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

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions and night work on the Pacific Highway from Monday 6 to Sunday 12 July for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, weather permitting. There will be no roadwork on the Pacific Highway between Kew and the Queensland border from 6am Friday 3 July to 6am Monday 6 July and between Glenugie and the Queensland border from 6am Friday 10 July to 6am Monday 13 July due to high traffic volumes expected for the school holidays. Emergency maintenance and safety repair work will be carried out as required. Also from Monday, there will be four days of work on the Pacific Highway between Woodburn and Devils Pulpit to carry out earthwork, paving, drainage work and landscaping. Motorists can expect traffic control, reduced speed limits and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm. There will be four nights and four days of work on the Pacific Highway between Devils Pulpit and Mororo from Monday to carry out line marking, asphalting and to install signage, drainage and wire rope barriers. Motorists can expect traffic control, lane closures and short stoppages at times while this work is carried out. Also from Monday, there will be up to four days of work next to the Pacific Highway between Glenugie and Maclean to carry out landscape and vegetation maintenance and survey work. Motorists can expect traffic control, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h and short stoppages at times between 7am and 6pm. There will be up to five days of work from Monday on Big River Way at Glenugie and Tyndale to carry out line marking, landscape maintenance and install signage. Motorists can expect a lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h between 7am and 6pm.  Additional changes to local roads Also from Monday, there will be up to six days of work at the Iluka interchange, Iluka Road and Banana Road to carry out earthwork, paving and allow access to site Motorists can expect traffic control and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm. Traffic control will be in place on Jubilee Street at Townsend and Cameron Street at Maclean for up to six days from Monday to allow access to site and to carry out earthwork, asphalting and line marking. Motorists can expect lane closures, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm. Traffic control will be in place on Bensons Lane at Tyndale to allow heavy vehicles to access site from Monday. Motorists can expect short stoppages at times. Road maintenance and the removal of temporary signage will be carried out for five days along Coldstream Road and Bostock Road at Tucabia, Wooli Road and Firth Heinz Road at Pillar Valley and Eight Mile Lane at Glenugie from Monday. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h between 7am and 6pm. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701. 

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

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

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

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

At 3pm this afternoon when the school bell or siren sounds, the winter school holiday break begins. That means thousands of families hitting the road to get away for prolonged period after being in lockdown for the Easter holidays.The word from the Richmond Police District is to stay safe on Northern NSW roads during school holiday period.Richmond Police District police are urging those travelling on the roads this school holiday break to be alert and aware of their surroundings, as thousands of people are expected to travel throughout regional NSW.The NSW school holiday period commences on Monday 6 July and runs until Friday 17 July, with thousands of families expected to head north to regional and coastal towns.Richmond Police District Acting Commander, Cameron Lindsay, says this is likely the first trip many families have taken in months and is urging them to take it slow.“We understand and appreciate everyone’s desire to get out and explore parts of the state outside of our local towns, but with a large influx of traffic on the roads, we all have to be aware that some drivers haven’t been behind the wheel of a car in three-months.” Acting Superintendent Lindsay said.“With Queensland re-opening its border with NSW from Friday 10 July and many people heading north to chase the warmer weather, we all have to be patient – there will be delays, there will be congestion, but please take your time and don’t rush.The reported traffic jam is predicted to be up to 20km's from July 10 as Queensland police check declarations that travellers have not come from a Melbourne hot spot.“Ensure you take regular breaks at rest stops along the way, drive to the conditions and don’t have your mobile phone anywhere within reach while behind the wheel.“In saying that, before you head out for that road trip, make sure your vehicle has been given an appropriate safety check by a mechanic – particularly if it’s been stored in a garage for some time collecting dust.“With a larger volume of vehicles and caravans on the road, we are urging drivers to please take it easy and don’t rush – it’s better to get to your destination a couple of hours later than not arriving at all.“Popular locations such as Ballina and Evans Head will also likely see an influx of visitors during the next fortnight. Please keep in mind social distancing when out in public and adhere to all relevant COVID-safe plans and rules at pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants.“We aren’t out of the woods yet with COVID-19, we all still have to be alert and following social distancing guidelines. This is even more important in regional and rural locations where a large portion of holidaymakers will be from out of town." Acting Superintendent Lindsay said.

