Yesterday was a first, the Lismore App went to the opening of a toilet block.While there is humour in that fact, there is also some seriousness surrounding the recently upgraded toilet block at the Lismore Showgrounds as it provides better access for those with disabilities and mobility problems.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan opened the toilet block with Director of North Coast National Brad Lancaster. Mr Hogan saying he was first approached by Secretary of North Coast National Mark Bailey in 2018 to ask for funding to upgrade the facilities. "Mark told me that over 200,000 people use the showground each year and among those were groups like Red Inc, Pony Rides and other groups catering to groups with disabilities and the toilet facilities were simply not up to requirements"."I had no hesitation in accessing funding through the Helping Communities program and today we can see the result with a state of the art facility making the showground more accessible for people with a disability.Local building company Joel Jensen completed the upgrade.More improvements are to come with $4 million to improve walkways at the eastern end of the grounds so people with disabilities and mobility problems can easily access all the great events that will be held at the Lismore Showgrounds once large events can be held following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.Bard Lancaster said "the showgrounds is the hub of every community so it is pleasing to see the upgrades and improvements being made to the facilities here".Some more good news for the Lismore Showground when the Federal Government announced $36 million in funding to support agricultural show societies. “Agricultural shows are part of the fabric of our community, showcasing everything positive about our communities and local industries,” Mr Hogan said. “The Supporting Agricultural Shows program will provide a one-off reimbursement to agricultural show societies to deal with cash flow pressures.” “There is a real risk that if we had not helped our small shows, all of which are run by volunteers, could fold.”Indeed the precarious financial position of the showground was reported by the Lismore App in May. With eligible local shows possibly receiving $70,000 this will help cover the day to day operations of running the showground while there is no revenue coming in from major events.President John Gibson saying "It is good to see the Federal Government make an announcement for show societies because all the show societies around Australia are hurting. We appreciate all the help that State and Federal government have given us".

A quiet weekend ahead with more restrictions easing from next Wednesday July 1 like libraries then sport returning from mid-July following the school holidays. If you are not aware, the last day of school for Term 2 is next Friday July 3.Another 'last' occurs tomorrow, it will be the final printed edition of the Northern Star. In case you were not aware, the Northern Star will not be printing a physical newspaper after tomorrow's edition.The Northern Star has a long and distinguished history in the Northern Rivers with the first two page edition printed on May 13, 1876. While it ceased being a locally owned newspaper a long time it has been a lifelong ritual for many to buy the newspaper from your local newsagent or get it delivered to your house each morning to uncover the recent news from around the Northern Rivers. It will be a great loss to many elderly residents who are forced to embrace new technology to consume local news, sport and community information.If you know of people looking at ways to consume local news, tell them the Lismore App is free to download and it can be found in the App Store or the Play Store for android phones.It should be a wet weekend with a 70% chance of showers which translates to 2 to 5mm's on Saturday mainly at night then with 1 to 5mm's on Sunday. So, Saturday looks to be the best day to get odd jobs done around the house.This is also perfect timing for the Saturday morning markets with fresh fruit and vegetables, hot coffee and tea plus breakfast and live music starting at 8am with Blue Knob Community markets on from 8:30am.The cheapest petrol prices for the weekend fill up are at United on Ballina Road, cnr Keen Street, for E10 unleaded - while for diesel you shouldn't be paying more than 117.9 at the United and at Liberty on Ballina Road.This weekend, you can always check out what houses are for sale or rent on the Real Estate button Real Estate or if you are in search of a car, there is always plenty of used cars on the Cars/Bikes For Sale Cars/Bikes For Sale button.Geoff Wotherspoon is the Sunday Profile this week. Geoff will be familiar to many Lismorites as he is a third generation businessman, philatelist and historian.Neil Marks' regular Blog will be live in the morning for you looking at the affect that COVID-19 has had on our daily lives. Plus there is Veranda Talk column and a Letter To The Editor from Steve Mackney about the physical newspaper ceasing to exist after the last edition hits the shelves tomorrow.On a rainy Sunday try out the free puzzles and games you can play on the Lismore App if you have a spare moment. The Games/Puzzles button can be found at the bottom of the main page Games & Puzzles.As usual, here are some jokes to end the week.....

