A 38 year old man has been charged following his arrest yesterday by Lismore police. The man was charged with five counts of aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years, aggravated sexual assault-inflict actual bodily harm on victim, common assault and intentionally touch child between 10-16 years.The man was refused bail and will appear at Lismore Court today.On Wednesday 29 July, police received a report a 12-year-old girl was approached by an unknown man near Magellan and Carrington Streets, Lismore, before being sexually assaulted near Molesworth Street.Officers from Richmond Police District, together with detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, commenced an investigation into the incident.Following inquiries, a 38-year-old man was arrested at a home near Lismore just after 10.30am yesterday (Thursday 30 July 2020).Later that day, officers executed a search warrant at the home and seized a mobile phone and other items relevant to the investigation.The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.ORIGINAL STORYPolice are investigating the sexual assault of a 12 year old girl in the Lismore CBD last night.Richmond Police District Detective Commander Cameron Lindsay said police today arrested a 38 year old man who is currently assisting police with enquiries.“We anticipate he will be charged in relation to an assault on a 12 year old girl last night,” Det Comm Lindsay said.“Police will allege that around 6pm on Carrington Street, the man approached a 12 year old and later assault her in bushland near Molesworth Street. “We will allege the girl was alone and they were unknown to each other.”Det Comm Lindsay said local detectives and the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad worked overnight on the case to bring the matter to the court.“Police executed a search warrant and seized a number of items which have been examined as evidence,” he said.“I anticipate he will face charges tonight and appear in Lismore local court tomorrow morning.“We are pleased to have made the arrest, but it is an extremely concerning offense to us that a young girl walking the streets at a relatively early time was assaulted in such fashion.“It is absolutely disgusting and a big concern for us, so we are happy to place this matter before the court.”“We remind parents to know where their kids are.“It was a traumatic incident and the girl is receiving counselling.“We urge people who may have seen anything last night to contact Crimestoppers or Lismore Detectives,” he said.You can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

A new study could be the answer to reliving chronic pain in Australian military veterans.Southern Cross University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) researchers are conducting the first comprehensive examination of integrative healthcare in military populations in Australia – a study that hopes to highlight the potential benefits of this approach to the management of chronic pain.This week is National Pain Week (July 27 to August 2), which champions the needs of many Australians living with chronic pain. Australian veterans are affected by complex pain conditions at a disproportionately higher rate than the general population.With musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions representing the top 10 health conditions suffered by Australian military personnel, these conditions are often inter-related, with chronic pain experienced by nearly half of this population.This pragmatic randomised clinical trial, funded by the Defence Health Foundation, aims to measure the success of integrative approaches in military personnel and veterans with chronic pain.Professor Jon Wardle, Professor of Public Health and Director of the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, is leading the trial and said many armed forces across the world now recommend integrative medicine, but Australia had not yet followed suit.“It is helping to bring to patients the potential benefits of an integrative approach that has been proven useful elsewhere but has had problems being adopted into the Australian landscape.“We are examining whether integrating complementary medicine in real-world military and veteran clinical settings offers clinical improvements, resource or cost-savings or other benefits to individual patients or healthcare organisations,” Professor Wardle said.The trial integrates acupuncture/Chinese medicine, naturopathy, massage therapy and yoga classes alongside usual care, comparing the effects of usual care to an integrated model of complementary medicine alongside usual care.“We are analysing these complementary therapies against markers such as pain intensity, quality of life, cost effectiveness and safety – among others,” said Professor Wardle.   The trial is currently being conducted at the largest veteran health clinic in Australia, GO2 Health at Everton Park in Brisbane’s north.Andy McLintock, a naturopath and veteran himself, is coordinating the trial at GO2 Health.“GO2 Health provides a suite of therapies, including GP, allied health and complementary therapies - it really puts the veteran at the centre of the care. With the client base and number of veterans going through the clinic, it really makes it the ideal location to host this study,” Mr McLinktock said.“We are about half-way through patient recruitment, so at the moment we are still looking for veterans in the South-East Queensland area who have chronic pain to participate in the study.”Professor Wardle is optimistic of the study’s outcomes and what this could mean for the future of military and veteran health care in Australia.“We already know the benefits of complementary medicine in managing chronic pain. Overseas military organisations like NATO and the US Department of Defence recommend inclusion of some complementary medicines in military care on this basis. Now we are building the evidence base to help inform future policy around military and veteran care here in Australia,” Professor Wardle said.

