Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a serious motor vehicle crash at Alstonville last week.About 5.50pm last Friday, 17 October 2025, emergency services were called to the Bruxner Highway, Alstonville, about 1km west of Ballina Road, following reports of a crash.Some of those involved were treated at the scene, having sustained serious and critical injuries, before being conveyed to Hospital.The Crash Investigation Unit attended, and an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with information or dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 111 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Please quote police ref: E85581107.

More than 1,000 additional women and children will have access to case management for the whole family with the expansion of the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service (IDFVS) to six new locations, including Rekindling the Spirit covering Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle LGAs.As part of the 2024/25 $230 million domestic violence emergency package, the NSW Government has invested $13.7 million over four years to close service gaps in regional and rural New South Wales, providing vital support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.Core to this service is a whole-of-family case management approach, working with adult and child victim-survivors and the person using violence. The focus is on maximising family safety. Case managers work with victim-survivors to assess their risk to support them, which can include safety planning, developing a personalised safety plan or connecting them with other services, as well as addressing the children’s needs. They also provide information and referrals to Men’s Behaviour Change Programs or other support services for the person using violence.The new providers and regions are:Pathfinders in New England covering Inverell and Glen Innes LGAsWandiyali in Hunter covering Maitland and Cessnock LGAsMission Australia in Murrumbidgee covering Hilltops and Cootamundra-Gundagai LGAsRekindling the Spirit in Northern NSW covering Richmond Valley, Lismore, Kyogle LGAsMaaruma-Li in Western covering Warrumbungle LGAMirrimpilyi Muurpa-nara in Far West covering Broken Hill and Central Darling LGAsState Member for Lismore and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, congratulated Rekindling the Spirit on becoming a provider.“I welcome Minister Harrison’s announcement that more women and children will have access to whole-of-family case management across the Lismore City, Kyogle and Richmond Valley local government areas,” Minister Saffin said.In the 2024-25 financial year, IDFVS supported more than 1,700 people, including more than 300 children, in high-risk groups and communities, who experienced violence and abuse in their homes. They include victim-survivors from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those with disabilities or affected by social exclusion or disadvantage.There are currently 11 existing IDFVS providers across 14 LGAs in New South Wales, taking the total to 17 services after the expansion.More information about IDFVS is available here https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/supporting-family-domestic-sexual-violence-services/dfv-programs-funding/integrated-domestic-and-family-violence-services-program.html.Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “The NSW Government is continuing to deliver ongoing, holistic domestic and family violence services for victim-survivors across the state – no matter their postcode. “We know communities in regional and rural areas experience higher rates of family violence and barriers to accessing vital support services.“That’s why we’re expanding programs and services like the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service to regions where there is high need. This program supports victim-survivors and their children who have escaped abuse, as well as those who decide to remain in their relationship, with the goal of increasing safety and reducing risk.“We’re continuing to work with stakeholders, victim-survivors and the sector to create a safer state for all women and children that is free from violence.”Catholic Care Broken Bay, Jenny (the name of this victim-survivor of domestic and family violence have been changed to protect her and her children’s privacy and safety) said, “When I first met my caseworker, I was living in fear.“My caseworker supported me to leave my violent and abusive ex-partner and keep my children with me.“When I made the decision to relocate interstate so my children and I could be closer to my family, my caseworker made sure I’d receive support at our new location. “My children and I are now safe.“We are healing, recovering and starting to rebuild our new lives free from fear, abuse, violence and the threat of violence.”Support:If you are worried about your own behaviour and use of violence, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

Last Thursday evening at the Southern Cross University, a small group of people gathered for the fourth Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) public workshop in the Northern Rivers. The three previous public workshops were held in Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby and Grafton.Entitled 'What Matters Most', the workshops were run by the Living Lab in conjunction with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA). The purpose was to find out what people value most about where they live, what they want to protect, what concerns them and what priorities should guide our region’s future.The public workshops were one part of a number of steps the RA will take before delivering a draft DAP later in 2026 for the community to give feedback on.Emma Whale is the Executive Director Adaptation, Mitigation and Data Insights for the RA. Emma was in Lismore last week and sat down to explain the DAP process."What we're really hoping to do is get a sense from the community what they value in place in terms of natural hazard risk, and then also in terms of a disaster happening. And it's been really interesting. I went to the Mullumbimby one last week and participated in the exercise. It was really interesting to see, because in the exercise, you're ranking different kinds of things like medical services or public transport or public art or whatever it might be, into what matters least through to what matters most."It's really hard to make those distinctions, because everything feels really important, but it's a way of getting some cut through to understand what are the things that people are deeply connected to in their place, and then how can we take that information and put it into the DAP process?"One of the things that came through really strongly in the workshop that I was in last week, and I think has been