Two men have been extradited to Lismore following an extensive cross-border joint investigation into the supply of drugs and firearms.In January 2020, detectives attached to Richmond Police District Drug Unit and the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad established Strike Force Ranson to investigate the importation, manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs and the supply of prohibited weapons in Northern NSW and south-east Queensland.Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators executed two search warrants at properties in Lismore and Ballina on Tuesday.During the searches, police allegedly located and seized methylamphetamine and MDMA, firearms parts and cash.A 28-year-old Ballina man was arrested and charged. He remains before the courts.As part of joint inquiries, Queensland Police Service State Crime Command’s Drug and Serious Crime Group executed three search warrants at homes in Highland Park, Mudgeeraba and Ashmore, where they arrested two men, aged 27 and 36. Detectives also located and seized firearms and a pill press used in the manufacture of MDMA pills.Victoria Police also executed two search warrants at homes in Abbotsford and Balaclava. A 27-year-old man was arrested at the Abbotsford property and a second 27-year-old man at a property in Surrey Hills. During these searches, police located and seized an amount of Australian cash.The 27-year-old Highland Park man appeared at Southport Magistrates Court on a NSW arrest warrant on Wednesday, where strike force investigators applied for and were granted his extradition.He was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) and supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity).He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court yesterday, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at the same court on Wednesday August 26.The 27-year-old Victorian man appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court on a NSW arrest warrant on Wednesday, where investigators applied for and were granted his extradition.He was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today.Strike force detectives are yet to apply for an extradition for a second Queensland man and a second Victorian man.Investigations under Strike Force Ranson are ongoing.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.auInformation is treated in strict confidence.

It was 100 years ago today that the first air mail flight left Lismore loaded with precious bags of letters. The journey took one and a half hours and involved a pilot and a Royal Mail contractor.The Tiger Moth plane was bound for Casino and Tenterfield and today, a re-enactment of that flight will take place from Lismore at 12.30pm in a very similar plane to the one that made the trip 100 years ago.The reenactment of the flight is the brain child of Geoff Wotherspoon – a local historian with an avid interest in stamps.While the world has moved on to split second communication technology, Geoff’s dream was to see this reenactment happen.Geoff spent three years researching the history of the aerial mail service in Northern New South Wales and recently, published a book ‘Per Aerial Mail’.Geoff and Betty Wotherspoon in front of Lismore’s oldest remaining post box.He gathered support from politicians and local community members to make it happen and even created a commemorative set of envelopes with stamps created that people can post.Today, June 26, 2020, Geoff and his mother Betty Wotherspoon will be watching the plane take off on it’s historic journey again.Geoff said the plane will depart at 12.30pm from Northern Rivers Aero Club in Lismore, arriving in Tenterfield at 2.30pm with a stopover in Casino on the way.  He has even co-ordinated the children from Mummulgum School to wave to the Tiger Moth as it flies overhead. Geoff said the children have been given stationery to write letters which will be carried on the plane, along with letters written by local politicians and community members.People are welcome to come along and watch the historic flight take off from Northern Rivers Aero Club at Airport Drive, South Lismore at 12.30pm.His book an commemorative stationary is available for sale in Lismore at the Penny Man shop in the Star Court Arcade.For more information, read about Geoff Wotherspoon, his family and the historic mail flight in this Sunday’s Sunday Profile on The Lismore App.

With pay cuts on the cards for public sector workers such as nurses and firefighters, a new petition launched today could help turn the government’s decision around.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Shadow Minister for the North Coast Adam Searle and union representatives today launched the paper-based petition and are calling on the wider community to get behind it.“We need 10,000 signatures on the petition to trigger a debate in Parliament,” Ms Saffin said.  “To trigger a debate in the house, the petition needs to on paper, and anyone can come to my office and sign one, or we can email or drop them off to you."Our local nurses and midwives, teachers, police, paramedics, cleaners, drivers and many other public sector workers have risked their lives to look after others during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been rewarded with a pay cut.“Our heroes deserve a medal, not a callous and mean pay cut."Janelle Saffin MP and Adam Searle MLC launch a petition against a public sector pay cut.Mr Searle, who is also Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, said there were 4363 public sector worker across the Lismore Electorate.“They are 992 teachers, 1650 health workers and 157 police officers who will have their pay cut, and many other public service employees who will miss out,” he said.Mr Searle said the decision to cut wage increases in public sector workers pay had already been debated in the upper house and had been defeated – but that the fight was not over. “Now the matter is with the Industrial Relations commission and need to act quick,” he said. “We need an ongoing campaign before they make their decision in the next few weeks.Mr Searle said reasonable wage increases are a vital stimulus measure for local economies. "Now is the time to put dollars in pockets, not take them away," he said."Struggling local small businesses will also suffer if people have less money in their pockets to spend."Mr Searle's petition brings to Parliament House's attention the NSW Government's plans to cut the pay of more than 400,000 public sector workers across New South Wales.Petitioners are asking the Legislative Assembly to urgently pass legislation blocking this proposed pay cut and to commit to protecting the pay and conditions of all workers across New South Wales.To contact Janelle Saffin, visit https://janellesaffin.com.au/