How do actors keep busy while stage lights are dimmed and curtains closed?With their next play Educating Rita on hold, Lismore Theatre Company (LTC) has turned to Shakespeare and the company's actors are ready to tackle the play Macbeth. Now, they are working on an innovative 45 minute version of it.The idea to film local actors in a rehearsed, abridged reading of Macbeth came from LTC’s artistic director Kylie Fuad and Educating Rita director David Addenbrooke.Mr Addenbrooke said local faces will lead the cast, with Elyse Knowles (Rita) playing Lady Macbeth and Gray Wilson (Frank) playing Macbeth. They will be supported by a small group of LTC actors in this short version of Shakespeare's play. “The stage remains set for Educating Rita while these marvellous actors bide their time,” he said. “But there’s only so much rehearsing they can do, so the idea is to engage them in a new project to keep them fresh and involved.”The innovative project is a collaboration with Star Court Theatre, which was hit hard by Covid-19 when it had to close for several months. This small business, run by Sarah-Jane Loxton and Sharon Rigby, is trying to stay afloat in these turbulent times for the arts. Sarah-Jane, a local performer herself, is keen to bring live performance back to Star Court once it is safe to do so. In the meantime Star Court Theatre has opened its space for Lismore Theatre Company for this project.“I’ve loved being part of various performances with Lismore Theatre Company including last year’s production of The Vagina Monologues so it’s wonderful to work with the Company again- this time in our theatre space,” Sarah-Jane said.LTC has brought several plays to the larger Star Court Theatre stage in the past. Now, in this time of the one person per four square metre rule, the cast can safely come together and create while awaiting the reopening of its Rochdale Theatre home for Educating Rita once it is safe to do so.“With social distancing an issue, our own Rochdale Theatre stage was too small for 12 actors,” Kylie said. “So, we are delighted that Star Court Theatre agreed to let us use their stage and we will film the performance to be available on line.”The rehearsed reading of this abridged version of Macbeth will be filmed on August 22, then released for public viewing. Audiences are encouraged to follow the Lismore Theatre Company Facebook page for updates.

If you have seen wild dogs on the loose, North Coast Local Land Services (NCLLS) need your help.Wild dogs are considered a significant pest species and often attack livestock and native animals and a new project testing dog DNA samples hopes to help manage them.NCLLS Invasive Pests team leader Dean Chamberlin said wild dogs are potentially spreading diseases and threatening human health, safety and wellbeing.“We are seeking the assistance of the community to gather information on wild dog genetics by providing samples from any wild dogs that are controlled as part of their regular management programs,” he said.“These samples will be tested to determine the genetic makeup and the kinship - or how they are related to each other- of wild dogs”Dean said the information will be used to help local and regional wild dog control groups better target their management activity.The project will run for five years and is part of a national program to gain information on the relatedness of wild dogs and their dispersion across the landscape.“By knowing which dog is related to which other dogs, we can work out the size of the area local people have to consider for effective control of livestock predation,” Dean said.“Having a better understanding of wild dog movements through the landscape helps us to identify which neighbouring landholders need to work together for better control. This can help to reduce impacts on livestock, wildlife, domestic pets and people.”The success of the program will be reliant on LLS getting good samples from the community.“By involving community members in the DNA research, there is the opportunity to build a better understanding of the issue, and this will lead to greater involvement in local control programs,” Dean said.Local Land Services is keen to recognise participation in the Wild Dog DNA Sampling Project by offering a monthly prize draw of a $250 voucher to your local produce store, firearms dealer or trapping supply store for eligible participants who submit samples.If you are interested in becoming part of the program and would like more information, contact Tiffany Felton, Senior Biosecurity Officer at NCLLS on 1300 795 299