With no new cases of coronavirus yet recorded in the local health district in the last 66 days, the arrival of passengers from travel-restricted Covid hot-spots in Melbourne into Ballina airport has raised community concerns about virus transmission.Read more news: NSW to ban visitors from Victorian Covid-19 hotspotsBallina Mayor David Wright said since the NSW Government’s Public Health Order restricting travel came in yesterday, people arriving at Ballina airport from Melbourne were being screened for Covid by airport staff when they arrived.“People are coming because the borders are open and still airlines are legally allowed to fly in,” Cr Wright said.“I understand people being nervous – I’m nervous too.“I’m elderly too and I meet a lot of people. I don’t have the power to stop people arriving – even though Council owns the airport, it’s run by State and Federal guidelines.“We’ve only had flights back in our airport for the last week or so, from Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.“Since yesterday, arrivals were also tested in Melbourne for Covid before they got the plane.”Cr Wright said the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has also sent a team of medical professionals to the airport to help with the testing.“So now we have nurses running the tests and police are also there to help,” he said.“If they and police find anyone with a high temperature, they will be put into a testing area, like Ballina Bowling Club.“If they are found to be carrying Covid, they will be taken back to Melbourne on the next flight, or if they are from a Melbourne suburb in lockdown, they will be fined.“If they just picked it up, they will be quarantines by the Local Health District staff.”Cr Wright said next week Ballina airport is ramping up and would be receiving 43 flights a week.“We are doing everything we can and making sure you can’t go without hand sanitiser,” he said.“It took an extra half hour to get on plane yesterday.”TourismWith school holidays about to start in NSW and already underway for QLD and Victoria, this is one of the busiest times of the year in the Northern Rivers and more people are arriving.Cr Wright said a lot of people from Victoria had already arrived in town after driving up.“Hopefully they are alright too,” he said.“We’ve have Queenslanders here from start and some businesses in town are doing well."With a need to open up the economy after a quiet period of shut down across the whole area - from Lismore to the coast - the unfolding issue of the potential spread of Covid-19 and the need to have tourists is a complex one.Cr Wright said Council was taking it very seriously, but would accept what the experts said was necessary.“If Covid is spreading on Melbourne, it may be that they say airlines can’t fly from Melbourne to here anymore,” he said.“I’m pleased we have Sydney and Canberra flights arriving and people still want to stay.”A recent Facebook post from a local about the issue.Local MP speaks upLismore MP Janelle Saffin said she had already made representations to the State Health Minister Brad Hazzard on behalf of many concerned Lismore locals about the arrivals from Melbourne.Ms Saffin said while the current response from local health authorities was reassuring, it should have been brought in sooner.“Why don’t they bring in the restrictions and testing at the start of Victorian holidays?” she said.“We have to go with it and be as safe as we can – but I understand the community’s concerns.”Health responseNorthern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) chief executive Wayne said the new Public Health Order included penalties of up to $11,000- or six-month imprisonment for those found guilty of breaching them. “We will continue to keep the public updated on any changes to health advice as the pandemic evolves,” Mr Jones said.“We urge individuals to maintain physical distancing, wash hands regularly, and cover coughs and sneezes to minimise any risk of COVID-19 transmission,” Mr Jones said.If you have any symptoms at all, even a mild sore throat or runny nose, don’t delay in getting tested at your local hospital, GP or pop up testing clinic.What is the Public Health Order?Public Health (COVID-19 Interstate Hotspots) Order 2020 relates to “affected persons”, persons who in the last 14 days have been in a COVID hotspot.The order directs that an affected person must not travel to NSW unless:they are a NSW residententering to obtaining medical or other care; to fulfil a legal obligation or give effect to a Court order; to provide an essential service (there is a non-exclusive list in the order re what is an essential service and it includes emergency, law enforcement, freight, health services, defence).If an affected person enters NSW, they must self isolate at their place of residence or another suitable place and remain there until 14 days have passed since the person was in a COVID hotspot. There are only limited reasons an affected person can leave their home, including obtaining medical care, complying with legal obligations, providing an essential service, in an emergency or to leave NSW. The person must comply with the NSW Health self isolation guidelines.Another person cannot enter the affected person’s place of residence except in limited circumstances e.g. normally live there or providing medical care or delivering food.The Minster has the power to exempt compliance, which has been delegated.Where are the hotspots?3012 Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham, West Footscray3021 Albanvale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans3032 Ascot Vale, Highpoint City, Maribyrnong, Travancore3038 Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens3042 Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie, Niddrie North3046 Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park3047 Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana3055 Brunswick South, Brunswick West, Moonee Vale, Moreland West3060 Fawkner3064 Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickelham, Roxburgh Park, Kalkallo