The long running debate about the Lismore Lake Pool continues with councillors, the General Manager and the Federal Member for Page all getting involved.During the June 16 council meeting when the Operational Plan for 2020/21 was being discussed and ultimately passed, there was passionate discussion about the Lismore Lake Pool.Councillor Nancy Casson put an amendment forward to include the Lake Pool in the 2020 Operational Plan with no funding attached but stated she was aware of funding through the Federal member for Page's office.This was disputed by Mayor and Chair of council meetings Isaac Smith who said there was no forthcoming funding. Cnr Casson replied that "It is funded Mr Mayor, it is funded and I'm clarifying that with the Federal member's Office.Cnr Casson went on to say there were text messages sent to Mayor Smith and General Manager Shelley Oldham about funding offered for the Lismore airport flight landing, the Hannah Cabinet and the Lake Pool.Ultimately, the amendment was then voted down by the majority of councillors so the Lismore Lake Pool was not included in the Operational Plan for this coming financial year funded or not.The fight doesn't end there.Yesterday, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan released this statement."There was no request from Lismore City Council for the funding of Lismore Lake Pool. I informally approached Council that I could get $2 million for the project during the 2019 election campaign. Council said they were not interested as they were looking at selling the land."The Lismore App then received this statement from the General Manager of Lismore City Council Shelley Oldham;"Council is in regular communications with both State and Federal Governments regarding grant and funding opportunities. We follow a strict process of analysis, evaluation, and consultation prior to any submissions being made to Local Members to ensure any funding accepted does not impact on future budget maintenance and our resourcing strategy.Preliminary conversations are conducted regularly, and before proceeding with any submissions to State and Federal members the Corporate Planning processes are followed to ensure appropriate levels of probity, transparency and alignment with councils direction.Up to, and until, this process begins all communications are confidential, as to not impact a variety of matters, including procurement, cost benefit analysis, maintenance impacts, risk evaluations and more. Unfortunately, as has been made clear throughout recent public Council meetings, the issue of Councillor and Staff confidentiality has been a recurring hindrance.I am aware of a draft press release referencing potential grant funding from a Federal Member of Parliament that has found its way into Council. At no time had council sought funding, been consulted as to whether funding was required, any agreement been made, nor any formal process initiated, as per the appropriate processes. The Federal MP in question was notified some time ago of a security breach within his office and I am sure that will be handled by the affected MP in an appropriate manner.It is the responsibility of all members of Lismore City Council to adhere to confidentiality guidelines, but at times this has been ignored to the detriment of both Council’s public perception and broader community outcomes, and once again this seems to be the case.We want to make it clear that we are always looking at any opportunities that will better enable us to deliver on the outcomes detailed in our Delivery Program and the activities in the Operational Plan.Recently we have secured Federal funding of $4.2m to facilitate improvements to the Lismore Regional Airport, State and Federal funding of $4.7m to facilitate upgrades to Oakes Oval and Crozier Field and $1.5m in State funding for CBD revitalisation.Now more than ever it is important we work closely with all levels of government to secure funding and ensure our community is not impacted unnecessarily given recent circumstances."Regardless of funding being offered and rejected, the fact remains that the Lismore Lake Pool is not included in the Operational Plan for 2020/21 but have we heard the last of this controversial community facility that was closed in 2011, some nine years ago? More than likely....no.

Just before 3pm this afternoon the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by Ambulance New South Wales to reports of an injured bush walker on the Mount Nardi trail at Mount Nardi, north of Nimbin. It was reported that a 56 year old male bush walker has slipped 5km into the forest trail and acquired an injured ankle.  Local Ambulance Paramedic and Police Rescue Personnel located the male and commenced treatment for a fractured ankle. Due to the remoteness and steep terrain of the location the Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched inserted the Helicopter Critical Care Paramedic who assisted in treatment of the male prior to being winch out from the scene and flown direct to the Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition. 