reflected in other workshops as well, is that people are very connected to the aesthetic beauty of the Northern Rivers. I mean, this is why they live here, because it's a beautiful place to live, and so they're willing to accept trade-offs. Maybe there's not as much public transport. I did hear people complaining about that, but it's a trade-off that they're willing to accept because they love living here. So that's really important for us to understand."If we're looking at options for risk reduction, we want to know and find ways of embedding the fact that people really care about their environment, and they're potentially not willing, to accept interventions that are going to be really harmful. So that's the kind of thing that we can glean from the process, and then kind of put that into a decision support framework to help us understand what kinds of options are going to be on the table in the DAP process."Is mitigation part of the DAP process, or is it run in parallel or separately?"What we're doing is looking at all the options that you have on the table for mitigation and adaptation. What we always say about the DAPs is that we mitigate where we can, but you can't mitigate all risk. We live next to rivers, we live near the coastline, we live in bushfire-prone areas, and so there are always going to be natural hazard risk where we live. We want to mitigate that to the extent that we can, but where we can't mitigate, then we have to find ways of helping our communities adapt. So that's really what the DAPs will do."Where can we mitigate? Where could we build a levee? Where could we have a wetland? Where could we have a sea wall or sand nourishment, or lots of different things? Where can we have improved evacuation infrastructure? But, where we can't do those things, how do we have better flood evacuation signage? How do we have better community awareness and preparedness programs, or better social cohesion that helps people connect and be prepared to recover in the event of a disaster. All options are on the table."And then, it's a matter of working with stakeholders, including local government, other state government agencies, the community, etc, to have the conversations around what do we value? What do we want to see? What do we think will work to mitigate in the context of the Northern Rivers? And then, how do we help communities adapt when we've reached, I guess, the limit of what we can mitigate?"How does the CSIRO modelling, the two scenarios that include detention basins, fit into the DAP?"What we will do is take what comes out of that process and put it through our own process, which is separate to what we're doing. It's looking primarily at the reduction of floodwater during major flooding. You want to balance up the benefit of the risk reduction against the other things that might be associated with it, and that might include environmental impact, the complexity of implementation, impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage. And it's this balancing act to say, well, at what point do we say these kind of complexities or costs or risks outweigh the benefit of what it might bring. And that's what the DAP process does."A good practical example of this is from the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley, and one of the values that came through with the workshops we held with the community was that they weren't prepared to accept an intervention that benefited one community but caused a disbenefit to another community. For example, if we built a levee to protect one community and it had a disbenefit to a community downstream, they weren't prepared to accept that."So, that was a really important, I guess, value that we could then put in our decision support framework, so that any intervention that did have that disbenefit to another community was just taken off the table. It's kind of like a filtering approach, where we're balancing the risk reduction benefit alongside what are those other considerations that are really important.How does the Living Lab and the RA achieve a broad range of community feedback during these sessions? It could well be hijacked by a particular group of people."I think that's important to note that the values workshops are an important input, but they're just one input, right? So, alongside that, we'll have the community reference group that we're setting, which is that representative sample that we've got from across the Northern Rivers, and we're looking to have the first meeting in November. But we're also going to complement that with quite a bit of intensive consultation around April, May next year, when we've got some risk information to share, some early options that have come out of the process."We are trying to reach as many people as possible through lots of different avenues. So, the way we're looking at it is that it's almost like a jigsaw puzzle. When we're building out the regional risk profile, there's lots of different elements that we want that give us that really comprehensive picture."I guess what we're trying to do is make sure that community is involved and at the centre of the decisions that we're making, because there are trade-offs. There's always going to be trade-offs about cost or complexity or risk, and it's like those conversations can be hard to have and difficult to have, but they're necessary to have, and we don't want to just have them without community in the conversation is really the whole point of the DAP process.To get that complete community picture, Emma's advice is for everyone to be involved."The more voices we have, the richer the process will be. There'll also be an opportunity, once we have the draft foundation DAP, which we're looking to have about Q3 next year, we will then consult on that as well. So we're trying to have all these points in the process where we're testing and validating the information that we're receiving, and also feed that back to the community, saying Does this reflect your lived experience, what you know of the Northern Rivers? And, did we get it right? We genuinely want to know that. So, there'll be lots of points in the process where people can have input."As well as the four public workshops recently, private workshops have been completed with rough sleepers/homeless people, seniors, young people at high schools and community resilience organisations.The data will be collated and formed into a Draft Disaster Adaptation Plan document that will be released to the residents of the Northern Rivers in early 2026, for you to give your thoughts on before a final Northern Rivers DAP document is released later in 2026. In combination with the CSIRO Richmond River Flood Modelling findings, a decision will be made as to the best way forward for the future safety and security of residents living in Lismore and the Northern Rivers.

