When a troupe of Kate Bush look-alikes start dancing to the song Wuthering Heights in Lismore’s Wutherspoon (Wotherspoon) Street this Saturday, it can only mean one thing – it’s The Most Wuthering Heights Day again.The annual, international event started in 2016 and saw people across the world donning red flowing dresses and acting out the dance moves to Kate Bush’s famous song Wuthering Heights on one special day of the year – July 11.Coordinator of this year’s local event Donna SpottyGirl Starr-Walker invites everyone – regardless of age, gender or dancing ability – to join in.“July 11 is around the date of Kate Bush’s birthday,” Donna said.“I’ve done the dance twice before and anyone who wants to have fun this year can come along, wear red and join in in the best way they can.”Dancers last year in Lismore. Donna said a Facebook group has been set up showing some basic dance moves, like the ones Kate Bush does in the song’s video – and she invites people to have a look and see what they can learn before Saturday.“We will do a practice run in the Quad on Thursday at 3pm and we’ll play the music and run through the dance a couple of times,” she said.“Not all of us are as fit as she was when she made the video, but as long as we can get the basic moves done, it will be good.“We have some people who have danced it before and are amazing movers – so they can be up the front and others can follow behind.“Someone came with a drone and filmed it from above last year.”If you don’t have a red dress, with a black sash and a red flower in your hair - wear what you can in the colour red.Donna said there will be spare dress ups on the day, so come along and join in anyway.The dance on Saturday July 11 begins at 2pm in Pritchard park on Wotherspoon Street, North Lismore.Visit the Facebook page for details and dance moves: https://www.facebook.com/The-Most-Wuthering-Heights-Day-Lismore-110903530684919/“It is cold in the park, so rug up and bring a chair for sitting in,” Donna said. 

Support for veteran health and wellbeing has been strengthened with the introduction of a free online suicide prevention training program, delivered in partnership with Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling and the Returned and Services League of Australia.Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said Suicide Prevention Start is available to anyone who has contact with, or supports the veteran community.“Veterans' mental health and wellbeing is everyone’s business—governments, families, friends, employers, community organisations, ex-service organisations and the broader veteran community—and we must all work together,” Mr Chester said.“Suicide is a national tragedy that affects many of us and this free, self-paced program provides practical guidance on the signs that someone may be contemplating suicide, and how to connect them to help and support.“Providing access to this free online training is an example of our commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of our veterans and their families, and I encourage all those in the ex-service community to complete this potentially life-saving training.”Delivered in two 90 minute sessions, the online training is open to all current and former ADF members with one day continuous full-time service, their family members and anyone who has contact with or supports the veteran community.In addition to Suicide Prevention Start, Open Arms has also developed a suite of introductory online training options that includes, Doing Anger Differently, Understanding Anxiety, Recovery from Trauma, and Managing Pain.For more information on Open Arms programs and services, visit http://www.openarms.gov.au or call 1800 011 046.