Another Black Lives Matter protest rally is planned for tomorrow, Friday, June 26 from 12-5pm in Spinks Park, Lismore.Widjabul Wybal woman Cindy Roberts said after the last protest in Lismore brought hundreds of people to the city streets on June 6, following social distancing protocols remains a priority at the rally.Read more news: Thursday Night Live explores 'Always Was – Always Will be?'Read about previous protests: Hundreds defy public gathering regulations in support of Black Lives Matter rally“We have a right to hold a non-violent, peaceful protest on Widjabul Wybal soil, but the police are worried about people not following the safety guidelines for Covid-19,” Cindy said. “So, the protest is going to go ahead and we are going to make sure we don’t give the police a reason to stop it.“We will be there earlier in the morning putting markers on the ground where groups of 20 people can stand, with each group standing 1.5 metres apart.“We will also have masks and hand sanitiser for people to use.“Nurses and medical staff will be coming along and we have been speaking with the health to make sure we follow all the right guidelines.”Cindy said the protest was important to call attention and speak out against injustice and racism across Australia – and the world – and called the people of Lismore to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal people.The Black Lives Matter movement is growing across the world. The peaceful protest movement was triggered by the viral sharing of video showing the brutal death of George Floyd, 46 - an African-American man killed by police in Minneapolis recently.While the police officers involved in the incident in America were charged with murder, Cindy said that was just to “silence the masses” and that Australia has an even bigger problem.  “We’ve seen the same thing too many times in this country – and the perpetrators have walked free. That’s not justice,” she said.“Aboriginal people make up 3% of the population, but 30% are incarcerated – they are in the highest rates highest of incarceration in the world.“It’s not about black or white, it’s about stopping racism in the justice system - black lives matter.“Black fellas are still suffering in an unfair justice system - we are still living under a white, oppressive government and being targeted is not new to us.“Until we stand together and speak out, nothing will change.For more information, visit the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1399720673554941/Read more news: Auditions open for new TV series to be filmed locally

Tonight, Lismore's monthly Thursday Night Live panel explores the topic 'Always Was – Always Will be?’ - and you are invited to participate online via zoom..In what would normally be NAIDOC week, Southern Cross University (SCU) academics from Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples will join facilitator Dhinawan Baker to discuss the strong response to the Black Lives Matter movement across Australia.SCU lecturers Rachel Lynwood, and Rod Williams will also discuss the Sorry Day destruction by Rio Tinto of the Juukan Gorge ancient sacred site in Western Australia,The zoom webinar begins at 5.45pm and the panel conversation begins at 6pm and finishes at 7pm, tonight, Thursday, July 9.Participants will be able to interact via the live moderated chatThursday Night Live! is an evening of provocation, discussion and dialogue and is a partnership event of Southern Cross University and the Lismore Regional Gallery.To join the event, visit, https://www.facebook.com/events/2771464216415466/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1593045438942679Read more news: All is nearly normal as libraries reopen

