The total number of COVID-19 cases in residents of Northern NSW Local Health District remains at 55, with two of these cases still considered ‘not recovered’. It has been 76 days since the last confirmed case in a resident of the District and 107 days for Lismore and surrounds.To keep these numbers steady Northern NSW Local Health District is urging anyone who may have attended the Crossroads Hotel in Casula last week to come forward for testing at a COVID-19 clinic, even if they don’t have any flu-like symptoms. Chief Executive, Northern NSW Local Health District, Wayne Jones, said the call for people to get tested follows confirmation of 14 new cases of COVID-19 in NSW today, and a number of cases linked to the Crossroads Hotel. “In light of the trajectory of the pandemic in Victoria, and more recent cases being identified in NSW, we’re asking any Crossroads Hotel patrons who may be currently in Northern NSW to self-isolate and have a COVID-19 test as soon as possible,” Mr Jones said. “Even if you don’t have any symptoms at present, please come and get tested as soon as you can, so that we can identity any cases which may be circulating in the community.” People who visited the Crossroads Hotel, Casula between Friday 3 July and Friday 10 July should present for testing as soon as possible. A Public Health Alert is currently in place for the Crossroads Hotel, urging patrons to: immediately self-isolate until 14 days after they were last at the Crossroads Hotel attend a clinic for testing even if they have no symptoms watch for symptoms and get retested should any respiratory symptoms occur stay in isolation for 14 days, even if you have a negative test result. Mr Jones also reiterated the call for anyone who has been to Victoria to watch for even mild symptoms and keep their distance from others for 14 days. “The message is clear, if you have been in Victoria, don’t mix with other people until two weeks has passed,” Mr Jones said. “If you develop even mild symptoms, a cold or cough, get tested and stay home until you’re cleared. “If you have previously returned a negative test, and develop symptoms at a later date, it’s critical that you get tested again.” Byron Central Hospital has increased its testing capacity in order to meet increased demand during the holiday period.Across the Northern NSW Local Health District, there have been over 4,900 tests in the past fortnight. “We’ve seen increasing numbers of people present for testing, particularly at Byron Central Hospital fever clinic, and I want to thank everyone who has come forward to date,” Mr Jones said.

STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has ensured that Lismore’s first memorial for the Great War is now showcased in the National ANZAC Centre’s multimedia experience in Albany, Western Australia. Ms Saffin today (Monday 13 July) joined Vietnam Veteran Ken Jolley OAM and other veterans to mark the memorial’s exposure on the other side of the continent and the culmination of Mr Jolley’s three-year labour of love in having it restored to its former glory. Ms Saffin said the obelisk -- first erected on the corner of Bridge Street and Alexander Parade, North Lismore in 1926 -- honours 145 Lismore district men who sacrificed their lives during World War One and holds special significance for their family descendants. “In 2017, the memorial was returned ‘home’ to its original site after two previous moves around town, and its close proximity to the Lismore Showground is fitting because it was the site of a transit camp for newly-enlisted men,” Ms Saffin said. “Young men from all different backgrounds answered the nation’s call to fight for king and country and camped at the showground before boarding trains at the North Lismore Railway Station to take them to Army training camps. “The National ANZAC Centre is located in Albany, where our servicemen and women disembarked on ships bound for Gallipoli and other battlefields during World War One.” Mr Jolley, who is a Life Member of the RSL City of Lismore (NSW) Sub-Branch, said he visited Albany last October for an Army reunion, saw all the memorials at the National ANZAC Centre and wondered ‘why not bloody Lismore?’(from left to right: ex RAAF veteran and Sinai Peacekeeper Bob Mowle, Afghanistan-Iraq-East Timor veteran Patrick Steere, Vietnam veteran and Lismore RSL Sub-Branch Chaplain The Reverend Graeme Davis OAM CSM, Vietnam veteran and Life Member/former President of the Lismore RSL Sub-Branch Ken Jolley OAM, Vietnam veteran and former Lismore RSL Sub-Branch President Cec Harris, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, Namibia Peacekeeper Graham Bruton and Chris McKee representing the family of local World War One Victoria Cross winner Paddy Bugden.  “I approached Janelle (Saffin) for some help and I cannot thank her and her staffer Ronny Susanto enough for arranging to have our North Lismore memorial permanently added to the projection reel, which is seen by thousands of visitors every year,” Mr Jolley said. “It’s the icing on the cake; I’ve been working for the past three years to restore the memorial and the fact that North Lismore now sits between two New Zealand memorials, Kaitaia and Wellington, is marvellous recognition for our fallen Diggers and for the City of Lismore.” Mr Jolley thanked local businesses for supporting the memorial’s restoration, including Richmond Sand and Gravel, Beckinsales Monumental Masons, Matthews Metal Fabrication, Holcim Concrete, Onesteel and Twin View Turf, and Lismore City Council’s outdoor staff. The memorial was moved from near the Showgrounds to the South Lismore RSL Hall’s garden in 1988, but when the RSL sold the hall in 2004, it was moved to the Railway Station before returning to North Lismore in 2017.