The Lismore Car Boot Market is set to move, temporarily, to the Lismore Showground.Marny Bonner, owner and manager of the Lismore Car Boot Market announced the changes today.“In response to Covid-19 safety requirements, the Lismore Car Boot Market team, with the support of the Lismore Showgrounds Trust, are temporarily relocating the market to the Lismore Showground starting Sunday, August 16,” Marny said.“For 32 years we have operated safely undercover in the Lismore Shopping Square car park but Covid-19 presents special challenges. A temporary move to the Lismore Showground, where there is a lot more space, enables us to provide the safest possible venue whilst allowing the market to recommence.” With over 200 stalls at an average market, the Lismore Car Boot Market has not only supported thousands of small home-based businesses over the past 3 decades, but also hundreds of charities and non-profit organisations as well as musicians, performers and artists.As has been the case with other north coast markets, the Lismore Car Boot Market suspended trade in response to Covid-19 in March.“The Team at Lismore Car Boot Market are aware of the important social and economic role of the market in the community,” Marny said.“Our stallholders and the broader community are our partners. We are keen to recommence operating to provide much needed economic and connection opportunities.”Ms Bonner highlighted that, if Covid-19 restrictions change, the market will have to respond accordingly.In preparing for the temporary move, the market team has been working with other north coast market managers, Councils and the NSW Department of Health to prepare operational plans that safely maximises the opportunity for the public to enjoy the traditions and services the market has provided for over three decades.The Lismore Car Boot Market at Lismore Showground will operate on the first and third Sundays of each month starting on Sunday, August 16 until the Covid challenge has passed. Stalls will be set up from 8am – 2pm.

If you don’t already know, KITTEN op shop on Bridge Street in North Lismore has reopened.Like most op shops in the area, the charity shop has opened with reduced operating hours because of coronavirus restrictions, and has changed the entrance and exits of the shop to keep the traffic flow Covid-safe.Run by volunteers, Kats in Traumatic Times Emergency Network (KITTEN Rescue Inc.) relies on donations - and rescues, rehouses and rehabilitates cats and dogs.The shop was opened by Lucinda Dyason, manager of Pets and Saddles on Bridge Street and she and her team rehome on average more than 300 animals each year. Anyone wishing to rehome a cat or dog can drop into Pets and Saddles and see which animals are in care and needing new homes. All the animals are desexed and wormed.The shop’s volunteers said they love working in the large space and seeing the variety of items donated to the op shop. All money raised goes toward KITTEN and they encourage people to come in and browse – just make sure you use the hand sanitiser on your way in.Read more news: Covid rules change for gyms: new cases found in Queensland For more information about KITTEN, phone 0412 996 748 KITTEN op shop is now open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm.

Gyms and fitness centres in NSW will be required to have a dedicated Covid-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal on duty at all times as of Saturday, August 1. They must also register and have a Covid-19 safety plan.The new rules were announced today – on the same day that two Coronavirus positive cases have been discovered south of Brisbane.NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the extra measures for gyms and fitness centres are necessary to stop the spread of Covid-19 in NSW.“Gyms and fitness centres must take all reasonable steps to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Businesses who fail to be compliant will risk facing a fine or venue closure,” he said.“Whether it’s maintaining social distancing, cleaning equipment after use or making hand sanitiser available for customers, these dedicated Covid Safe Hygiene Marshals will play a pivotal role in keeping gyms safe and compliant.Submit or update your business COVID-19 Safety Plan here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businessesTwo new virus cases in QueenslandThe two 19 year old women who tested positive for the virus are the first Covid cases in Queensland outside quarantine since May. The two women, from Acacia Ridge and Logan, returned by plane to Queensland from Melbourne via Sydney on 21 July and tested positive for the virus eight days after returning. Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said contact tracing of the two women was underway and pre-emptive measures were being taken in case the virus had spread through the community.“The women did not self-isolate, despite the rule that everyone entering Queensland who has been in Victoria in the past 14 days should do so,” Ms Palaszczuk said.“We need to be making sure that any of those people who may have come into contact with the two confirmed cases need to go into quarantine and also need to be tested.Aged care facilities in Brisbane’s metro south area will be closed to visitors and will have enhanced screening for staff, who will not be able to work across multiple facilities.The Premier has already declared that the greater Sydney area will be considered a coronavirus hotspot from Saturday morning, and no one from that area will be allowed to enter Queensland. “It is incredibly important, now more than ever that anyone feeling sick should get a test," she said.Read more local news: North Lismore op shop reopens to help animals

With the first weekend in August approaching, the question being asked around the community is will the North Coast regional markets actually be returning after months of a covid-induced hiatus?The sad news is that the Lismore car boot market won’t be beginning until August 16, but Byron Bay market is scheduled to begin again this Sunday, August 2, with the Channon craft market following on August 9.With the changing coronavirus situation in our local community, market organisers advise people to check in as the days and weeks go by to see if the situation has changed and the markets are not able to go ahead as planned.Read more about the changes to how the markets will operate under Covid-19 restrictions: https://lismoreapp.com.au/news-sport/news/weekend-markets-to-reopen-with-a-new-landscape?id=5efadd13fb6e00002837ed23If you don’t know the market schedule, the markets follow a set pattern: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 marketThere are also plenty of other markets on, like the farmers’ markets at the Lismore Showground every Saturday morning, and the organic market every Tuesday at the Showground.For more information on all regional markets, visit: https://www.visitnorthcoast.com.au/regional-markets/