Around the world tourism has been brought to a standstill, but Southern Cross University researchers believe new doors are opening for virtual and augmented reality.The researchers say the technologies could play a significant role in reshaping the tourism industry - in a landscape where close contact with others may not be a reality for the near future.There are subtle differences between the two. Virtual reality (VR) involves a headset or goggles to ‘transport’ the user to another place, either based on a real location or a completely fabricated world.Meanwhile augmented reality is a type of VR that incorporates elements of the physical world with virtual elements – a classic example being Pokémon Go.“Augmented reality offers destinations and operators opportunities to layer new ways of experiencing destinations and attractions without the need for tourists to engage directly with others,” SCU Professor of Tourism Kevin Markwell said.“Organisations across the globe have turned to internet-based opportunities to maintain customer interest in their businesses and sometimes to generate income via selling advertising that runs alongside live streams, breaking down the barriers that were once posed by physical distance.”Some innovative examples of virtual tours in Australia include a self-guided tour of the Art Galleries of NSW and South Australia, walking through the Australian National Surfing Museum, Queensland Air Museum, Australian Museum, and live virtual experiences including David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef and Taronga Zoo’s TarongaTV live-streams including an Elephant Cam and Tiger Cam.Even Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus and the adjacent Koala Hospital in the NSW Northern Rivers can be explored using an immersive virtual tour at scu.edu.au/LismoreAlthough VR and AR technologies are unlikely to replace the travel bug so many of us have, Professor Markwell said they can help users experience an attraction as never before.“The trick is for the technologies to offer qualitatively different experiences to those normally offered when we visit a destination, world famous art gallery or museum.“Some technologies allow objects to be seen in different ways, to be rotated around, viewed from above, viewed using X-ray and other imaging technologies, for their stories to be told using multi-media, immersive encounters via the computer screen.”If travel, particularly international leisure travel, becomes more expensive and more difficult to navigate, Professor Markwell said VR might play a greater role in allowing prospective visitors to explore their options.“Visitors will want to reassure themselves that they have made the right decision about where they stay, which airline they choose to fly with, and which attractions and tours they experience."VR can break down the locational barriers and allow travellers to make informed decisions.”Organisations investing in these technologies will also add value to the tourist experience of place long after restrictions have eased, by creating immersive, in-person encounters.“Incorporating opportunities for playfulness and gamification into a physical space will enable visits to a destination to become an adventure that integrates the ‘real’ with the ‘imagined’ into one seamless experience,”Prof Markwell said.In 2019 Queensland's Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary became the first Tourism Operator to introduce augmented reality into a natural environment to create a unique outdoor experience for kids, with the popular Gruffalo Trail app where characters ‘appear’ virtually throughout the park.“It’s a clever way to incorporate visitor information and an educational element in augmented reality on a phone to add to the visitor experience of kids and their parents,” he said.Professor Markwell said there was also more than just a strong educational and sustainability element to the VR technology value-add, with accessibility also a winner.“This is also an important advancement for tourists with disabilities – which is a very significant market in Australia and around the world,” he said.“This technology can allow people with disabilities to look at hotel rooms before renting a night to ensure their specific requirements are there, and also to ‘experience’ places that could otherwise be difficult to access.”By themselves, VR and AR are not going to ‘save’ the tourism industry and millions of workers who depend either directly or indirectly on it from feeling the significant effects of COVID-19, but these technologies could play a role in reshaping the industry and perhaps even creating a more sustainable industry into the future.

You might need to put any plans for holidaying in Victoria on hold, because the border to Victoria is about to be closed for the first time in 100 years. As of 12.01am, Wednesday, July 8 no one can enter NSW from Victoria, unless they can fulfill specific exemption criteria.The NSW Police Force are launching a large-scale operation to enforce the closure of the NSW/Victorian border tonight, under Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020.At present, the border is closed to those from Victorian ‘hotspot’ postcodes, with the entire greater Melbourne area now deemed a hotspot.NSW Police will deploy 650 police officers to support local police in patrolling the border closure. Police will also be assisted by the Australian Defence Force – with 350 personnel to be deployed from Thursday, July 9.NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said that as always, safety remains the top priority.“The aim of this operation is to keep NSW safe – the broader NSW community, as well as NSW Police officers and operation support personnel,” he said.“I know this closure will inconvenience many on both sides of the border, but the dangers and flow-on effects that accompany a second wave of COVID-19 are not something we want to see for our state.“We anticipate the first 72 hours will be challenging, so we ask the community to be patient and work with us. Importantly, if you don’t need to cross the border, don’t.”There are 54 border crossings within five Police Districts across two Police Regions which will require both static and mobile policing strategies.Of the 54 crossings, 34 have been prioritised into three categories (A, B, C) depending on the traffic flow, location and characteristics, while the remaining 20 crossings are tracks and trails.The six category ‘A’ locations – which are the main crossings – are:Wodonga Place, South AlburyHume Hwy, South AlburyCobb Hwy, MoamaNewell Hwy, TocumwalSturt Hwy, BurongaPrinces Hwy, TambillicaPolice will also continue to assist NSW Health at Sydney Airport and regional airports with the screening of passengers arriving from Victoria, who have exemptions under the Public Health Act.Travellers who are departing from or arriving at airports in NSW are urged to adhere to the directions of airline staff, airport security, and NSW Health practitioners/officers.The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Helath Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).Anyone wishing to travel into NSW will need to apply for an exemption online via Service NSW.