Drought-affected farming households are set to receive more payments from the federal Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative (DCSI) program. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Government is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers as they deal with the impacts of drought – and has extended round 2 of the DCSI program until the end of this year.Read more news: The annual farm census is underway: check your letterbox “Payments of up to $3,000 are already assisting farming families to meet urgent expenses, including for food, petrol and utilities,” Mr Hogan said.“We are doing what it takes to support farming households through these extremely difficult financial times.” “Since November 2019, almost $75 million has been paid to support more than 25,000 farming households.” The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society are delivering Round 2 of DCSI to eligible farming households. For more information and to apply: Lismore, Kyogle & Richmond Valley Council residents can find out more by visiting: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/rural-support/drought-community-support-initiative/

The annual farm census is underway. Local Land Services (LLS) is urging landholders to keep an eye out for the Annual Land and Stock Returns landing in mailboxes this week.Annual Land and Stock Returns are a snapshot in time, much like a census and landholders should fill in the details as they were recorded at June 30.Read more news: Drought-affected farming families to receive more financial supportLLS executive director Rob Kelly said annual returns are a statutory requirement and the data provided ensures LLS customers get the help they need when emergencies or disasters strike.Mr Kelly said the livestock figure landholders provide on their return does not affect the amount they pay in rates.“LLS rates are calculated on a property’s Notional Carrying Capacity,” he said.“It is vital Local Land Services has accurate, up-to date information so it can best deliver services.“It may not be top of every landholder’s to-do list right now, but we need all returns so we can understand what’s happening on the ground across the state.“In an emergency situation like last summer’s fires, our team will be supporting landholders as well as other agencies and suppliers to roll out an enormous amount of practical help, as well as information and advice.LLS emergency services business partner Dr Steve Eastwood said completing the annual return online is the quickest way to do it and it should be lodged no later than August 31.“The information gathered builds a picture of agricultural land use and livestock numbers across NSW and assists in monitoring flocks and herds for emergency animal diseases,” he said. “We understand circumstances change over a 12 month period, and after a hard few years, reporting livestock figures can be confronting, especially when landholders have destocked due to drought, fire or flood.”To lodge a return, visit http://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/alsr and follow the links to the dedicated portal.The online process can be done in three simple steps and helps reduce face to face contact with Local Land Services and mail service staff, although postal lodgement is still available.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions and night work on the Pacific Highway from Monday 13 to Sunday 19 July for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, weather permitting. There will be no roadwork on the Pacific Highway between Glenugie and the Queensland border from 6am Friday 10 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. 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, landscaping and to allow vehicles to access site. 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 drainage. Motorists can expect traffic control, lane closures and short stoppages at times while this work is carried out. From Monday, there will be four days of work on the Pacific Highway between Maclean and Mororo to carry out road maintenance, survey work and asphalting. Motorists can expect reduced speed limits between 6am and 6pm. Also from Monday, there will be up to four days of work next to the Pacific Highway between Glenugie and Maclean to carry out line marking, survey and landscape and vegetation maintenance. 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 and landscape and drainage maintenance. Motorists can expect 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, line marking and electrical work. Motorists can expect lane closures, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm. From Monday, there will be up to six days of work on Minyumai Road at New Italy and Tuckombil Road at Woodburn to carry out earthwork, paving and safety barrier maintenance. Motorists can expect lanes closures, traffic control 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. 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.  