Lismore's Luke Patch loves endurance cycling. You may remember his story on the Lismore App in April when we reported that Luke took part in the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride from Fremantle, Western Australia to Sydney, NSW. Five thousand five hundred kilometres in 22 days, finishing 3rd, was Luke's incredible achievement.Six months later, Luke is training hard for his next endurance endeavour, the Great South Eastern Loop.The Great South Eastern Loop is an unsupported 1263-kilometre ride along winding country roads, scenic valleys, and up into the majestic Snowy Mountain Alps in NSW, starting next Sunday, October 26, from Wollongong.Luke's ride is not on major highways; it takes in the back roads, including 17 per cent gravel. Once Luke leaves Wollongong, he rides west to Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands, through Marulan, Cromwell and Boorowa before heading south to Tumut, Tumbarumba and Thredbo. The trail then heads east to Cooma, and north to Nerriga and back into Wollongong. His highest point will be 1,582 metres above sea level.Being an unsupported race, Luke has to carry his own food and water."I have to carry my stuff. I don't plan to get much sleep. I'm just going to ride through each night."Organisers have a timed goal of 157 hours, but Luke has a lofty goal to complete the ride in 100 hours or 4 days and four hours. If he can do that, he feels he can win the Great South Eastern Loop race. The other motivation, is that heeds to back in Lismore for a mate's wedding."That's about 300km a day, roughly, but that depends on the elevation and terrain. I'm trying to finish in under 100 hours, because I need to be back in Lismore for a mate's wedding on the first of November."(Luke's trusted bike to get the job done)This means Luke will start the race next Sunday, ride the 1263 kilometres with very little sleep, finish on Thursday, have a day off before flying back to Lismore on Friday in time for the wedding."My goal is to win a race, but that depends how strong other people are. I intend to dig myself a pretty deep hole during the race. I intend to race really hard and hopefully win it. I am hoping there is someone who's just as fast as I am to push me and make me dig deeper."I am very competitive in races, I can really suffer more than a lot of people can, I think, so I'm hoping to find someone who can race me and push me to a limit and hopefully come first, second or third."Apart from the personal glory of riding and, hopefully, winning the Great South Eastern Loop, Luke is still raising money for Motor Neuron Disease, as he did in the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride, where he raised $1,500."I would like to raise a similar amount," Luke said, "Maybe $2,000 or $3,000 would be a good goal.To help raise funds for Motor Neuron Disease via Luke's fundraising page, click here.Good luck, Luke. Lismore and the Northern Rivers are rooting for you.