Night lighting, shading and seating in Lismore’s CBD laneways could be on the cards over the next few months as a new grant-funded Lismore Laneways Project gets underway.Lismore City Council Mayor Isaac Smith said Council is calling on the community to help co-design and transform Lismore’s under-utilised inner-city areas and take part in a public workshop on July 9.Read more news: Auditions open for new TV series to be filmed locallyRead more news: Veranda Talk by Airdre Grant: There’s no place like home“Coming out of coronavirus, it’s important to bring business back to the CBD and make sure it thrives,” he said.“We have businesses who know how to work well in public spaces and we want to work with them and make good placemaking events here in the future.”Cr Smith said a laneway network in the city centre was not something you see in many cities, expect Melbourne, and utilising it was an important part of bringing culture and arts back into the city.“We are surrounded by street art here in the Eggins Lane Back Alley Gallery and people flood in to see it," he said."We want to keep art alive and stimulate the creativity of Lismore again.“We need people to own and love these spaces, and encourage greater activity by hosting dining, live music and pop-up activities, art installations, gatherings and community events.”Cr Smith said the Lismore Laneways Project is fully funded through a $510,00 NSW Government grant and will help to stimulate the vibrancy, safety and visitor appeal of the city centre.The project will be completed by the end of 2020.To play an active role in shaping the project design and implementation, you can join the Lismore Laneways Project Working Group by registering for the July 9 workshop.Places are limited, so register early to secure a place. For more information and registrations, visit https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/lismore-laneways-projectRead more news: Thursday Night Live explores 'Always Was – Always Will be?'Project background“In late 2019, Council held workshops around the region as part of an extensive community consultation process to develop a new Economic Development Strategy,” Cr Smith said.“This included a collaborative engagement process which sought to understand community aspirations for the future of Lismore.In partnership with VEE Design, Fourfold Studio and DFJ Architects, the project aims to work collaboratively with local businesses and community members to bring new life and activation to some of Lismore’s most under-utilised spaces.Harriet McKindlay, Placemaking Consultant with independent engagement specialists Fourfold Studio, said the project could not come at a better time to give businesses a sense of confidence in their city.“We are eager to partner with local Lismore businesses, cultural organisations and community leaders to get hands on in shaping the direction of this project and bringing life to these spaces,” Harriet said.“It will also support the community to reconnect as restrictions on gatherings and community interactions are eased.“The revitalisation and activation of Lismore’s laneways came through strongly in these engagement activities and was identified as a key priority."The Lismore Laneways Project will assist in activating underutilised land, support local businesses, create new public space at the city core, showcase local art, provide new space for activations and programs, and result in increased time and money spent in our city centre.”

If you are in the market for the perfect block of land in a new estate, don't hesitate. Six deposits have received deposits already as Stage 2 of the Eastwood Estate in Goonellabah was released this morning.Set on 21 hectares off Invercauld Road in Goonellabah, Stage 2 features large blocks up to 1145m2, stunning rural outlooks and a state-of-the-art playground. The new homesite will be known as the 'Hemlock Release'.“With Eastwood being the first McCloy Community in the Northern Rivers Region we wanted to showcase the quality we bring to our communities, by completing construction ahead of the first release we were able to bring locals to the site to see the unique and diverse offering for themselves and get a sense of the product to be rolled out over the 6 stages at Eastwood” Sam Rowe, Project Director advised. Stage one was released in November 2019 when 23 homesites went on sale.Clint McCarthy of LJ Hooker Lismore is the local agent to contact to view or secure your block of land with a $1000 holding deposit and 5% to exchange. The team can assist with NSW Government Grants, reputable builders and securing finance. “Those in the housing market can expect the same level of quality in stage 2 that we produced with stage 1. The playground will feature various children’s play equipment, swings, sky climber and seating... it will be a great addition for families", added Mr Rowe. As the saying goes, 'the early bird catches the worm'.

The casting call has gone out to aspiring actors in the Northern Rivers region who are keen to play a role in a new TV series.Recruitment agency Danny Long Casting is looking for teenagers and young adults from the ages of 18 to 30 years old, from all cultural backgrounds, who are based in the Northern Rivers or Byron Bay.A spokesperson for Danny Long casting told the Lismore App that “we are not in a position at this stage to release many details. “All we can say is that it is a fun and exciting new TV series,” she said.The open casting call is looking for people to audition for various paid acting roles – and no acting experience is necessary. “We are just looking for people who are willing to give it a go,” the spokeswoman said.Applicants must be available throughout August until November.To audition, visit https://www.dannylongcasting.com.au/casting-callsYou’ll need to record yourself reading out the lines given on the casting website and send in your audition video.Good luck and… break a leg!

A woman injured in a multi-vehicle car crash near Coraki this afternoon has been taken to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. An Ambulance NSW spokesperson said ambulance staff were called out just after 2pm this afternoon to Lagoon Road at Coraki, after receiving reports of the two car accident.“Three people were injured, with one female in her 30s sustaining potential arm injuries,” the spokesperson said.“Another two patients had minor injuries and were transported by road to Lismore Base Hospital.“The female was taken by helicopter to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition."