With the NSW/Queensland border now reopened, Transport NSW is telling motorists to expect significant delays this weekend on the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads. Traffic in the area is expected to increase as a result of school holidays and varying Covid-19 restrictions for cross-border travel. Transport for NSW is now implementing measures to manage safety and traffic efficiency in the area.While the Queensland Government has reopened the NSW/Queensland border to NSW residents, travellers will still require a Border Declaration Pass to enter the State. Motorists are advised to allow for extra time when planning travel this weekend and during the school holiday period, and consider alternative routes via Summerland Way from Grafton or Casino. Motorists should also be aware of continued changes along the Pacific Highway between Ballina and Woodburn as part of the progress to upgrade the highway upgrade. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Electronic message signs will be on the highway providing delay information advising of any congestion. It’s important to be well rested before you start your journey, plan regular breaks, share the driving if possible and recognise the warning signs of fatigue. If you feel tired while driving or experience any of the early warning signs such as yawning, restlessness or sore eyes, pull over in a safe place and have a rest. 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. 

The middle weekend of the school holidays looks to be pretty bright with maximums of 22 degrees and a bit of sun poking through some cloud cover.However, Sunday afternoon will see a big change come through with a possible thunderstorm bringing plenty of rain with it. In fact the Bureau of Meteorology say 6-10mm's on Sunday then 25-40 mm's on Monday.You can read our earlier news story about the SES warning here: SES says prepare for storms, heavy rain this weekendThe weather bodes well for the Lismore Farmers' Market on Saturday morning from 8. You should be seeing sunny skies and a chilly morning to get your fresh local fruit and veg. Don't forget there is plenty of hot coffee, breakfast and live music while you shop.You have options for the kids or grandkids over the weekend and next week with Rollerworld for roller skating, BCC is open for movies at the Lismore Cinema and Ten Pin Bowling in action too.Petrol prices have remained steady over the first week of holidays with United on Ballina Road still the cheapest with 112.9 for unleaded E10 and for diesel car owners you'll find the Liberty and United on Ballina Road at 115.9.A reminder that Sport returns next week to the Northern Rivers which has been a long time coming. More during the week.Neil Marks' blog last week certainly turned a few heads with his Lake Pool comments (Neil Marks: This might get me into trouble but you need to know ). This week Neil looks at the Victoria coronavirus debacle and how it affects his family life.This weeks Sunday Profile is on Nimbin Valley Dairy cheese makers Paul and Kerry Wilson. Read about life as a goat farmer as well as the process involved in making some of the best local cheese in NSW and Australia.Don't forget if you want to comment on any local story you can write a Letter To The Editor and email it to simon@lismoreapp.com.au.Not many jokes this week but here is what we have. Enjoy the calm before Mondays storm.

Tonight, North Lismore’s Serpentine Community Gallery will re-emerge with its first exhibition of local art since the Coronavirus shutdown period.The exhibition Re-emergence will showcase new works by local artists such as Jeht Burgoyne, David Shaw and Meg Neilson - who have all been creating art through the new world of social isolation and distancing. Gallery founding member Corinne (Rin) Batt-Rowden said the gallery was still alive thanks to the local people making donations of money to the gallery to keep the insurance and other bills paid during the shutdown.“It’s the dedication and love from people in the community that have meant we are ready for re-emerging,” Rin said. “Even our landlords waived the rent during this difficult time of the year.Rin said tonight’s opening will showcase a diverse range of artists and media who have used media such as painting, textile, sculpture.“We even have digital theatre though Zoomplay's Rona App,” Rin said. “It was created by a young high school theatre group and it will be online, playing on a loop for the exhibition.”The exhibition opens at 6pm and the community is encouraged to come along and support local artists and see what they have been up to while banished to their art studios.Art goers are asked to respect social distancing, hand washing and other required public health requirements at the event.The exhibition opens tonight, Friday, July 10 at 6pm and will run until August 10.For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1815029495303358?active_tab=about

