or donated helps the cause in so many different ways. Let’s get together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back against cancer.