Mandatory climate-related reporting for government entities is being introduced under reforms by the NSW Government designed to better manage climate change risks and opportunities.The move is also anticipated to drive private sector investment in climate action.The disclosures apply to government departments, agencies and state-owned corporations, providing transparency and accountability over government actions to manage climate risks such as more frequent and severe heatwaves, bushfires and floods.This is intended to help strengthen the State’s finances and give investors confidence in NSW’s delivery of climate commitments. In turn, this will help unlock private sector investment as part of the transformation to net zero.Evidence from the World Bank and others shows investors are increasingly using government climate disclosures as part of their due diligence requirements.NSW disclosures will report on four areas:‘Governance’ of climate risk management‘Strategy’ for managing climate-related risks and opportunities ‘Risk Management’ process to identify, assess, prioritise and monitor these risks and opportunities‘Metrics and Targets’ to keep track of the performance about climate risk management and the progress towards climate-related targets.The rollout of mandatory climate-related disclosures by NSW government entities comes ahead of the Minister for Climate Change, Penny Sharpe and Treasurer, Daniel Mookey, taking part in events with former US Vice President and environmentalist Al Gore.The Minister for Climate Change will speak at the Investor Group Climate Change Summit, where Al Gore is a keynote speaker. The Summit’s program focuses on clean energy deployment, industrial decarbonisation, climate risk resilience and mobilisation of private capital to support climate.Later in the day, the Treasurer is participating in a roundtable hosted by the Smart Energy Council, Melbourne Business School and Investor Group. The “Unlocking Climate Finance” roundtable will facilitate discussion on accelerating private-sector activity in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific to help deliver future Government climate goals.NSW climate disclosures are being phased in over three years, starting with the most climate-exposed departments, agencies and state-owned corporations.An initial 29 government entities will publish disclosures as part of their 2024-25 annual reports. These include:State-owned corporations, including Essential Energy and Sydney WaterPrincipal departments, including NSW Health, Transport for NSW, the Department of Education and the Department of Communities and JusticeOther large entities, including NSW Police and the NSW Land and Housing Corporation.An additional 30 entities will publish their disclosures from 2025-26.The new measures come ahead of the publication of a first whole-of-government climate-related financial disclosure next year.The climate disclosures are part of a broader overhaul to the way NSW government entities prepare financial and annual reports. This move aims to reduce the burden of reporting, balance costs and ensure reporting content is useful.The new annual reporting framework classifies NSW government entities into three groups based on their size, risk and characteristics. This will help determine the most appropriate form of reporting detail for an agency.The scope of agencies producing some form of annual reporting will increase overall.However, there will be two types of annual reporting. This will see fewer entities prepare the comprehensive Annual Report, and more entities prepare a new short-form Annual Information Statement.Minister for Climate Change Penny Sharpe said, “The Minns Labor Government is driving strong climate action and the new climate-related financial disclosures will give investors a clearer picture of how NSW is managing climate change risks and pursuing opportunities for a cleaner future.“Publishing these disclosures demonstrates our commitment to acting on climate change and being an early adopter of global leading practices.”NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “Climate disclosure reforms will provide evidence to support government decision-making and prioritisation of public funding.“These disclosures provide comfort for private investors around our climate commitments and show NSW is taking action to tackle climate change.“The broader improvements to annual reporting requirements mean agencies are able to maximise the effort spent on their core missions, while paying less attention to unnecessary red tape.”

It was a groundbreaking day in South Lismore on Friday, literally, as the first sod was turned to mark the beginning of construction on the two new permanent buildings for Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool.Both the public school and co-located public preschool are being rebuilt at their original Phyllis Street site following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.The old primary school was demolished in July this year, and now that the design of the new 13-classroom school has been finalised, work will begin in the next month to construct the brand new primary and preschool.Lismore South PS (Public School) and Preschool students were relocated across the road from the old site on Wilson Street when demountable classrooms were established during Term 2 in 2022.Fittingly, Principal Larissa Polak and school captains, Tahlia Taylor and Cooper Hannigan, joined Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin yesterday to get the new build underway."I think it was tricky in the beginning to walk past the site regularly, but as time went on, I really think it was part of the healing process for the community to know that there was a plan for the future. And I think the excitement has started to grow now that we've got to the demolition stage, and now we move on to the build," Principal Larissa Polak said."The children are really excited, as are the staff and parents, just to see all those plans come together. The children were involved in the consultation process, and they got to have their voice in the process as well, which was fabulous.""It's a good feeling, and it's cool to see that it's coming along, as well as it's going to be something new," Cooper said.Cooper won't attend the newly built primary school when it opens at the start of the 2027 school year, as he will be a student at Richmond River High School, but he did express what it will be like for the students who walk through the gates for the first time."It will be nice. You get a little bit homesick when you're in a demountable for so long."The other school captain, Tahlia Taylor, said there have been tough moments during the three years in the demountable."It's been, like, really weird, because we run on generators too, so we have brownouts, that's when the aircon and the fan don't work. So it's been hot, but it's been all right."The air conditioner leaked when they inputted that, and then there was a leak in the roof, and then the wall was leaking, and a few more other things. We had to evacuate about five times."Tahlia