Police have charged a man over the alleged possession and dissemination of child abuse material and filming a person without consent in Nimbin.Nimbin Police initiated an investigation in February 2019, after receiving information a male was filming children in the Nimbin township.Read weather news: SES says prepare for storms, heavy rain this weekendAs part of inquiries police spoke to a 28-year-old man and seized a mobile phone which was examined by the Digital Forensic Investigation Unit.Police will allege in court that the phone contained over 300 images of young people, including images taken in shopping centres.Just before 3pm yesterday, Thursday July 9, police arrested a 29-year-old man at Nimbin and he was taken to Lismore Police Station.He was charged with possess child abuse material, disseminate child abuse material, deal with identity information to commit indictable offence and film person in private act without consent.He was refused bail and will appear in Lismore Local Court today, Friday, July 10.Read more news: Community housing boss seeks properties to help rough sleepers

With possible thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain predicted to develop early Sunday and into early next week, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is encouraging residents to use the weekend to prepare.Read local news: New Kidsnest shop opens to bring solutions to parentsAt this stage there is potential for a low pressure system to form somewhere between the NSW Mid North Coast and South Coast that may affect the Northern Rivers and result in periods of heavy rain, strong winds and hazardous surf conditions. NSW SES Northern Zone Deputy Commander Tony Day said "currently there is some uncertainty about the location of the system however it is likely to bring the possibility of riverine and localised flash flooding as we move into next week".NSW SES is encouraging residents to clean roofs, gutters and downpipes, trim trees branches away from property and secure down outdoor items and furniture as a way of preparing their property for severe weather. "The current COVID-19 environment presents additional considerations for emergency services in responding to severe weather events," Mr day said."So the most practical way the community can help should the heavy rain eventuate is to avoid all not essential travel and to never drive, ride or walk through floodwaters." The SES recommends people monitor the NSW Bureau of Meteorology for any severe weather warnings for heavy rain or riverine flood warnings. For more advice on how to prepare for storms and floods, visit the SES Get Ready website www.ses.nsw.gov.au/getready For emergency storm and flood assistance, call NSW SES on 132 500. Read more news: Kate Bush look-alikes descend on Wutherspoon Street

Rough sleepers in Lismore are set to get more help from North Coast Community Housing (NCCH), but first, the regional social housing organisation needs to find properties to rent.NCCH chief executive John Mckenna is asking the Lismore community to help them find 30 properties that can be rented out and give rough sleepers a better future.“We received $2.1 million in government funding for the Together Home project, which will help us assist up to 30 local people over the next two years,” Mr McKenna said.“We have a long list of rough sleepers needing help, and most of the people on the list are based in Lismore.“This funding is for people who have been housed in temporary accommodation during the covid lockdown and were rough sleeping – not just homeless. “They have been identified already by the Department of Community and Justice and were housed in temporary accommodation through the lockdown period.”Mr McKenna said about 37,000 people across state are homeless and after the homeless count in February, about 400 people were identified locally. “Now we need to find 30 properties with one or two bedrooms,” he said.“If we can get the people who have been sleeping rough into housing and give them support to deal with their complex issues, they will be able to sustain tenancies and potentially move into long term housing.”Mr McKenna said that NCCH often assists people into housing with help to pay the rent.“But the difficulty is in having financial support to pay for the wrap around support you need to keep them there,” he said. “Rough sleepers need that.“We run in partnership with mental health services, but with no support dollars, that bit falls over.“This latest funding actually covers the whole package and means we can make a difference to help get people off the streets and give them a chance.”If you are a property owner and would like guaranteed rent income for the next two years, Mr McKenna asks you to call NCCH Lismore on 0266 275 300 NCCH and talk to Nikki about the rough sleeping leasehold program.NCCH currently has 980 properties, housing 1900 people across the region from Grafton to Tweed heads.For more information, visit the NCCH website: https://www.ncch.org.au/

Health workers caring for people with disabilities can now trial a new Covid-19 advisory service, just established by the NSW Department of Health.“Some people with disability may need support to ensure they receive Covid-19 testing or treatment with minimum distress,” the Department stated.“Calls to the advisory service will be answered by health professionals with disability service qualifications and experience working with people with disability.”From Tuesday, July 7, health professionals can contact the service on 1800 131 330 between 7 am – 11 pm (AEST), seven days a week.The helpline will be available for a six-week trial, at which point it will be assessed based on utilisation and future need.To find out more, visit https://hnc.org.au/archives/news/covid-19-health-professionals-national-disability-advisory-service-launch-xhp