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on Union Street in Lismore this weekend for essential maintenance work to be carried out on Colemans Bridge.The bridge will be closed to all traffic from 6am on Saturday 4 to 5pm on Sunday 5 June, weather permitting, as part of ongoing strengthening and maintenance work.One of the bridge’s two pedestrian walkways will remain open at all times.Work will be carried out between 6am and 5pm each day, but the bridge will remain closed overnight on Saturday.Motorists are advised there will be regular weekend closures until the end of June 2020.An alternative route from South Lismore to the Lismore CBD is available via Union Street, and the Bruxner Highway (Elliott Road).From the Lismore CBD to South Lismore, use the Bruxner Highway and Union Street.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Lovers of history can again explore the treasures in the Lismore Regional Museum on Molesworth Street.The museum has reopened its doors after a few months of Covid-19 induced dormancy, but it is operating on limited hours because of a shortage of volunteers.Richmond River Historical Society president Robert Smith said the museum and its research room are particularly short of volunteers on Tuesdays and Fridays.“Due to the extra work for our volunteers due to Covid19 requirements, we can only open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am-1pm,” he said. “We are being careful with Covid safety procedures and have maximum numbers in rooms and hand cleaning.“We could stay open longer if we had more volunteers.“Our normal hours were usually 10am to 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.”If you are keen to volunteer at the museum, Robert said you don’t need to have special skills to help out. Read more news: Can Nimbin’s 150 year old tree be saved from developers? “You can pick up skills that are useful elsewhere and get good references with a smile,” Robert said.“You can be trained up on the front desk, forwarding queries onto others.“You don’t need to know all the history of the local area, but you learn a lot along the way. Every day is stimulating - meeting different people and thinking of new topics to explore in history.“People often come in with an object from their family and don’t know anything about it and think we might like it. “So, working here, you get to find out what happened to the object and how we evaluate it.“Sometimes rare objects distinct to region need to go on immediate display – or there might be old copies of the Northern Star which we already have or might be available electronically.”Robert is particularly interested in people with IT skills who can help out making Audio Visual displays to help make the museum more contemporary.“if you have a First Aid certificate or RSA for functions or a drivers licence for a bus or customer service expertise that’s always helpful too.”If you are interested in volunteering, phone the museum on 6621 9993, email info@richhistory.org.au or visit the website http://www.richhistory.org.au/lismore-museum/If you’ve never been to Lismore Museum on Molesworth Street before, it’s opposite the Rous water building.“We’ve been here since 1991 and we’re trying to Council to allow us to have a bigger sign so people can see us,” Robert laughed. The museum is housed in the old Lismore Municipal Building at 165 Molesworth Street, in premises provided by Lismore City Council.The Museum is on the upper level, and access is available by stairs or lift. Parking is available on the street.Read more news: More help arrives for domestic violence survivors

Domestic violence specialist support services in the Lismore region have received a much needed funding boost from the Federal Government.Legislative Council Member Ben Franklin announced today that $750,000 would be made available to allow domestic violence victim-survivors to access more help during the Covid-10 pandemic."This pandemic has increased the potential for domestic abuse in homes across our community, so we want to ensure help is available and accessible at this crucial time," Mr Franklin said.“Our dedicated frontline services as well as police and local court staff do an incredible job each day responding to the terrible scourge of domestic and family violence.“It is amazing that we have so many dedicated organisations to helping victims of domestic abuse and I can’t thank them enough for the work they do in protecting and supporting vulnerable people in our community.“If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please contact the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 when it’s safe to do so,” Mr Franklin said.Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said more victim-survivors have sought assistance during the pandemic and are presenting to services with more complex needs.“This comprehensive package responds to a range of issues raised with the Government during this pandemic, and aims to protect women and children and ultimately save lives,” Mr Speakman said.Services to receive money include:Lismore Homelessness Accommodation Support Service for Women and Children Experiencing Domestic and Family ViolenceNorthern NSW Homelessness Support Service for Aboriginal Women Experiencing Domestic and Family ViolenceNorthern NSW Homelessness Support Service for Women Experiencing Domestic and Family ViolenceWDVCAS – Northern Rivers Community Legal CentreMullumbimby Women's ServiceMDNC Staying Home Leaving ViolenceHope Haven Women's RefugeThe $21 million additional investment across the State for domestic violence frontline specialist services comprises $12.8 million from the NSW Government and $8.8 million from the Commonwealth Government.The package includes state-wide funding for women’s refuges, Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV), Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), legal services, and for the NSW Domestic Violence Line which provides 24/7 crisis counselling and support referrals