Lismore City Council has called for tenders to create an airport fence at Lismore Regional Airport.Council states the tender is to “have a fully secure air-side operation with authorised access only from all parts of the Lismore Airport precinct and have no risk of wildlife having access to the runway area.”For more information, visit: https://www.tenderlink.com/lismore/?&tenderer=2744.193&downloadauthorisation=2659.654966

Bundjalung man and Southern Cross University lecturer Rod Williams discusses the topic Always was – always will be? this Thursday, as part of an online all-Indigenous Thursday Night Live panel.“When corporations such as Rio Tinto continue to treat Indigenous culture and history with little or no respect – how can we, as a unified society, draw a line in the sand?” he said.Mr Williams has pursued a private sector career that extends across the industrial relations, financial, mining, small business; not for profit and university sectors at both national and international levels.Thursday Night Live! is an ongoing talks program presented by Lismore Regional Gallery and Southern Cross University, which puts thought-provoking and big ideas in the spotlight. It is held the second Thursday each month, with each event posing a provocation for speakers and audiences to respond to, and every event recorded and made available to the public.Mr Williams said following the recent devastating Sorry Day destruction of the Juukan Gorge ancient sacred site in Western Australia by mining company Rio Tinto, and the strong response to the Black Lives Matter movement across Australia and the world - this live online panel will give space for real discussion including audience participation.“With the Black Lives Matter movement gaining attention around the world, it is important we start having meaningful discussions and dialogue around our own Indigenous heritage and future, especially in what would have been NAIDOC week, and celebrate that we have the oldest continuing cultures on the planet,’ Mr Williams said. “In 1993 I established Gongan Consultancy, a small specialist Indigenous-owned consultancy firm that has developed the Gongan Cross Cultural Community and Business Framework that provides a process to developing your individual cultural and corporate fit between the community, government and the private sector.“My Gongan Framework Model promotes that all business activities should define and apply cultural and spiritual base values."In light of the recent Rio Tinto action to destroy the Juukan Gorge ancient sacred site in Western Australia, I ask this: why do Corporations continue to treat our culture, history and ways with little or no respect?”The panelJoining him on the panel are Ms Rachel Lynwood and Janine Dunleavy, also academics with Southern Cross University's Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples, and facilitator Mr Dhinawan Baker.Panellist Janine Dunleavy, the Director of Teaching and Learning at the Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples, said this event provides the opportunity for Indigenous voices to be heard, and invited anyone interested to take part in the online zoom webinar and live moderated audience chat.Ms Dunleavy, a woman of Goorie and Irish descent, said “our land holds the memory of all ancestors and the potentiality of all descendants”.“The land and her people were here together watching colonialism arrive, and will be here together watching the colonising system inevitably find its proper place again within Australia's dynamic living systems,” she said.Gnini lecturer and panellist Rachel Lynwood has taught in the discipline of Indigenous Knowledge for over 20 years in the areas of Indigenous health, social and emotional wellbeing, trauma and resilience.“I’m very committed to community engagement collaborations between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people, especially in relation to dismantling systemic racism and its link to human rights issues for Indigenous Australian peoples,” she said.Facilitator Dhinawan Baker is a proud descendant of the Gamillaroi Bigambul tribe and the front man of culturally-inspired business Dhinawan Dreaming. He showcases song, dance, art and storytelling as well as working nationally and international in television and film production.Join the discussionOn Thursday, July 9, the Thursday Night Live! zoom webinar will open at 5.45pm, with the panel conversation starting at 6pm.To join the webinar please register https://scuonline.zoom.us/j/99719114696#success