Queues up to 20km long could be awaiting you if you are planning to travel to Queensland tomorrow, so pack snacks and water and get ready to wait.Police are preparing for it and are urging travellers planning to cross the NSW/Queensland border to expect significant delays on our roads.The Queensland Government has announced that the NSW/Queensland border will re-open to NSW residents from 12pm midday tomorrow, Friday, July 10 with travellers requiring a Border Declaration Pass to enter the state.With the change in entry conditions, the NSW Police Force is working with the Queensland Police Service and are urging motorists to be ready to provide all relevant documentation and identification at checkpoints to assist with reducing delays.With thousands of motorists expected to be travelling into and through the Far North Coast region, Tweed/Byron Police Commander, Superintendent Dave Roptell, is pleading with drivers to be patient and prepared for a heavily delayed journey.“If you are choosing to cross the border in the next 72-hours, please be aware we anticipate there will be extensive delays at the major checkpoints – these delays could be more than a couple of hours.“We are working with our counterparts over the border to ensure as smooth a transition to the new border pass system as possible, but we understand this will take time to work through.“If you do not need to cross the border on Friday, we are asking you to delay your travel for a couple of days to allow for the large influx of traffic to flow through the checkpoints.“If you do decide to cross the border, make sure you are well prepared – have some snacks and water in the car, stop off at a rest stop or coastal town for a pit stop and bathroom break before piling into the car.“It will be a long journey, so we are asking drivers to please be patient. Always drive to the conditions, don’t speed to try and get to your destination sooner, don’t have any distractions around you while behind the wheel, and as always – do not drink or drug drive,” Supt Roptell said.Holiday makers coming to popular tourist destinations such as Byron Bay, Bangalow, Ballina and Suffolk Park are also asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines and follow current NSW Public Health Orders.“We are not out of the danger zone yet,” Supt Roptell said.“With thousands of NSW residents now able to travel across the state, we are seeing a massive influx of visitors to our popular coastal spots.“Police are continuing to conduct high-visibility patrols in and around the busy strips and ensuring locals and tourists alike are following the current rules.“Public gathering restrictions, restaurant, café and pub limits and the 4sqm rule are still in place – and of course, if you have any symptoms, go and get tested.”To see the most up-to-date traffic conditions, visit www.livetraffic.comTo apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass, visit www.qld.gov.au/border-passQueensland Border Declaration Passes need to be renewed every seven days.

When shop-bought plates caused a rash in one of her three children, local mum Rebecca Klemm began looking for solutions to make her family’s life better.Those solutions became life changers and Rebecca is now bringing them to the rest of the community when she opens her new Kidsnest shop in Lismore on Saturday.“My child has dairy allergy as well as a reaction to plates - and a paediatrician thought it was the chemicals in plates that was causing the plate reaction,” Rebecca said. “We’re not sure what the compound in plates it was.“So, a friend brought me some plates made from recycled milk cartons with no chemicals added – and no more rashes.“They are eco-friendly, durable, microwave friendly and dishwasher safe. My youngest child is two and throws her bowls and they don’t crack.“I’ve been selling them to preschools.”“There’s a lot of products out there from countries like China and you don’t know what’s in them."Rebecca said finding the plates was just the beginning. She started buying more of the recycled plastic tableware from the US and found a lot of other parents had similar needs.So a year ago, she created an online shop and began selling products at the markets.“The closest place selling them otherwise was Brisbane,” Rebecca said. “I started expanding with other products I love which includes a range for children with anxiety and autism. My eldest daughter has anxiety.“One of my best sellers is compression sheets – they are like a weighted blanket that slides onto the mattress like a sock. The child hops in under the sheet and makes them feel like they are getting a big hug.“My eldest is nine years old and got anxiety at school. Some nights she was overwhelmed and it took four hours of crying for her to settle."The paediatrician prescribed melatonin tablets and with the with aid of the sensory sheet, she got off tablets and within three nights she was snoring.”“It works with the brain and increases the melatonin – it’s fantastic.”Rebecca also sells pod swings which she said are good for kids with autism who like to sway and swing. There’s a shop full of interesting things – from drink containers to wooden products and toys to help kids display emotional recognition.“I use wooden card with happy and sad faces to get my kids to talk about their day,” Rebecca said. “They pick a card and tell me about their day.“I also sell Montti Co milks shake cups, drink bottles with silicon reusable straws and lunchboxes – bento boxes. “They are all products to help families with children and assist them in their daily routines."There’s even a tap extender that attaches to a tap to extend the water flow and allows children to wash their hands themselves.Rebecca also personalises items with names or images, depending on what you would like. She spent a week recently personalising a set of cups for a school. Kidsnest opens this Saturday, July 11, 9am at 1/109 Dawson Street. It’s between Fire in The Belly and Lismore City Motor Inn. There’s free balloons for the kids. You can visit the website for more details about products for parents and kids http://www.kidsneststore.com.au