Last year’s bushfires are not forgotten. Community organisations wanting to undertake bushfire recovery projects can now apply for grants from the Vinnies NSW Community Bushfire Grants Program.The grants come from donation money given to the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s Vinnies Bushfire Appeal.The Bushfire Grants program will offer 115 grants of up to $20,000 to registered community organisations, to help them to administer their own local recovery projects. Vinnies chief executive Jack de Groot said these could take many forms, from infrastructure repairs to counselling and education programs and more.“We are making sure the organisation’s promise to use every last dollar to support bushfire-affected communities is now being fulfilled,” he said.“Our bushfire response so far has focused on supporting people on an individual level and have distributed assistance to more than 4,560 households across Australia.“Now as we move towards longer-term recovery, in NSW we will focus on projects with community-wide benefit.“We appreciate that the Black Summer bushfires affected each community differently, and local residents know their own needs better than anyone. “That’s why we are partnering with local organisations, as well as placing experienced workers in the hardest-hit communities so they can develop locally-tailored recovery projects.”Applications will be accepted in two stages, with the first closing on 23 August. Interested organisations are invited to visit www.vinnies.org.au/bushfiregrants to find out more and apply.For more information about the St Vincent de Paul Society’s work in bushfire relief and recovery across Australia, visit www.vinnies.org.au/bushfire

Parents will soon be able to track the progress of the local school bus so they know when to pick their children up. The new real-time bus tracking technology will be installed in more than 70 buses that service the Lismore area. It’s not just parents that will benefit, but anyone who wants to know when a bus will arrive, or how many seats might be available.The NSW Government is rolling out the new tracking technology in more than 70 buses next month as part of phase two of the NSW Government’s Transport Connected Bus program.Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the new technology is great news for anyone who uses the buses in Lismore.“The technology will make it so much easier for bus customers to get around by allowing them to track the location of their service, its estimated time of arrival and how many seats are available, all by using the trip planner tool at http://www.transportnsw.info and third-party public transport apps,” Mr Franklin said.“It will mean less time waiting at your bus stop and more time at your destination.”Operators involved in the Transport Connected Bus Program will be Koonorigan Bus Service, Northern Rivers Buslines, CCC Bus Service, J Watson & Son, Quinns Buses, Sims Bros. Coaches and Dunoon Bus Service.Transport for NSW has partnered with CONSAT Telematics, a global leader in public transport telematics solutions, to deliver the vehicle tracking and passenger counting technology. CONSAT will work with the seven operators who deliver route and school services on behalf of the government.Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the big cities have had this technology for years, but “now we are bringing it to the regions”. “Not only will it be more convenient for regional users, it will also make it easier for us to understand and plan where service improvements need to be made,” Mr Toole said.“The technology has already been rolled out in Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Bega with great results and we are excited that Lismore has been selected as one of 14 cities in regional NSW to receive this technology as part of phase two.”

A new medal recognising the contribution of the 12,000 WWII veterans still living in Australia has been just been released and veterans can apply for one. The new commemorative medallions come with a certificate of commemoration and are being released in the lead up to August 15 - the date marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and the end of the Second World War. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Federal Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) produced the medallions to recognise the service of so many “remarkable veterans in our community”. “There are 12,000 World War II veterans still alive in Australia,” Mr Hogan said. “Each of these men and women have incredible stories that should be acknowledged and commemorated.“While we can never repay the debt, we owe almost one million Australians who served, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way we can thank living veterans.”The medallions feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, a wording of appreciation and the names theatres of war that saw the significant involvement of Australian Armed Forces. The medallion reverse design utilises the poppy as the central symbol surrounded by the wording of ‘Australia Remembers’ and the beginning and end years of the Second World War.Veterans will also receive a certificate in a folder that will allow for independent display, framing and mounting.Applications are now available and can be made through the DVA website at https://portal.nationalmailing.com.au/DVA/certificate or for those without access to the internet, by phone on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Lismore City Council has announced that the long awaited tip vouchers for Lismore’s Waste Recovery and Recycling Centre will be available from 4pm on Thursday, July 30.With only 5000 vouchers available for Lismore residents in the Local Government Area, you’d better be quick – but don’t apply until you know you are ready to use it because each voucher will have an expiry date of 30 days from the date of issue.The waste vouchers can be accessed on the Northern Rivers Waste website at https://northernriverswaste.com.au/ To apply for a waste voucher, property owners will require their rates assessment number and tenants will be required to upload proof of tenancy. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3jGQvnxBackground:Lismore Councillors voted during their recent budget considerations to limit the number of vouchers to one per property annually, capped at 5000.To find out more, read this previous story on your phone on The Lismore App: One tip voucher per household per year, learn the details. or online: https://lismoreapp.com.au/news-sport/news/one-tip-voucher-per-household-per-year-learn-the-details?id=5f0e5a59a406dc002816fd43