It’s been a long pandemic – and the books, printers, scanners and Wifi at Richmond Tweed Regional Library are awaiting us to come back to them.The good news for library users is that on Wednesday, July 1 all Richmond Tweed Regional Library buildings will reopen following the Covid lockdown period.Richmond Tweed Regional Library Manager, Jo Carmody said the library will continue to be widely available online, including the ability to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines.“There will be a continuation into the foreseeable future, of popular pre-recorded programs such as Storytime, which are accessible on Facebook and on the library’s YouTube channel,” she said.Live author events will also continue in the Regional Readers Book Club Facebook group.Jo said the Click and Collect service will cease on July 1 with physical branches reopening for you to select and collect items during opening hours.“If you have any concerns about visiting library branches to select and collect items, please contact your local library staff for other options,” Jo said.“We’re so excited to be able to welcome back our regular and new library users.“There are some very important conditions the community needs to be aware of before coming to the library.“Conditions which effect things like our opening hours, how many people can be in the library at any one time, and how staff are able to assist.“There’s also many ways the community can help us all keep safe and well.”Jo also said “unfortunately, the Mobile Library will be off the road due to its size”.“It’s a small space and there’s no way to guarantee the safety of the community and our staff in such confines,” she said.“We are determined to find a way to service our outlying communities as soon as possible.”You can keep up to date with all the latest news from the library on their website at www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au.Opening hours• The library will be operating at reduced hours, contact your library branch for more information or view the branch information on our website at rtrl.nsw.gov.au.• Seating will be reduced, and groups and meetings will not be permitted until further noticeReturns• All items should be returned via the chute on the outside of your library building (or to the returns area as directed at your library)• All returns will be quarantined for 72 hours prior to check-inBorrowing• Our Click and Collect service will finish on 1 July. You will be able to borrow items as normal and pick up reserves. If possible, please reserve items via the online catalogue available from the library website at rtrl.nsw.gov.au• The borrowing period will return to the usual 3 weeks• Frequently handled items like newspapers and children's toys will be unavailable at this timePublic computers• Printers, scanners, Wi-Fi, and a limited number of PCs will be available for you to use• Staff may be able to assist with computers, copying and scanning from the required 1.5 metre distance• PC sessions will be limited to 30 minutes and must be booked beforehand, by phone or online at rtrl.nsw.gov.auHelp by...• Sanitising your hands when you enter the library• Practicing good hygiene and maintaining social distancing• Staying at home if you are unwell• Using the loans stations where possibleOther information• Our eLibrary remains open 24/7• Children's programs and author events will continue online• Staff are available to help over the phone 9am-5pm, Monday to FridayCONDITIONS OF ENTRYIn order to make sure everyone is safe when visiting the library please follow the following conditions of entry:1. Show your membership card or sign in to enter the library2. Practice social distancing and good hygiene at all times3. Staff may be able to assist with computers, copying and scanning from the required 1.5 metre distance4. To reduce physical contact, EFTPOS is the preferred method of payment5. All returned items are quarantined for 72 hours prior to check-in6. Online programming will continue7. Please be respectful to staff and other visitors8. Download the COVIDSAFE app

Pecan growers Scott and Karen Clark embarked on a journey of misadventure and bad luck when they planted their first pecan crop in Lismore in 2007.Three weeks later, a big hail storm arrived and destroyed the planting- and they had to start again. Through the drought, the couple hand-watered their crop and never gave up.Kevin Hogan with Scott and Karen Clark on their Bangalow Road pecan farm.Scott is the president of the Australia Pecan Association (APS) and was pleased to receive a $20,000 cheque from Kevin Hogan yesterday to help fund a pecan growers conference in August 2021 and three field days in the region.While we may be more familiar with the large numbers of macadamia farms in hills in Lismore, Scott said pecans are one of the most suitable nut crops for our region’s soil and climate.The couple’s farm on the flood plain on Bangalow Road has seen a few floods over the last decade and the trees don’t mind at all.Today, their farm is looking good and last year they had a great pecan crop, with 750 kilos of high quality nuts.This was despite a calcium deficiency in the soil, which Scott said was due to the land being intensely farmed with corn 100 years ago.“Pecans don’t mind wet feet,” Scott said. “This river soil is perfect for pecans.“This climate is almost identical to Georgia in the US – the highest pecan production State.“Pecans love live being hedged and increases yield. We also have very few pests and disease, and virtually the whole industry is spray free.“Pecans should be the new growing industry on land macadamias can’t be grown.“Pecans take ten years to grow, so it takes farmers a long time to get established, but once you are, you are good return.”With about half the pecan growers in Australia in this region, it really is a growing industry.APA executive officer Anne Briggs said receiving the $20,000 grant from the Federal Government was the leg up the local industry needed.“The association only makes a small amount of money,” she said.“We need these funds to get growers from all around Australia to come to the conference, as well as conference experts in regenerative agriculture and focus on the important areas for us like climate change and resilience. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the funding was an important boost for the local pecan industry to support it to become more productive.“The Australian Pecan Industry Resilience Conference will be in late August 2021 and a series of field days will be held throughout the year,” Mr Hogan said.“It is important that our farmers can better prepare for drought and a changing climate.”The Australian Pecan Association (APA) is a key industry body for pecan farmers. It is based in Lismore and represents growers from across the country.Each year, APA host events and information sessions to connect members and industry.