starts her high school years at Woodlawn in 2026, but is happy for the students who will attend Lismore South PS in 2027."It's been a bit sad seeing the school get demolished since I've been here since preschool, but then it's got that bit of joy because it's gone. Every kid's going to get a new school."Since I had a little bit of a say in it, I would probably say I'd like to see the new field, because it'd be very big for the keen soccer players, and probably the classrooms, because I'm used to a demountable classroom, not a real classroom and the preschool, I want to see what the preschool looks like."Principal Larissa Polak said this was an exciting time as the community has been waiting patiently for construction to start."The community has been waiting patiently while we've gone through all of the design process to get the school ready. Today's a fabulous day for the kids to understand that building will be commencing. Excited to watch the progress from across the road. So while the children play in the playground across the road, they get to watch the entire construction process happen while the new school is built."As for the flood resilience of the new Lismore South PS and the Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool, Ms Polak is impressed with the design."Well, we can safely say that we're ready for another flood. We're four and a half metres raised, it's a raised site where the whole school is upstairs, with lots of play areas downstairs for the children to enjoy playing."There's a lot of decision-making that's gone into a flood-resilient school, from what it's built with to what we do next in an emergency. It's exciting to see that everything has been considered to make sure it's a flood-resilient school.Member for Lismore and Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin has a strong connection to Lismore South PS, it was where she started her teachers practice there following her studies."It's exciting for the South Lismore community, for the school community and everyone else who lives here, that this is about renewal. We talk about recovery, but this is renewal. And the kids are so excited, you know, like Tahlia and Cooper, representing all the students, they're just so excited. We should see work here by month's end, so see big machinery on site, which is great."The materials they use in the school, for a start, they'll be more flood resistant and able to hose out easier after a flood, and just how they do the floor, the furnishings, all of that will be more flood resistant. They have their evacuation route, and I know that the Department of Education make the decisions locally. They know when to go. They always keep our kids safe, and they get them out."When asked why the school was built back on exactly the same site that caused so much damage and trauma in 2022, Ms Saffin said, "Well, most of the schools built back on site because they're the heart and soul of the community. And Lismore South Public School is the heart and soul of the South Lismore community."We've got the sporting fields, we've still got businesses here, we're surrounded by houses, so it makes sense to have the school in the community where people live. Yes, some people have moved off what we call the floodplain, where it's particularly an issue, but a lot of people live on them, and we have to adapt and mitigate. And the school's built that way."Lismore South Public School and Preschool currently has 107 students from preschool to Year 6, below pre-flood levels, but with the capacity for 230 children when its 13 classrooms are full.It would be safe to assume that when the North Lismore Resilient Lands site has residents, some children would attend the new school in South Lismore.During the conversation, Ms Saffin mentioned that another eagerly anticipated school design and build will not be far away....Richmond River High School."It's coming in close with Lismore South, and I hope that we're over there in the not-too-distant future, turning a sod there as well. There were geotechnical issues on that site they had to work through, and that took some time."

A record 34 teams took part in the annual Our Kids Charity Golf Day at the Lismore Golf Course on Saturday, with the team from PAK Vending taking out the four-person ambrose event.More importantly, once again, more than $10,000, likely to be just under the $12,000 mark when finalised, was raised for urgent and vital medical equipment for paediatric units at Lismore Base Hospital (LBH), Tweed Hospital, Grafton Hospital and the smaller satellite hospitals like Ballina and Casino.It wasn't just the record field, but the generosity of those 136 competitors purchasing raffle tickets that will get the total toward the $12,000 mark. This year was the 20th Our Kids Golf Day."It was pretty fantastic out there," Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, enthused at the conclusion of the golf day. "34 teams, our biggest ever, and a real mixture of people. We've got a great Ballina crew that have come over and really been dedicated to Our Kids. We're just so excited as we grow."It was a great day, sunny, spectacular. A bit of wind at the end, and everyone needed a drink or two."As is the case with the annual golf day, fun and friendship take precedent over serious golf, so there were plenty of golf buggies with their own supply of refreshment.For the record, the Instyle Sleepcentre team, featuring Dave and Sharon Martin, Bill Graham and yours truly, finished an honourable third. Owners, Dave and Sharon Martin, needed the help of Our Kids for their twins twenty years ago, and have supported the golf day every year since.(The Instyle Sleepcentre team: Dave Martin, Bill Graham, Sharon Martin and Simon Mumford with their prize)During the presentation, the crowd was told of a change of heart as to the piece of equipment the money will be put towards, because of a particularly busy and tough week in the Special Care Nursery at LBH."I'm here with Jo, the Nursing Unit Manager of Special Care Nursery, and it's been a pretty hectic week. In our discussions, we've decided to actually put this money to start funding for a ventilator, because it is so needed. We need two in the nursery, basically. We've got an old one that Our Kids would have bought 15 years ago.A new paediatric ventilator breathes for a baby when it can't breathe by itself. "If the baby can't breathe on its own, we have to breathe for it," Jo explained."This week has shown how much we need that second one. It's been on the wishlist for a couple of months, but in essence, we need it sooner rather than later," Rebekka added.The fundraising target to purchase a second ventilator is $75,000."This will kick it off, and then our Melbourne Cup Ladies Day will raise money, the Samson will raise money, we'll go into the Winter Ball and put it out to the community to help raise that 75 grand."We've got the sickest and most vulnerable patients in the hospital," Jo concluded.There is another four-person ambrose Our Kids Golf Day coming up on Friday, November 21, this time in Casino. To book, email info@ourkids.org.au.