The old days of Hepatitis C treatment have left a bad taste (pardon the pun) in some people’s mouths. But these days, treatment and cure is nothing like it used to be. This week, for Hepatitis Awareness week, health authorities keen to dispel some stubborn myths that persist from the days of interferon treatments and encourage people to get tested and be treated with new, effective treatments. North Coast HIV and Related Programs (HARP) manager Jenny Heslop said some people aren’t getting treated because they are running on old information about the previous interferon/ribavirin treatments. “With the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in recent years, Hep C treatment has changed for the better,” she said. “People can be treated at local health services, and most don’t need to go to a liver clinic.“DAAs have a very high cure rate – over 95% - with minimal, if any, side effects for most people. Taken as daily doses of pills, the new treatments take just 8 or 12 weeks. “Thousands of people in NSW have already been treated and cured since March 2016, but many more living with hep C are yet to seek treatment. “Research shows that lack of information or misconceptions are the main reasons people with hep C hadn’t come forward to be treated.” Hepatitis C is a virus that is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and can, over time, damage a person’s liver – leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Someone could be at risk of hep C if they have ever had blood-to-blood contact. Sharing injecting equipment or getting home tattoos or home piercings are the most common means of transmission. Jenny said tens of thousands of people in NSW are living with Hep C, but many do not know they have the virus. Some people do not have symptoms and having a blood test is the only way to know if someone is living with the virus. “Being cured of Hep C can improve quality of life,” she said. “Most people who have finished their course of treatment report feeling greater levels of energy and alertness.For testing or treatment for Hepatitis B or C, contact your local GP or nearest liver clinic. 

This week is DonateLife Week (26 July - 2 August), people in the Northern Rivers are being urged to register as organ and tissue donors and talk to their loved ones about their decision to become a donor. Mother of one, Jane Clare has been grateful every day for the last 14 years for the generous gift of organ donation. “I am ever so grateful that it has given me a second chance at enjoying a life that I would never have had,” Jane said. In 2006, Jane received a life-saving double lung transplant after battling with Cystic Fibrosis since she was a baby. Diagnosed at only 9 months old, Cystic Fibrosis is a disorder causing severe damage to the lungs and resulted in Jane living with reduced lung capacity for a long time. Receiving a lung transplant was the only option to improve Jane’s quality of life. “Before my transplant, getting out of bed was a struggle and walking upstairs was impossible. At the time I probably only had 6-12 months to live. “It was so incredible, my life changed. Now I enjoy food whereas before I was on supplement drinks for a couple of years prior to my transplant. I swim, play tennis three times a week and walk every day which I just couldn’t do before. “I’ve been able to enjoy all the milestones that I would never have been around to see like seeing my son graduate and turn 21.” Joining the Australian Organ Donor Register gives hope to the 1,700 Australians, like Jane, that are currently waiting for a life-saving or life-changing organ or tissue transplant. Donation Specialist Medical, Dr Mike Lindley Jones, asks people to not only join the register, but to make their wishes known to their loved ones. “Registration is so important because it leaves families in no doubt of their loved one’s wish to be an organ and tissue donor,” Dr Mike Lindley Jones said. “We know that in 9 out of 10 cases, families agree to donation when their family member is a registered donor,” Dr Lindley Jones said. Roughly half of Northern NSW adults are currently registered donors. While this is higher than the national average of 1 in 3, the NSW Organ & Tissue Donation Service encourages everyone to consider registering. “Organ donation is the greatest gift you could ever give. It’s so important that your family know your wishes,” Jane said. You can no longer register via the NSW driver’s licence. Joining the Australian Organ Donor Register only takes a minute with your Medicare card at donatelife.gov.au. 