Eligible businesses and not-for-profits that lease or license Crown land can now apply for rent relief if they have endured financial losses during Covid-19.The State Government's good news applies to commercial leaseholders or licence holders with a turnover less than $50 million that operate a registered business on Crown land and have suffered at least a 30% fall in turnover, or a 15% fall for not-for-profits.Eligibility will be determined on fluctuations in their turnover during COVID-19 compared with the same periods last year.The rent relief period will be from 1 April 2020 to 30 September 2020 and rent relief will be proportional to turnover loss.Crown Lands customers can visit the website to fill out an online form to have their eligibility assessed: https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/lands/your-account/covid-19-rental-assistance

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a girl missing from Casino.Jenna Moran, aged 16, was last seen at about 6pm on Saturday, July 4 at her home on West Street in Casino.Officers from Richmond Police District commenced an investigation into Miss Moran's whereabouts when she was reported missing yesterday, Monday July 6, after failing to return home.Miss Moran is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, with a fair complexion, about 170cm tall, of thin build, with dark, long brown hair and blonde streaks at the front.She was last seen wearing blue jeans with cut outs at the knees, a knitted, white jumper with a light brown scarf, and white converse low cut shoes.Anyone who sights Miss Moran or has information about her whereabouts, is urged to contact Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

The NSW Government is seeking feedback from the motor vehicle sales, recycling and repair sectors as it undertakes a review of the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013.Fair Trading Commissioner, Rose Webb, said the legislation establishes a regulatory framework covering the operations of motor dealers, recyclers, repairers, and related trades. The regulation of the automotive industry is important as it impacts many members of the community - car owners, drivers and their passengers.“As part of the review process, a Motor Dealers and Repairers Act Discussion Paper has been released to gain feedback on whether the Act effectively regulates the automotive industry in NSW,” Ms Webb said.“The industry and consumers can offer important insights into whether existing legislation provides effective consumer protections while effectively regulating and licencing the industry.“This review process is vital in ensuring the legislation is contemporary, fit-for-purpose and meets the challenges faced by the industry such as rapid developments in technology with hybrid and electric vehicles, and new ways of doing business,” Ms Webb said.Fair Trading is seeking feedback from industry stakeholders, consumers and members of the public on the ways in which the regulation of the automotive industry could better meet the demands of the industry and consumers.“The NSW Government wants to hear from people who work in and have experience with the industry about their views or concerns,” Ms Webb said.“We will consider all submissions, with a report to be tabled in both houses of Parliament by 1 December.”Feedback can be provided through the online form for this consultation at: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/consultation-toolMore detailed submissions can be made by responding to the questions in the discussion paper.Detailed submissions can be emailed to motordealersandrepairersact@customerservice.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close at midnight on 14 August 2020.

More first home buyers have a chance at owning their own home with as little as a 5% deposit now the Federal Government has released an additional 10,000 loan guarantees in the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.While the loan guarantees herald a chance for more people to break into the housing market, social housing advocates call for the government to do more for renters and home builders.The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme has already been operating for a year and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the new loan guarantee additions would “cut years off the time it takes for Australians to save for a deposit”.The scheme allows borrowers to pay a 5% deposit, and the Government acts as a guarantor for the remaining 15%.This means buyers can avoid expensive lenders' mortgage insurance, which can cost thousands of dollars.“We are doing all we can to help Australians to get into a home of their own sooner,” Mr Hogan said.“This can also be used in conjunction with the First Home Super Saver Scheme and HomeBuilder, and first home buyers may also be eligible for state grants and concessions.”“The Scheme has proven popular with first home buyers under 30 years of age who secured 59% of guarantees.”What about renters and builders?North Coast Community Housing chief executive John McKenna said in order to make a real difference, more needs to be done to help people building their own home, as well as help people renting.“Home ownership in the 35-44 year old cohort has dropped and more people are now renting and can’t get a start,” he said.“There should actually be a home builders grant.“We’ve been advocating this based on a new report showing the residential construction industry is the second largest economic multiplier of all 140 industries that make up our economy.“More people are now also in housing stress. The recent Covid disruption highlighted that renting is a vulnerable situation when people lose their jobs and can’t pay the rent.“We also need more social affordable housing built and managed by the community, so people can have secure accommodation.”Mr McKenna also said renters need more security in the private market.“We still have a no cause eviction clause which means owners can evict people only giving them 90 days notice. “Our sector is calling for changes to the Residential Tenancy Act for longer term leases too.”How to apply for the First Home Loan Deposit SchemeThe First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is run by the National Housing Financial Investment Corporation (NHFIC). The Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and 25 smaller lenders are part of the scheme.For more information and eligibility criteria, visit NHFIC’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme website: https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/fhlds/

