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.

Are we seeing more millennials (young people 20-35 years old) moving from cities to our region? A free webinar tomorrow looks at what the population trends around the country are and explores the findings of Regional Australia Institute’s (RAI) myth-busting report, The Big Movers.The report unveils the top five destinations young people from cities are moving to. Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers chief executive Tim Williamson said the Gold Coast and Newcastle were high up on the popularity list of new residents.“Millennials are moving out of metro regions and into regional areas for a few reasons; the cost of housing; so they have accelerated career opportunities; and general lifestyle factors,” he said.North Coast“We can also offer these in our North Coast region – we have a new North Coast brand initiative with strategies to attract young people and their families to our region - and strategies to start up more investment and employment opportunities."Mr Williamson said the North Coast region has seen a slow increase in population year after year.“And up until Covid-19 came along we also saw a rapid drop in employment,” he said.“Once our economy moves again, we have the capacity to attract more young people – our region’s biggest employer in the health industry.“It’s not just about giving people a job – It’s also about assisting young entrepreneurs and startups.”TrendsRAI chief executive Liz Ritchie said that regional Australia attracted more people than it lost to capital cities during the last Census - 65,204 more to be precise. “According to census data, Australia has a highly mobile population, with 39% of Australians moving every five years and 80%more likely to move around than other OECD countries,” Liz said.Between 2011 and 2016, more than 1.2 million people either moved to regional Australia or moved around regional Australia from one location to another. More than 500,000 of these people moved from a capital city to the regions.The Big MoversThe Big Movers webinar will feature on the panel RAI Chief Economist, Dr Kim Houghton, REA Group Chief Economist, Nerida Conisbee, and Murray River Council Mayor, Chris Bilkey.Key insights from the report will be presented, and the pre- and post-COVID-19 impacts for property as seen by realestate.com.au, as well as the success factors for a growing inland region.To book your place in the webinar tomorrow, Wednesday, June 24 at 10.30am, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_K7HcLx0WSWmkjxyFuIU69QGet in quick - registrations close today at 6pm.Read more news: Dairy farmers get help to lower power bills

Dairy farmers can now apply for grants to support them in making their energy use more efficient and lowering their power bills.The Federal Government's Energy Efficient Communities Program offers up to $20,000 for a dairy farming business to upgrade equipment.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said "energy use in milk cooling, milk harvesting and hot water production is one of the highest overheads in the dairy industry".“This is costing dairy farmers as high as $12,800 per 100 cows each year,” Mr Hogan said. “This funding will provide financial support at a time when so many in the dairy industry are struggling.” “It is about keeping more money in their pockets.” “Supporting the long-term sustainability of our dairy farmers is critical to the sustainability of our community and our food security.” The Energy Efficient Communities Program was announced as part of the Government’s Climate Solutions Package in the 2019 Federal Budget. $10 million has been made specifically available for the dairy round. Grant guidelines and application forms for the dairy round are available at business.gov.au, or by telephone on 13 28 46. Applications will close on 17 August 2020. Read more news: Are millenials on the move to our region? Webinar bares the facts

“I am really happy with our Virtual Lantern Parade, we held the space and thank everyone who participated virtually or on the street", these were the words of CEO and Creative Director Jyllie Jackson following the first Virtual Lismore Lantern Parade on Saturday night. Jyllie and her team were forced to think creatively after COVID-19 hit with a force in March making the normal street event which attracts crowds of 25,000 each year impossible with government restrictions."There was a steady flow of people who came down town, social distancing was great", Jyllie added, "we had installed lanterns throughout the CBD so there were loads of selfies happening".Another first for the Lismore Lantern Parade was the Zoom event which was open to all people from around the country and the world."People popped in from Melbourne, Sydney, across the Northern Rivers and even the U.K. We had a special live visit from Costa Giardardis (Gardening Australia host and Dirtgirlworld Garden Gnome) to check up on his lantern double who was doing a little gardening in Keen Street"."The Live Lantern Tour with Fairie Nixie was also a great success with people popping in from all over the country".In addition, there were the displays in people's front yards, balconies and patios with special mention to East Lismore who displayed their lanterns proudly.You can still purchase your $15 lantern kits from Jyllie and the team on-line.The re-scheduled date for the Lismore Lantern Parade is Saturday November 14.Jyllie ended her comments by saying "We are looking forward to doing something again in November as long as everyone is careful and we are not back in lockdown". The whole community will look forward to a full blown Lismore Lantern Parade on that date......fingers crossed.