The Lismore App reported on Saturday evening that two new cases of coronavirus had been confirmed at the Byron Central Hospital fever clinic following a visit to Sydney by a couple in their 60's.The couple were exposed to one of the current COVID-19 clusters at a funeral gathering and church service.At the time no further details were available.A spokesperson from Northern NSW Local Health District today revealed that the couple in their 60's did not fly from Sydney into Ballina airport but drove between Sydney and their home before presenting themselves for testing.Contact tracing is underway to identify any potential points of contact with the public on their journey home.The couple is self isolating at home.This brings the total number of cases to 58 in the local health district.ORIGINAL STORYNorthern New South Wales Local Health District Chief Executive Wayne Jones has confirmed two new coronavirus cases in the Northern Rivers today.A couple in their 60's had recently returned from Sydney. They then presented for testing at the Byron Central Hospital fever clinic with a positive result.The cases have been associated with a series of funeral gatherings and a church service attended by a woman in her 40's from the Fairfield area in Sydney.NSW Public Health Unit is conducting relevant interviews and contact tracing to ensure all steps are being taken to manage the risk. The couple are currently self-isolating at home.This now brings the total number of cases in Northern NSW to 58. "We encourage anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing to help contain community spread of COVID-19", Mr Jones said. The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, loss of smell and taste. Even if minor symptoms develop, please seek testing and self-isolate. Fever clinics are located at Lismore Base Hospital, Byron Central Hospital or other GP and pop-up clinics in the region. 

If you are 12-25 years old and passionate about making a difference, headspace is looking for you.The local youth organisation wants young people of all diverse walks of life to join its Youth Advisory Group (YAG).The volunteer position will give you a chance to have your say and get actively involved in helping your community.headspace aims to have young people involved in every aspect of the decision-making for the centre to ensure young people's voices and opinions remain front and centre.What does a YAG do?Plan and run youth events, workshops, school talks, community awareness headspace stalls at festivals and more.Use social media platforms to connect with and empower other young people and their familiesAssist in the design and development of the centre - shaping the delivery of headspace services, including policy, staff recruitment and trainingrepresent headspace at events for local organisations/services/schoolsheadspace wants to hear from a diverse range of voices. You are especially encouraged to apply if you:have experienced your own struggles or feel passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of local young peopleare an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young person, have a disability or identify as LGBTIQAP+If this sounds like something you'd like to be part of, complete an expression of interest form here: https://buff.ly/2Cnbv1TIf you have any further questions about the YAG or headspace, contact your nearest Community Engagement Officer:Madeline Seely, headspace Lismore, phone 0418 769 174, or Damien Becker, headspace Tweed Heads, phone 0437 188 715. 

The Bureau of Meteorology were spot on with the weather forecast for Lismore for this weekend earlier in the week. If they are correct again we can expect more rain this afternoon/evening and a potential thunderstorm.To 9am this morning Lismore received 27mm's at the airport while Nimbin had 20mm's in the rain gauge. As expected the highest falls were on or near the coast with Evans Head recording 56mm's and Alstonville 49mm's.So far this morning, the rainfall has been light with only 1mm falling but that is the calm before the potential storm.Gabrielle Woodhouse from the BOM says we will have persistent showers easing later tomorrow, "this is a tricky one as that trough deepens on the NSW coast and moves slowly south", Gabrielle said."Where that low is situated tomorrow will determine the time when conditions will clear".How much rain can we expect?Another 20 to 40mm's today with about 50 for the coastal towns then another 10-20mm's tomorrow.The good news is that when the low does push south we should see some clear skies and light winds from Monday which will continue into next weekend. There is the chance of fog towards the end of next week and into next weekend.You can view the BOM radar in Weather/Travel on the Lismore App Weather/Travel.