A tree on Alternative Way in Nimbin is under threat of being removed for housing development - and Lismore councillor Vanessa Ekins said the community has one last chance at saving it.Cr Ekins said the large tree, along with another near it, was originally to have been protected. But the developers now want to modify the existing development application to remove it.Read more news: Nimbin Environment Centre gets money for weed removalOver the last year, Cr Ekins said councillors had already received numerous complaints from concerned residents about the large trees and the 60 lot housing development being too close to them.While the Development Application (DA) has already been on public display and numerous public submissions were received in response to it, Cr Ekins said the developers now wanted to divide up the housing lot on which the trees stands - and potentially build a road to access a pump station.“We can still stop changes to the development,” she said.“I urge concerned community residents to ring or email their councillors before July 15 when we are likely to discuss and potentially approve the DA modification.“We need the public to urge councillors to change their vote in chamber and say they don’t want the tree removed.“It’s a powerful thing to ring a councillor – they respond to phone calls.“We lose 200 mature trees from our urban area every year and even though we plant some, it takes a long time to replace a 150 year old tree – that’s six human generations.”HistoryThe Nimbin housing 60-lot subdivision has already seen stages 1-3 completed, but stages 4-7 are still underway.The large tree under threat was originally thought to be a 150 year old River Red Gum – a koala food tree - and developers were told they had to retain them and create protection zones around them, after public objections were made.Cr Ekins said Council sent an arborist to inspect the two trees and discovered they were actually Sydney Blue Gums, which are not koala food trees.The arborist also found that one of the trees had structural defects and a history of large limb failure, which could cause potential risk to life if a branch fell. “My argument is leave the tree, move the road around it and make the area a park for people instead of being greedy and making an extra housing lot,” Cr Ekins said.“Even if they are not koala trees, they still provide habitat because they contain hollows – which are rare. “Some of the submissions Council received also say how the trees are important and highly visible in the landscape.”Cr Ekins said if councillors voted to keep the DA as it was, Council staff would then be able to ask the developers to prepare a tree remediation plan.“This would make sure enough space was cleared around the tree so there was no asset damage and shows we value the trees.”If you want to contact your Lismore City Councillors, visit Council’s website for their contact details: https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-ZZF-64-48-20

Tonight, NORPA brings back the performing arts! For the next three nights (July 2-5), you can listen to livestreamed new short works by some of Australia’s best playwrights for Dear Australia.Dear Australia explores the recent pandemic which “exposed and prised open many cracks in our society”, according to Playwriting Australia chair David Berthold.Playwrights such as Nakkiah Lui, Jada Alberts and actors like Jack Thompson and Miranda Tapsell will be livestreamed into your home as part of NORPA’s new collaboration with Playwriting Australia (PWA).The Dear Australia project involves 50 postcards, described as comforting, confronting, and a unique celebration of Australian voices.At a time when a pandemic has forced reflection and change, these playwrights have responded to questions that get to the heart of where our nation is and where it might go.“These 50 micro works address major questions, allowing us to see into some of those cracks, but also inviting us to see light ahead,” Mr Berthold said.Commissioned by Playwriting Australia, the 50 monologues have been recorded by 50 actors, many in their own homes.Playwriting Australia is the national body for the development of Australian plays and playwrights. For the project, it invited 25 theatre organisations from across Australia to each nominate two playwrights and then commissioned them to write a short monologue, which were then filmed by 50 extraordinary actors.These moving and sometimes provocative stories will be grouped over three nights and live streamed by the partner theatres, along with major performing arts centres such as Arts Centre Melbourne, Sydney Opera House, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Canberra Theatre Centre and Darwin Entertainment Centre.A Dear Australia panel discussion will be broadcast from the Joan Sutherland Theatre by the Sydney Opera House on Saturday, July 4 at 7pm.Dear Australia livestreams over three nights (Thursday 2 July, Friday 3 July and Sunday 5 July) on the NORPA Facebook page and on Playwriting Australia’s YouTube channel). 