Local writers can now apply for a creative residency worth $40,000 to develop their stories and advance their careers.Applications are open until July 27 for mid-career to established NSW writers, and is run by Create NSW and Byron Writers Festival.The Write North Writers’ Group creative residency will support a writers’ group of up to four members across seven days from 7-13 September in Byron Bay.The successful group will receive mentorship from award-winning, established author Charlotte Wood and further development in the individual writers’ projects towards publication. The mentorship includes workshops, group discussions and consultation sessions.Create NSW Executive Director, Chris Keely said “storytelling is integral to the Arts and in shaping our community”.“We will assist each writer to continue their project after the residency through the delivery of $10,000 in financial support to the successful group, and together with Byron Writers Festival, we look forward to reading their stories in the future when they reach publication,” she said.Byron Writers Festival Director Edwina Johnson said the residential writers’ program would “nurture the writing careers of emerging voices, both within and from outside our region”.“Charlotte Wood has a strong connection to our region and has participated in several previous Festivals. Her affinity and talent will offer inestimable opportunity to the program participants. I can’t think of a better mentor,” she said.“Immersion in a collaborative writing program surrounded by the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers is undoubtedly a special opportunity where creative magic can happen.”Applications for this Residency will be assessed by Byron Writers Festival and members of the Create NSW Literature Board. The total in-kind and cash value of the residency includes funding towards travel to Byron Bay, accommodation and per diems. This residency opportunity comes with $10,000 financial support for the successful group to continue their writing development after the residency.Applications close 5pm Monday 27 July 2020. Full guidelines and information can be found here.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions and night work on the Pacific Highway from Monday 6 to Sunday 12 July for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, weather permitting. There will be no roadwork on the Pacific Highway between Kew and the Queensland border from 6am Friday 3 July to 6am Monday 6 July and between Glenugie and the Queensland border from 6am Friday 10 July to 6am Monday 13 July due to high traffic volumes expected for the school holidays. Emergency maintenance and safety repair work will be carried out as required. Also from Monday, there will be four days of work on the Pacific Highway between Woodburn and Devils Pulpit to carry out earthwork, paving, drainage work and landscaping. Motorists can expect traffic control, reduced speed limits and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm. There will be four nights and four days of work on the Pacific Highway between Devils Pulpit and Mororo from Monday to carry out line marking, asphalting and to install signage, drainage and wire rope barriers. Motorists can expect traffic control, lane closures and short stoppages at times while this work is carried out. Also from Monday, there will be up to four days of work next to the Pacific Highway between Glenugie and Maclean to carry out landscape and vegetation maintenance and survey work. Motorists can expect traffic control, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h and short stoppages at times between 7am and 6pm. There will be up to five days of work from Monday on Big River Way at Glenugie and Tyndale to carry out line marking, landscape maintenance and install signage. Motorists can expect a lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h between 7am and 6pm.  Additional changes to local roads Also from Monday, there will be up to six days of work at the Iluka interchange, Iluka Road and Banana Road to carry out earthwork, paving and allow access to site Motorists can expect traffic control and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm. Traffic control will be in place on Jubilee Street at Townsend and Cameron Street at Maclean for up to six days from Monday to allow access to site and to carry out earthwork, asphalting and line marking. Motorists can expect lane closures, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm. Traffic control will be in place on Bensons Lane at Tyndale to allow heavy vehicles to access site from Monday. Motorists can expect short stoppages at times. Road maintenance and the removal of temporary signage will be carried out for five days along Coldstream Road and Bostock Road at Tucabia, Wooli Road and Firth Heinz Road at Pillar Valley and Eight Mile Lane at Glenugie from Monday. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h between 7am and 6pm. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction 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. 