NPC Amusements have moved to bigger and better premises in East Lismore on Rifle Range Road. As soon as you walk through those big warehouse doors you can see why owners Nick and Bec Contojohn made the move.The building itself is five times bigger than their previous two story house on Ballina Road opposite Lismore Nissan. Not only that you immediately see the result of three months, 7 days a week work that went into the fit out which makes it one of the best Man Cave businesses in the Northern Rivers not just Lismore.The other reason for the move "It is out of flood", Bec said.From the eye catching epoxy concrete swirl floor at the entrance to the old rusted mini above the new office and a moving gantry this is an impressive result.When Nick and Bec were on Ballina Road the mainstay of their business was an impressive on-line offering of anything and everything you need to fill a man cave or entertain the kids. As that building was an old two story house there was no room to display their stock so Nick and Bec had to show people the stock through their website. Now, the Rifle Range building is open there is plenty of room to park, go in and browse the well stocked shelves before you buy, and I challenge you to not buy something.What you see in the photo is not the end of the journey as there is a further 10 metres of floor space that will be utilised in the coming months meaning more stock and more options. For pop culture fans this will be perfect for you as there will be movie memorabilia like posters, actual movie props and collectables.To give you an impression of the range on offer NPC Amusements has over 700 different types of pool cues as well as 150 different AC/DC products as well as sporting team products, pogo sticks for the kids, quoits, hookey, in fact there is far too much for sale to mention now but suffice to say that if you are stuck for a gift for Fathers Days then look no further. "We have over 750 different product lines landing here in the next three weeks", Nick said.The Contojohn family has been in the amusement game for over 50 years with Nicks grandfather building and selling pool tables out of the Lismore Arcade but with the progress in technology Nick and Bec have taken that on-line.While some businesses have suffered through COVID others have thrived. "Our on-line business is up 400%", said Nick, "it is just crazy".NPC Amusements employs 9 full time people. "We have 20 freight trucks dropping off and picking up different freight. We have a team of pickers to sort the stock then the packers pack before being dispatched"You will find NPC Amusements at 16 Rifle Range Road, East Lismore just up from the Uni roundabout off Cynthia Wilson.They open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm.It is worth the short drive.

There is a lot of activity on this weekend with rugby league and soccer (or football depending on your code) due to kick off their 2020 seasons but the rain may spoil the party or at least make it a wet debut for these codes.As Steve Mackney GM of Football Far North Coast said there is 5,500 players and 550 teams all champing at the bit to get on the field. That is only soccer you can add rugby league and union, hockey and netball into that list too.Checkout the results in Sport on the Lismore App.As we wrote on Tuesday (Weather: rain is on the way with more than 30mm's expected), it is going to be a wet weekend with 30mm to 60mm expected to be dropped by Sunday night. For sports sake, let's hope for the minimum 30mm's. The good news is that the skies should clear on Monday night for a decent week of sunshine.Friends of Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens are holding a guided walk of the Wilson's Park Species Gardens at the LRBG this Sunday at 9.30 am. This is a flat, unpaved walk. Gates open from 9 am. Meet at the Visitor's Centre. Wear sturdy shoes and hats. Join the volunteers for morning tea after the walk. Gold coin donation. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL at  publicity@friendslrbg.com.au  because of Covid restrictions. Organiser Tracey Whitby says the gardens look lovely in the rain!Of course you have local bush walks available too if you don't mind getting wet. Rocky Creek Dam was looking fantastic during the week so if you are looking for a short, simple walk that gets the kids out of the house Rocky Creek would be an option.The Lismore Farmers Markets will be a quick trip in and out for your fresh fruit and veg tomorrow morning from 8. With social distancing you cannot fit too many people under the large shed's roof. Blueberries and strawberries are in season as well as snow peas so get your fresh produce from the showgrounds and support local farmers, big and small.Blue Knob Community Markets are on from 8:30 to 11 tomorrow morning.What to do indoors? There is roller skating at Rollerworld, a movie at Lismore Cinemas or Ten Pin Bowling as options.You always have the Lismore App games & puzzles to waste a few hours as another option. From crosswords to sudoko to blackjack, noughts & crosses or solitaire there is something for everyone (Games & Puzzles). Just go to the very bottom of the Lismore App.In his regular Blog tomorrow morning Neil Marks talks about his tough journey to lose 20kg's, get fit and keep it off. While the Sunday Profile this week is Les McGuire from Future Proof Financial. Les has an incredible story that involves a near death experience that is worth reading with your Sunday cup of coffee.If you need to fill the car up over the weekend, prices are still the same from last weekend with 112.9 the cheapest E10 unleaded at the United station on Ballina Road which also has the cheapest diesel with Liberty also on Ballina Road. In case you didn't know, the Liberty is locally owned.Some jokes to end the week and to kickstart the weekend. Stay dry and have fun.