Weed removal and rainforest restoration has been part of work of Nimbin Environment Centre for some time – and a new grant from the Federal Government will help the good work continue.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the volunteers at the centre had been working to protect native plants in the Mulgum Creek Rainforest by removing infestations of high priority weeds. The Centre’s Mulgum Creek Rainforest Restoration tackles the upper reaches of Mulgum Creek, which has “significant” infestations of seeded banana, giant devil fig, privet and maderia vine. Part of the process of weed removal involves volunteers drilling and poisoning mature woody weed species and hand weeding seedlings.”“They centre wants to continue this work and remove more weeds, so it was great to announce $10,000 to support the project,” Mr Hogan said.““Environmental weeds are a serious threat to the health of our waterways and the management of exotic weed species will help native plants and animals.”

It’s been 10 months since a compost fire destroyed equipment at the Lismore Recycling and Resource Recovery Centre. While the centre is processing some recycled materials, it’s not yet up to full capacity – but the centre’s manager Andy Irvine said September is looking good for getting the equipment up and running at full capacity.Lismore Recycling and Resource Recovery Centre manager Andy Irvine.“It’s been hard since the fire for the people that work here, but we are on track now for the rebuilding of the new facility,” Andy said.“We are currently processing about 40% of the recycled materials brought in and hopefully we’ll be ready by September for handling everything.“Plastics and aluminium are already back to full processing, but our capacity to process some cardboard and papers were affected because that was the end of the machine we lost in the fire.”IngenuityAndy said it was the ingenuity of the centre’s 20 staff that got the equipment running again after the fire.“It’s a dirty job working here and these workers never get any credit for it, but they do it every day – invent ways to get things done and build something.“Along the way we’ve added bits and prices to machine sections to get them working for processing again.“When one end of the equipment here burnt, we couldn’t fit material into it and these guys worked out a way to build stuff and feed things into it.“It greatly reduced our reliance on other facilities to get the processing done.“Recycling and resource recovery is a big business.”Kieran Byrne has been leading hand at the centre for three years. He enjoyed a celebration with his workmates recently in a show of recognition for the work done by Council’s quiet achievers.Revolve shopAndy said staff were trying to get the Revolve Shop at the centre open soon.“The covid period has been difficult,” he said.“We have had to control people’s movements who come in and walk around, so opening the shop has been a staff resourcing issue.“The public have been awesome and understanding. It’s been a real imposition on them because they can’t get in and do the things they normally do.“We are just following public health rules.”The quiet achieversAndy said when the covid restrictions first kicked in, it was tough on the staff who worked there because they had to wear masks all day long in very hot conditions.“They work processing equipment and the landfill and compost areas and help people sort things in cars,” he said. “We also have people who fix dams and do building work and engineering plant repairs.“Then there’s the people who get up early to drive the trucks and pick up the garbage – and they are never heard of.“It’s a varied job and the town couldn’t run without this service – it would drown very quickly."