Have you found that parking in the CBD has been very lenient since the March lockdown and the closing of many businesses? Well, that leniency is about to change from July 6.Lismore City Council released this statement.Parking patrols in the Lismore CBD will be re-instated from July 6, 2020 following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.Lismore City Council had temporarily suspended patrols when restrictions were first imposed to help support local businesses, Council’s Manager of Development & Compliance Chris Watts said.“Now that restrictions have eased, more people and significant activity is returning to the CBD. This means we need to reinstate patrols to make sure equitable parking is available for both shoppers and staff. This will help to reinvigorate the CBD and our local economy,” he said.“We thank everyone in advance for adhering to all parking signage, such as timed parking and loading zones."Free all-day parking remains at all pre-Covid 19 locations, such as the Harold Fredricks and John Crowther carpark.Leading up to July 6, Council will be undertaking patrols, issuing warnings for exceeding time limits and undertaking educational activities.Thank you LCC for the period of grace. Now to get used to an old way of life once again as we make progress to the new normal.

Op Shop lovers take note, another is opening its doors for the first time since March 10 tomorrow (Monday June 22) at 10am.The Anglican Op Shop on Rous Road in Goonellabah is the latest Op Shop to begin trading following the easing of restrictions due to COVID-19. Vinnies and Lifeline in Magellan Street and the Salvation Army Op Shop in Carrington have opened over the last month.In fact you have been forgiven for thinking the building was being demolished with the fencing around the frontage for the last two weeks but that was for repairs to the shop building following a car crash in November 2019.(Reverend Christian Ford and volunteers outside of the Goonellabah Anglican Op Shop)Reverend Christian Ford said that the coronavirus has been timely as it has allowed them to get the necessary work completed while also taking care of other maintenance issues as was the case with the Anglican Church Hall."It has allowed us to get the shop in good nick, the shop is the best I have seen it in quite some time", Rev Ford said.If you have been waiting to donate some goods to the Anglican Op Shop please allow the team one week to get their systems in place. They accept clothing for adults, kids and babies, kitchen items, blankets, doona's, towels, bric a brac but not furniture or electrical items.The hygiene process is very thorough with Rev Ford saying "Everything that comes in will have a process where it is sanitised then left for three days before being wiped, sorted and put on the shelves".There is a call for more people to volunteer in the Op Shop if you are under 80 years old. "We have 40 volunteers but we are not letting our elderly people work at the moment for safety reasons". If you can help out please call into the Op Shop at 54 Rous Road, Goonellabah.It will be open Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's for the first month between 10am and 2pm.Staff have spent the last three weeks reading and understanding the government regulations then introducing the correct workplace health and safety health. Due to the current restrictions there will only be 4 people allowed in the store at any one time.

The good news is that the indoor pool, Aqua classes and the creche at the Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre will reopen on Monday, 22 June. Lismore City Mayor Isaac Smith said "this is great news for the community who have been waiting for the pool to re-open after it was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions". “Lismore City Council staff have been working hard to put all necessary procedures in place to ensure we could re-open this very popular facility as soon as possible," he said. Due to ongoing COVID-19 procedures to protect the safety of visitors and staff, the number of participants in GSAC’s Aqua classes will be capped at 20 until further notice. The number of children using the Creche will also be capped at 20. To ensure a space, we recommend making a booking. Learn to Swim will recommence soon with a start date to be advised. The café will remain closed at this stage. For the safety of users and our staff, we ask all visitors to follow safety protocols: All members must wash their hands prior to and after their visitPatrons must bring their own drink bottle/water as the water coolers will remain closed. Water is available for purchaseToilets and change rooms will be accessible, however, social distancing applies with every second shower remaining closed. Saunas will also remain closedAll members must maintain correct social distancing of 1.5m when in the CentreWe prefer cashless transactionsIf any member is unwell with flu like symptoms (cough, runny nose or fever) we ask that you stay home The interim opening hours at this stage are: Monday to Friday: 6am to 7pmSaturday 8am to 1pm Creche hours are Monday to Friday: 9am to 11.45amSaturday: 8am to 11.15am A new Group Fitness Timetable will be in place from Monday, 22 August to include Aqua. Swimfit Group Fitness Classes will recommence Term 3 – Monday, 20 July. For more information, visit www.gsac.net.au