Fiona Couch is a farm gate counsellor. She’s the new drought support worker for our Northern NSW region and her job is to talk to farmers who are doing it tough through the drought.She is one of 27 drought support clinicians who are guiding people on the path to mental wellbeing, by using her local knowledge and experience to engage with the community.Fiona is one of eight new drought support workers being introduced to an existing NSW government program - because the specialised care they provided to communities is crucial.After a decade supervising and directing clinicians, Ms Couch said she was delighted to get back on the front line to maintain her own clinical skills and experience.She comes from a fourth generation farming family in the region, so she has experienced first-hand the challenges, rewards, and stressors of the people she is reaching out to.“I’m incredibly blessed to still live in the family homestead built by my great grandparents in 1917 and can only imagine the impact of losing that to the prolonged effects of drought or fire,” Fiona said.“My home was threatened by fire last November, however I am one of the lucky ones and it was spared.“This experience, though, certainly contributed to my desire to help my rural community with the effects of the drought, fire and other adversities.“Being fourth generation of a dairying family in the region, I can speak the language, and have a deep understanding of the connection to the land, the joys and sorrows,” Fiona said.Ms. Couch is passionate about what she does and finds it incredibly rewarding reaching out to people who would otherwise have remained disconnected from mental health services. She says that one of the real advantages of the Farm Gate Counsellors program is that it allows busy rural people to access services at a time that suits them.“I have received such positive feedback. On many occasions people have spoken of what a blessing this has been as they would not have accessed other services.”NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the impact of the ongoing drought, compounded by devastating bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, “is weighing heavily on our rural communities”.“Having an authentic conversation wherever it works for the person doing it tough can really help to get the ball rolling towards improved mental health and wellbeing,” Mrs Taylor said.“This support is about providing a friendly face who gives the right help, at the right place, at the right time.”Drought support workers, often called ‘farm gate counsellors’, come from a variety of backgrounds, from individuals with nursing degrees to peer workers who combine invaluable lived experience with on-the-job mental health training and support.The additional funding for the new positions is available under the Emergency Drought Relief Package which was announced earlier this month by the NSW Government. It includes an $11.93 million investment to improve access to and delivery of mental health services in rural and remote communities.For a full list of drought support measures, including drought mental health programs, go to: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/droughthub and www.nsw.gov.au/drought-in-nswRead more news: Dairy farmers get help to lower power bills

Asbestos can again be taken to the Recycling & Recovery Centre at Wyrallah Road as Lismore City Council resumes more services at the facilityIt's goo news for people with domestic asbestos such as household kits, commercial asbestos and any other waste containing asbestos.Council has made some changes to requirements regarding packaging, transporting and receiving of asbestos to ensure the safety of staff and users.For more information, visit Northern Rivers Waste website for details before arriving at the facility http://www.northernriverswaste.com.auCommunity Recycling Centre reopensThe popular Community Recycling Centre has also re-opened after it was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.Now that new safety measures have been put in place, the facility has re-opened, residents can once again safely dispose of items such as batteries, oils, fluorescent light tubes, and household and garden chemicals. The Revolve Shop remains closed at this time. It will re-open once all restrictions regarding handling materials are lifted. Recycling Items and asbestos will be accepted Monday to Friday between 8am and 3pm, and Saturday’s from 9am to 4pm.