The NSW Government has today announced that it will ban people living in Victoria’s coronavirus hotspots from entering New South Wales. Anyone living in an affected hotspot postcode in Victoria who is found in NSW could be fined $11,000 or jailed for up to six months.The decision comes after our local health authorities advised Lismore and North Coast residents not to visit Victoria during the upcoming school holidays. Read more news: Health authorities warn holiday makers not to go to Victoria Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the announcement by the NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard was very welcome. “I know how concerned everyone on the North Coast has been about the rising number of cases in Victoria and people coming to visit,” Mr Franklin said. “I have heard, I have listened and I have been advocating within Government for measures to be introduced to protect our community - I’m very pleased this announcement has been made today. “This virus is a still a serious concern. NSW has done incredibly well to contain the spread and we don’t need a second surge in cases here too.” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the new ban at a press conference on Wednesday morning and also said people in NSW must not visit Victorian hotspots."If you choose to go there when you really shouldn't be going there, and you come back to NSW, you'll be required to go into isolation here for 14 days," Mr Hazzard said."And if you breach that order, you'll be liable to a penalty ... it could be an $11,000 fine or a six-month jail sentence." Minister Hazzard is expected to sign the new Public Health Order this afternoon.Read more news: Lismore's Italo Club could be saved from closure"Regional Victoria should not pay price for careless behaviour of a few Melbournians"Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said regional Victorians should not be penalised because of COVID-19 spikes in isolated parts of Melbourne.Senator McKenzie encouraged Victorians not living in Stage 3 Stay at Home restricted postcode areas and the rest of Australia to support regional businesses and tourist operators by visiting and holidaying in regional Victoria."Regional Victorians have done the right thing and are not seeing a second wave or a spike in COVID cases," she said."Many regional Victorian tourism hotspots such as the great Alpine National Park, our beautiful winery regions, the Great Ocean Road, Gippsland and our iconic coastline et cetera have seen little to no coronavirus cases throughout this pandemic."Those regional small businesses and tourism operators have been suffering extreme economic impacts, not just of COVID-19 but bushfires and drought.T"ravel restrictions and some state Border closures mean Victorians can spend holidays, time and dollars in our regions supporting our local tourism operators and enjoying all that regional Victoria has to offer."We welcome Queenslanders, South Australians and obviously New South Welshman to come and support our regional communities and enjoy a regional break in the great state of Victoria."State premiers who say ‘we're not letting Victorians in’ must realise Victoria is so much more than Melbourne, as we Victorians who choose to live outside Melbourne can attest."Premiers who are seeking to make political points, political mileage in their home states from the spike that's occurring in Melbourne, need to accept that living with coronavirus is something we must do, and we all need to change how we behave."This spike in certain areas of Melbourne is disappointing but all of Victoria should not pay the price."Localised lockdowns of these Melbourne hotspots is an appropriate response."These heightened measures mean Victorians from those affected areas are actually unable to travel interstate under these restrictions, making South Australian and Queensland premiers’ media statements on banning Victorians unnecessary, parochial and playing to their own state base."An appropriate and informed response from those state jurisdictions would be to not blame all Victorians for the careless behaviour of a few Melbournians."Those of us out in the regions also don't want people from these hotspots risking the health and life of rural and regional Victorians who have done the right thing and embraced medical directions."It again shows the importance of following that medical advice, not assuming the worst is over and doing the right thing for all our sakes."

An installation by artist and musician Ross Manning has brought light and sound back to Lismore Regional Gallery after months of closure.Ross’s touring exhibition Dissonant Rhythms is described as a mesmerising installation of light and sound - and it truly is.Ross will be giving an online talk tomorrow, Thursday, July 2 at 5.30pm and you can join in via zoom. Click here to join Ross, a Brisbane-based artist, will discuss his sculptural works, which use everyday materials, like repurposed ceiling fans, fluorescent tubes, and overhead projectors - and he combines them with carefully crafted soundscapes.Dissonant Rhythms is Ross’s first ever survey exhibition, which premiered at the IMA in 2017.Ross recently unveiled a major new commission at Carriageworks in Sydney (2016), presented new work at the Shanghai Biennale (2016), and was featured in MCA’s Primavera (2009) and The National. Museum of Contemporary Art, New South Wales (2019). Over the past decade, Ross has developed what could be described as his own world, animated by light and sound.Combining choregraphed mechanical movements with gravity, friction, and chance, his works use light, sound and motion to “colonise nearly every surface and wavelength in its vicinity”.Dissonant Rhythms will be on exhibition in Lismore until August 16.For more information about exhibitions at the gallery, visit https://lismoregallery.org/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-UQK-36-11-82#.XvvajChLhPZ