After the Eden-Monaro by-election in the ACT, Nimbin HEMP Embassy president Michael Balderstone is defeated, but victorious.He and his Vote 1 Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) party team have been on a whirlwind trip to Canberra and back in an attempt to get elected and get the cannabis issue on the agenda.Read more news: Nimbin's Micheal Balderstone takes cannabis to CanberraToday, he’s still political without being a politician – and he’s glad to be back home “with sanity” in Nimbin.“We definitely made a mark,” Michael said. “It was a close election, like so many seats in Australia are -and winning a small percentage of the vote does make a difference.“We had 3% of the vote in the early count, then the pre-poll votes came in and our votes dropped. Now, we are at 2.3%.”Michael and his team finished 6th out of 14 political parties who ran in the ACT Eden-Monaro by-election.The election results saw Labor candidate Kristy McBain taking 50.38% of the vote and Liberal Fiona Kotvojs taking 49.62%.“We pinched a few votes from them and people saying our preferences helped Labour win,” Michael said.“People from all walks of life like cannabis – they find it’s the plant that works for them.“We did only arrive in Canberra to campaign the week before the election, but being there was worth it.“We had a few HEMP party members there who helped us who we stayed with.Michael and the team van on campaign in Canberra.“We were driving the van through Canberra with the sativa leaf on our corflutes – and everybody wanted them, but didn’t want them on their fences.“They didn’t want to be seen as criminals and lose their jobs. But they were furious about not being able to take medical cannabis and still drive legally.“Everyone is sick of being bullied.”“We are just trying to get the cannabis issue on the agenda and get heard. We are sick of being treated like hippies.”Michael said the election results encouraged them to get ready for the next Federal election, where he would run for a seat in the lower house, as well as the Senate.

Police are seeking community assistance in locating 32 year old Adam Hoad, currently wanted by virtue of an arrest warrant. Mr Hoad is known to frequent the Lismore area. Anyone with information regarding Mr Hoad's current whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Lismore Police Station on 02 6626 0599.

Local breast cancer patients are experiencing fewer treatment side effects thanks to modern radiation therapy techniques used at the North Coast and Mid North Coast Cancer Institutes. So successful are the techniques that a team led by local cancer experts has published an Australian-first evaluation of the curative approach. Associate Professor Tom Shakespeare, a radiation oncologist working in the Northern NSW and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts, led the evaluation which examined the long-term outcomes of the techniques. “Breast cancer can be cured with a combination of surgery and post-operative radiation therapy,” A/Prof Shakespeare said. “We have treated more than 3,500 women with curative breast radiation in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie radiation oncology centres at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI) and the North Coast Cancer Institute (NCCI) centre in Lismore.” Each year, around 260 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Northern NSW and 190 on the Mid North Coast and, according to Cancer Institute NSW figures.The techniques evaluated include hypofractionation (treating in fewer sessions), intensity- modulated radiation therapy (highly targeted) and treating women in the prone (face down) position. “These new techniques are able to substantially reduce the side-effects of treatment, in particular, prone breast positioning is beneficial as radiation is distributed evenly and accurately, limiting exposure to the rest of the body. “The combination of these three techniques has been in use at the MNCCI and NCCI since 2012, and we were one of the first centres in Australia to adopt this method.” The evaluation followed 155 patients from the Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Lismore areas who were treated using this technique, and the results were excellent. “Our report is the first of its kind in Australia, and only the second publication of its kind in the world,” A/Prof Shakespeare said. “We report on outcomes five years after radiation therapy. In our evaluation no patient had a cancer recurrence in the treated breast."We also found that no patient had significant side effects, and all evaluated patients rated their cosmetic outcome as good or excellent.” 

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.