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed over $456,000 in progressive announcements by the NSW Government which benefits the Lismore local community under its Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 3.Ms Saffin said she had strongly supported many of the successful projects, and now joined with Government representatives Ben Franklin and Adam Marshall in congratulating community groups and councils.“Round 3 allocated $100 million for community projects in regional New South Wales, and $50 million for youth-related projects, now even more important with youth feeling anxious about their future because of COVID-19,” Ms Saffin said.Ms Saffin said successful projects included:·         Young Women’s Christian Association NSW Northern Rivers’ Youth Arts Café, Goonellabah -- $195,000.·         One Vision Productions’ creative arts-based wellbeing programs for high school students in the Lismore and Ballina electorates -- $110,000.·         Lismore Swans AFL Club’s new white PVC fence at Mortimer Oval -- $115,000.·         Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) to establish a youth theatre hub -- $106,000.·         Lismore City Council and Richmond River Riders Incorporated towards upgrading Nesbitt Park BMX dirt track to an asphalt pump track -- $99,769. ·         Rekindling the Spirit Limited’s upgrade of Shearman and Elders Park, Goonellabah -- $56,315.·         Lismore PCYC towards a new air-conditioning system and purpose fitted doors for exercise rooms -- $50,261.Some of the successful projects have been announced by the Lismore App but the $106,000 for NORPA to establish a youth theatre hub has been missed due to more high profile stories about NORPA's survival in the recent Council Operational Budget Plan for 2020/21.Now, that has been secured with funding restored to $180,000 (reduced from a contracted $260,000) at last weeks council meeting, we can talk more positively about the Youth Theatre Hub.Artistic Director at NORPA Julian Louis said the grant was over two years which kicks off in 2021. "The grant allows us to employ someone to manage the program and fund productions", Julian explained."In a couple of weeks we will be asking parents and their children for expressions of interest in youth theatre. So, if your child enjoys drama, acting, dancing, improvisation or even being the class clown be running some workshops plus one or two productions per year".There will be a fee charged to parents for these workshops with more details to come from Julian and the team at NORPA.In the meantime, there is some excellent news for theatre goers with Julian announcing the first shows at NORPA now they are allowed to open (still under the 4 square metre rule) from July 1.There will be some music shows with dinner offered throughout the month of August.Seating will be for 50 people set out in the lighting with jugs of sangria before enjoying the show."We are itching to kick it off", Julian said.More details to come in the coming weeks.

Military grade firearms were seized and a man arrested by police today, during raids of properties in Goonellabah and Ballina.During the searches, police allegedly located and seized methylamphetamine and MDMA, firearms parts and cash.The operation was part of a joint police operation across three States, which has seen arrests made as well as the alleged seizure of large amounts of drugs and cash.At Lismore Police Station today, Detective Acting Superintendent Cameron Lindsay said police executed search warrants across Queensland, NSW and Victoria, as part of an ongoing six-month investigation into an alleged criminal drug supply syndicate.A 28-year-old man was arrested at Ballina today with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit.Police arrest a man in Ballina today.He was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with several offences, including:Supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug (three counts)Supply commercial quantity of prohibited drug (two counts)Manufacture large commercial quantity of prohibited drug (two counts)Supply prohibited firearmSupply prohibited firearm partSupply ammunition, andKnowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.Police arrest a man in Ballina today.Detective Lindsay said the man is assisting local police with enquiries. He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 24 June 2020).“Police have also made two arrests in Queensland and two in Victoria and we allege they are part of a syndicate working in the northern region,” he said.“Police will allege the men have been involved in large commercial supply and manufacture of illegal drugs in the State and are involved in the supply of illegal weapon firearms,” he said.Detective Acting Superintendent Cameron Lindsay.Detective Lindsay said police will allege they found a large commercial supply of MDMA and amphetamines “worth hundreds of thousands of dollars”, indicating the drugs are “moving across borders into this area”.“We also allege we seized a large amount of cash, and allege a pill press was seized which could indicate people are manufacturing drugs and selling them,” he said.In January 2020, detectives attached to the Richmond Police District Drug Unit and State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad established Strike Force Ranson to investigate the importation, manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs and the supply of prohibited weapons in northern NSW and south-east QLD.“We are especially concerned by the type of weapons and firearms seized in this operation,” Detective Lindsay said.“We allege there is a cross over between the sale of illegal drugs and firearms and we ask anyone with information about the sale of drugs or firearms to contact Crimestoppers.”Detective Lindsay said police inquiries are ongoing and police anticipate more arrests as the investigation continues.“I’m pleased we have now seized these dangerous weapons and they are off the streets,” he said.“I believe this will make a big difference in the area to the drug supplies.”Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.