A teenage girl who fell heavily from a motorcycle on a rural property in Modanville has been airlifted to the Gold Coast University Hospital this afternoon.The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by Ambulance New South Wales just after 2pm to the property north of Lismore, after reports that the 15 year old girl was unconscious and had serious injuries. Local ambulance paramedics arrived on the scene and treated the teenager prior to the arrival of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Critical Care Medical Team.Due to the seriousness of her head injury, the teenager was placed on life support by the medical team , before being flown direct to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition. 

The Lismore App today added a new way to read our News, Sport and Community information for Lismore, it is a website version of the mobile phone app you have enjoyed since we began in November 2017.We are constantly trying to improve our product to make our content easily consumed to as many people as possible. A great deal of these improvements come from your suggestions through the 'Contact the App' button on the front page.This new platform is designed to give you more options so you can read stories at work in a much larger format.You can read it on a tablet at home if the app version doesn't work for you; if you know of someone who is sight impaired and cannot read from a mobile; or if someone you know simply doesn't have a smart phone but wants to stay in touch with what is going locally.Simply google Lismore App or put http://www.lismoreapp.com.au into your web browser. The layout is to mirror what you see in The Lismore App so nothing should be different.For those of you that are relatively new to The Lismore App, here is a few tips on how to maximise your experience:SEARCH FUNCTION: at the top right hand corner you will see a magnifying glass picture and the word 'search'. If you know what you are looking for you simply type in one or two key words. For example Lismore Recycling Centre or Kevin Hogan, options will appear for you to choose from.FONT SIZE: when you push on a story also at the top right hand corner are the letters 'Aa'. If you wish to change the size of the font to make it easier to read your options are small, medium and large.SHARE BUTTON: like Facebook, there are times when you want to share a story with family and friends. To do this go to the top right hand corner again and you will see a box with and arrow pointing up. Push on this and sharing options will appear such as Message, Mail, Facebook, Skype or whatever app you have on your mobile phone. The heading of the story and a link will appear in your chosen method. Simply type in the name/s of the person/people you want to share with and push send. Your family and friends push on the link when they receive it and it will take them directly to the story you want them to read. If they don't have the Lismore App it will take them to the App Store of Play Store to download it. You can tell them it is completely FREE to download and use.BANNER ADVERTISEMENTS: advertising is how we get paid and can employ people so if you see an ad that interests you please push on it. You will be directed to the website or facebook page of that business so you can gather more information.BUSINESS LISTINGS: we have designed the Lismore App to be the one stop shop to find great local businesses that you can support. We all want to shop locally, especially lately during the COVID-19 pandemic. Think of the Lismore App like a yellow pages directory. Take the time to read and familiarise the buttons and you will see Trades for plumbers, solar panels and more, push on Services and you will see accountants, lawyers, financial advisors and credit unions. On the tab on the right hand side near the top you will see 'Services', push this and find vets, taxis, photography, car hire and more. If someone is providing a service you can find it there. If not please let us know so we can get that type of business on the Lismore App. This is the same for the Automotive, Cars For Sale, Real Estate, Home Improvements, Farming/Ag, Health & Beauty, Eat/Drink/Stay or the Retail button. It is simple to support local businesses, they are at the push of a button with options to call them immediately, send an email or visit their website or Facebook page.We have grown a lot in the two and half years we have been part of your lives and in that time, we have learnt a lot. We would like to continue to improve so any suggestions you have can be sent to us via the 'Contact The App' button. This includes any news or sport stories that you see around our beautiful city.Thank you for using The Lismore App, we appreciate your support as do the hundreds of local businesses that you can find on the app.View The Lismore App on the web now: http://www.lismoreapp.com.au