The weather has cleared to what looks like a perfect winters afternoon/evening for the 2020 Virtual Lismore Lantern Parade.While there is major disappointment from the community at not being able to be part of the usual street filled Lantern Parade celebration of the winter solstice, there are still plenty of ways for you and your family to be involved.1. Register for the Lantern Zoom Party In partnership with our wonderful friends at Moorambilla Voices you are encouraged to have your own Lantern Parade Party at home, in your driveway or safely in your street between 6pm and 7pm on Saturday 20 June 2020 and join our Lantern Parade Zoom Party. You will need to register to join in and share the fun. Spaces are limited so register today.​Or take photos or videos and send them to us festival@lanternparade.com or upload onto the Lismore Lantern Parade Facebook site.2. Join the Facebook Lantern Pop up PartyCome on down to Lismore’s CBD, wander around the block and check out the beautiful Enchanted Windows – reimagined, and delight at the gorgeous LightnUp Lanterns installed in the gardens to lightnthehearts of our community. The mythical Nixie le Fae will take you on a magical mystery live tour of the heart of Lismore, so hop on to our Lismore Lantern Parade Facebook page and keep her company! Unfortunately, if it is really raining hard, the lanterns will not be able to go out but as we mentioned the weather is looking promising.​When: Saturday 20 June, 2020Where: Lismore CBDTime: 6-7pm​3. Get your Enchanted Windows Map and explore the Lismore CBD ... you'll be enchanted!4. Watch our Lantern Video Montage showcasing lantern creations from friends near and far.A montage video above has been created by gathering photos from the people who have purchased and decorated our lantern kits and turning them into a beautiful montage video along with some of our special lantern moments from years gone by. The beautiful soundtrack is a composition by Alice Chance performed for our 25th anniversary special guests Moorambilla Voices.So, there you have it, four ways to be involved this evening for the 2020 Virtual Lismore Lantern Parade.Get amongst it Lismore and surrounding towns!

Traffic delays for motorists in Goonellabah can be expected this weekend while road maintenance work gets underway.The Bruxner Highway will see road resurfacing work carried out near the intersection with Invercauld Road.Transport for NSW advises that traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions at times on Sunday June, 21 between 8am and 5pm while the work is carried out to provide a stronger, longer lasting and safer road.The intersection of Invercauld Road and the Bruxner Highway and the intersection of the eastern end of Kellas Street and the Bruxner Highway will be closed while the work is carried out, with detours in place.Motorists should allow an additional five minutes travel time, drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