Lismore’s Italo-Australian Club could have a reprieve from closing down after a Special General Meeting for members was held last night.Italo Club president Americo Melchior said the club could now be amalgamating with Club Marconi - another Italian club - based in Sydney.But the future of the Lismore club is not yet definite.“Club Marconi have also bailed out another club and they are keen to come up and talk and look at the Italo Club next week to see if they want to go ahead with it,” Americo said.“Everybody at the meeting was happy last night. “Club Marconi made $3 million after tax last year, so it’s not much for them to spend over $200,000 on our club.”“The Italo Club needs a lot of improvements – the air con and freezer are broken and the kitchen needs upgrading,” he said.Americo said he had been talking on the phone to the Club Marconi chief executive, Tony Zappia over the last few weeks to discuss the amalgamation. “If the amalgamation goes ahead, the Italo Club will be run from Sydney, but still have a figurehead board here,” he said.“Club Marconi will send a manager up here – but we don’t want to get too excited – it hasn’t happened yet."Americo said the Liverpool Soccer Academy had also expressed an interest in amalgamating with the Italo Club, but that had fallen through when the Academy recently lost its affiliation with Southern Cross University.The Italo-Australian Club has been an important fixture of Lismore’s social scene, hosting functions, dances and music since it was established in 1960.The club had been struggling financially for a few years and Americo said the Covid closure period earlier this year was just the “nail in the coffin” which lead to the board’s earlier decision to close the club.Mr Melchior said the club was built by volunteers, and relied on the patronage of Lismore’s Italian community for many years. The club currently has about 420 members.Americo said patronage has been declining over time and the club’s inability to hold the weekly smorgasbord due to coronavirus restrictions impacted heavily on the club’s income.

Weekend market goers and sellers can soon rejoice, because all regional markets are set to start again in August, after four months of inactivity due to the pandemic.From Lismore’s Car Boot market, to the Channon Craft Market and beyond, all North Coast markets have banded together to face the new world of living with coronavirus - and how they are going to handle it once they reopen.Read more news: Health authorities warn holiday makers not to go to VictoriaHowever, there will be a few differences – particularly for market stall holders.Manager of the Channon Craft Market, Robyn Kelly, said all of the market managers, from Brunswick Heads to Lismore met recently to discuss how they will collaboratively “get up and going again” after four months of inactivity due to pandemic restrictions.“As long as the NSW Government regulations stay the same, markets will resume,” Robyn said. “But it will be a different landscape than what we are used to.“We are working with NSW Health to manage the outdoor spaces, but it’s not clear enough about the regulations at the moment.”So, what are the changes?There will be no live music or a chai tent at the Channon Market for the time being.“Because that space would need to be managed as a gathering space, and there are not enough staff to clean and manage it,” Robyn said.“Don’t bring your blankets for sitting and resting for the day – just come, do your business and leave.“We want people to be at markets – but we will have to count people in.“There will no food court areas that need to be roped off and managed.“For the time being, there is no busking.“All the markets will have a reduced number of stalls.”What do the changes mean for stall holders?Robyn said all stall holders will need submit a Covid safety plan when they register, as dictated under the law.“We are working together as a collaboration of markets to create a best practice for retailers,” she said. “We want the process to be simple, so businesses want to come back.“All the markets have about 1000 small businesses between us and we are creating one website where stall holders can apply for a stall.“When stall holders register their interest, we will give them you a link to the government website.“They will need to show how they offer the ability to do cashless payments, manage wipe down of hard surfaces, provide hand sanitiser and how manage how many people come into your stall space. “Soft surfaces like material don’t need to be wiped – and people can use signage like don’t touch clothing, ask for assistance.“While these regulations might throw people off, as market people we will say ‘think beyond covid and all you are doing is a safety plan for now’.”Changes for food stallsRobyn said food stall holders will have to do a food training course.“The markets have decided its compulsory in order to trade at regional markets,” she said. “We are serious about protecting the community as much as we can.The futureRobyn said the future of regional markets is a changing landscape, and while people may be upset about losing the chai tent or live music for the time being, it’s always possible that by September or October, we can have it back again.“The virus is here,” she said, “If we want to create spaces for people to come, we need to plan well for the future.When are the markets on?1st Sunday of the month: Lismore car boot and Byron Bay markets2nd Sunday of the month: Channon craft market3rd Sunday of the month: Lismore car boot market4th Sunday of the month: Bangalow marketFor more information on all regional markets, visit: https://www.visitnorthcoast.com.au/regional-markets/Read more news: Tomorrow (July 1) sees a lot of positive change for the holidays