Nimbin HEMP Embassy president Michael Balderstone is running for election as a pro-HEMP candidate – again.It’s not the first time for him. He’s taken the pro-HEMP issue to a Senate election a few times, but now, he is in Canberra, campaigning for a lower house seat in tomorrow’s Eden-Monaro by-election.Read more about Michael Balderstone and his journey from stock-broker to Nimbin hippie and HEMP activist: SUNDAY PROFILE: Michael Balderstone finds pot at the end of the rainbow“It’s cold here today and I’ve been on the street mixing with political people,” Michael said.“Tomorrow for election day, we’ll put our cannabis leaf corflutes at booths and hand out flyers.”Michael and three other Nimbin locals are in Canberra, taking their Vote 1 HEMP ticket to the ACT.“We are serious about law reform and frustrated at not being understood,” he said.“Our Vote 1 HEMP ticket is a protest vote to show people that you care about the issue.“We don’t expect to win, but we want to get the issue on the agenda. We are sick of people thinking we are a joke when we talk about legalising cannabis as medicine.Graham Dunstan’s Vote 1 HEMP message was blaring from his van’s speakers around Canberra as he campaigns with Michael Balderstone in tomorrow’s Eden-Monaro by-election.“Eden-Monaro surrounds Canberra and there, in the ACT, people can grow four plants per household.“We want to keep hemp on the agenda and make it a household item.”So why is a hippie from Nimbin in Canberra running for election?“Well, we had a great local candidate here who has a hemp shop, but his mum’s Canadian and so he probably can’t run,” Michael said.“So, we thought we’d come down from Nimbin and represent the leaf and get discussion happening about the saliva testing of drivers."It’s a nightmare - even if people have a legal prescription for cannabis, it’s still illegal to drive and it’s still expensive to buy.”Michael said this week, he and his election crew have been campaigning by the side of the highway.“We set up a Honk for HEMP sign and when people pull over, we give them information and try to get people to think about it," he said."Even the police honk – they want to separate cannabis from other drugs too.“We explain to people why the driving thing is so bad.“Not many people understand how cannabis is uniquely fat soluble and stays in the bloodstream. So even if it’s detected in your system, it doesn’t mean you are impaired.“In NSW, it’s an automatic loss of your driver’s licence for three months - for country people that’s a big thing.”Tomorrow's by-election will be a big day for Michael, Louise, Don and Graham Dunstan as they hope to make a difference by keeping the issue of the illegality of cannabis in the public eye.

School Holidays are upon us already. Is it just me or does it feel like a short term, COVID and home schooling make it feel that way at least!The Premier of NSW Gladys Berejiklian must be a parent because the easing of restrictions this week meant all the local entertainment options are now open for the holidays.Craig and the family at Rollerworld in North Lismore have been working overtime to open their doors the holidays, check their session times here Lismore Rollerworld.Great news for movie lovers with the Lismore Cinema re-opening yesterday with COVID safe rules in place like social distancing, seat separation and increased hygiene.Lismore Tenpin Bowl in South Lismore are back bowling too.If outdoor activities are more your thing, more good news this week with the Rous County Council opening Rocky Creek Dam. The council do say that amenities and BBQ's are cleaned daily while hard surfaces are not. Water bubblers will not be in operation but you will be able to re-fill water bottles from the tap.This adds another bush walk to the range with Minyon Falls, Protestor Falls and the Big Scrub walks all open for the school holidays.The weather for the first weekend of holidays is looking pretty perfect with plenty of blue sky and maximums of 19 and 18. There is the chance of some showers from Tuesday next week.If you are hitting the road and travelling petrol prices remain stable with 112.9 the cheapest for unleaded E10 at United on Ballina Road (fast getting a reputation for always being the cheapest) while for those with diesel 117.9 at United and Liberty on Ballina Road are you best options.As always, here are some funnies to kickstart your weekend. Enjoy.

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.