After 28 years of operating from his clinic on Keen Street, Markus Goeldi, acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, is closing the Lismore Acupuncture and Natural Therapy Centre.The centre will close its doors on June 24.“It’s time to slow down,” Markus said. “I’m 69 years old and it’s time I took the advice I give to other people - and know when it’s time to take a break.“I’m ready for less pressure. When you deal with a number of people, you need to focus and often you keep thinking ‘is there something I could have done better’.“Plus the overheads of running a clinic is so expensive – there are times I would have been better off being on the dole.”Since 1992, when Markus bought the upstairs clinic from a naturopathy school, he has brought his unique healing style to many locals – many of whom come to him when they don’t know what’s really wrong with them.He’s treated people with renal failure successfully with Chinese herbs - and western doctors who only offered dialysis as a treatment have been amazed.“I say to them, God cures you, but I collect the fee,” he laughed.Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)When someone arrives to see him, he assesses a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing first, before the physical symptoms.Part of his treatment is checking your pulses and looking at your tongue. It’s one of the core diagnostic tools used in TCM.He’s spent that last few decades constantly learning, beginning his training as a nurse in Switzerland, then learning about homeopathy, acupuncture and TCM - which became more acceptable in western society over the years.“I’ve always used homeopathic medicine - too many people are sensitive to other medicines,” he said.Markus said he put the ongoing, constant study into Chinese Medicine over the years “because it works”.“When I was a nurse, I saw people could do anesthesia with acupuncture - without using chemicals - and I thought if there is a possibility, I would like to study acupuncture one day,” he said.“In Switzerland unless you were a medical professional, you couldn’t.“So, when I came to Australia I could finally do it. Now, anybody can do tertiary education and study acupuncture.“These days TCM is more technical – almost like western medicine – more about how to replace drugs with herbs.”Markus also studied the works of Rudolph Steiner and was an Anthroposophical doctor, using homeopathic medicine from a spiritual viewpoint.“In the end TCM was more effective – the medicine always works - but the practitioner is not always aware of what to do,” he said.“The formula changes according to your blood results – it’s a synergy – and different combinations of herbs have different effects.“TCM is not just giving you herbs, it's working out what you are doing with your life."Growing upGrowing up, Markus said he was not healthy and was sensitive. He even died once and thought he wouldn’t live long.“Then something changed in my heart,” he said. “I realised what makes us function is that if someone is nice to you, you feel better and hope comes back.“We all need to realise we are a spirit living in a soul, having a body - and the body is a vehicle and we have to look after it.“It all starts in the spirit as to how we perceive life and later on this helps us to change our emotions.“We have to build our character and we all need to learn this - to think and be considerate to everybody else and our surroundings.See the person - love is the key“You have to see the person, not the disease. I always treat people in the way I like to be treated.“Love is more powerful than the disease, because when you have love, you have hope, and hope helps your body to function better.“But as soon as you lose hope and get depressed, cranky and frustrated, it blocks your energy and as a result your body can’t do what it wants to do - because the body depends on how you feel and how you talk.“So if you say bad things about yourself, it’s going to affect your body.”Future In the future, he plans to slow down at home in Jiggi and grow herbs.His faith in humanity is one of the things that keeps him going.“I love the people I treat - I know they are willing to change and can - and just need encouragement that’s all,” he said.“We are made from love, for love and we can all become who we are meant to become."Markus will be missed by many in the local community.

This weekend is the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year), it is Sunday June 21 to be exact. As every local knows that means the Lismore Lantern Parade should be hitting the CBD with crowds of 25,000 lining the streets.Thanks to coronavirus, the Lismore Lantern Parade has moved to November 14, however Jyllie Jackson and her team having been working hard to put alternative events on this year so we are not left with an empty space.Tomorrow (Saturday) there are two events you can support and be involved with, either passively or actively.The first is through the Virtual Lantern Parade where people who have bought and decorated their lanterns will put them out on their doorsteps, balconies, verandahs or front gardens from 6pm tonight in a show of support for the traditional Lantern Parade winter solstice timing. You can walk around your neighbourhood to view these lanterns or jump on their facebook page for a virtual tour starting at 6pm facebook page withCheckout the video montage from people that have already decorated their lanterns as well as previous parade images video montage.The second way to take the family and walk the streets of the CBD this evening.The Lismore City Council has sponsored the Enchanted Windows display. This is where businesses in the CBD have purchased and decorated lanterns to hang or place in their shopfront windows. Plus Jyllie and her LightnUp team will be setting up some lantern pop-ups too, making it a drive or wander through the streets of the CBD viewing the lanterns before grabbing some takeaway from local cafes and restaurants.The weather for the weekend is looking mostly positive with some showers likely but we are talking 40% so worth the effort to get into the CBD with the family. Rug up as minimums will be 9-10 degrees with tops of 19-20 during the day. By the way next week the weather is forecast to be brilliant blue sky with plenty of sunshine.The Lismore Regional Gallery opened its doors again on Wednesday and will be open over the weekend between 10am and 2pm and the Nimbin Artists Gallery is open between 11am and 4pm for those that have missed the art world during COVID-19.The Lismore Farmers Markets kicks off at 8am tomorrow. As well as the fresh fruit and vegies, hot coffee and hot food, Jyllie and the Lantern Parade team will have a stall so you can buy last minute lanterns to decorate.There has been no addition to the bush walks we can do with Rocky Creek Dam still closed. The Rous County Council saying they are still looking for commercial cleaners for their facilities before opening again. Can anyone help?That leaves us with Minyon Falls, Protestor Falls and the Big Scrub walks.Time for some Friday jokes to put a smile on your dial.....