UPDATE - Cancelled at 5:53pmThe Bureau of Meteorology has issued its first Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the 2025/26 storm season in the Northern Rivers for LARGE HAILSTONES and DAMAGING WINDS.A southerly change pushing up the northern NSW coast, and a surface trough extending inland, are both helping to initiate thunderstorms in the northeastern parts of the state this afternoon. Thunderstorms are expected to persist into the early evening.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds for a large area of the north coast over the next several hours, including Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Casino, Kyogle, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, and Inverell.The NSW SES advises that you should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.The next warning is due to be issued by 5:30 pm.

Australia’s rapid uptake of solar panels is creating a looming waste problem, with most solar photovoltaic (PV) panels being directed to landfill at the end of their life.However, University of South Australia researchers have identified ways to overcome barriers to safely and profitably extend the life of solar panels and decrease the overall footprint of solar energy.Australia leads the world in per-capita rooftop solar installations, the systems of which typically have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, but in practice are removed or replaced much sooner. The Australian Energy Council projects the cumulative volume of end-of-life solar panels to reach 280,000 tonnes by the end of the year.UniSA PhD student Ishika Chhillar led a study into key barriers to the sustainable reuse of solar panels and developed a mitigation strategy for what would be needed to fully realise a circular economy in the solar sector.Her findings suggest that simply recycling panels is not enough, with most significant volumes of end-of-life panels still ending up in landfill, and that more must be done to unlock a secondary market for used systems.“The large-scale reuse of PV panels faces technical, economic and regulatory barriers,” Chhillar says. “There are many key challenges, including the low cost of new panels undercutting the resale PV panel market, a lack of incentives for reuse of the panels, different policies for reuse across states, lack of liability for second-hand installations and a limited infrastructure for testing and refurbishing of used panels.” “Industry, government, academic and consumers all recognise that these barriers can and must be overcome, and that with the right frameworks in place, Australia can extend the life of its solar panels with true environmental and social benefits in the process.” One of the barriers to people accessing second-hand panels is the falling cost of new panels, which undermines the resale market and leaves little financial incentive for consumers or businesses to choose to reuse. Currently, no rebates or credits are in place for installing second-hand panels. There is also no national reuse framework, with different Australian states and territories having inconsistent rules for panels that have reached the end of their life. No clear approval pathway or guidelines exist for reselling and installing used panels, leaving installers wary of potential legal liabilities. Chhillar says that without a unified, national approach to standards and liability, companies will continue to avoid second-hand products due to compliance risks. “Currently, the lack of any standard certification for used panels means buyers and installers have little to rely on besides a seller’s word, but an official certification process would change that,” she says. “A credible certification program should include standardised testing protocols for used panels. By bridging the trust gap, certification can transform reused panels from a risky option into a transparent and standardised product category. “One option is certification being accompanied by a clear, consumer-friendly grading system, such as a gold, silver or bronze classification or a star-rating label to indicate the remaining efficiency and expected lifespan of a panel. This would allow buyers to make informed decisions.” Associate Professor Sukhbir Sandhu, whose research focuses on social and environmental sustainability issues, says there is room for digital innovations for traceability, allowing for greater transparency on whether a panel is fit for reuse. “If each solar panel’s history and performance data could be recorded in a database accessible to buyers and regulators, it would dramatically reduce uncertainty,” she says. “Industry experts we spoke to for this study proposed solutions ranging from simple QR-code labels to block chain-based platforms that track a panel’s “digital passport” throughout its life. “This transparency would enable quicker decisions on whether a panel is fit for reuse, without requiring extra testing at each change of hands.” Assoc Prof Sandhu says by acting on these recommendations, Australia can not only mitigate the waste problem but also unlock the maximum benefit of its clean energy investments.“We have other established practices in electronics, batteries and mobile phones,” she says.By embracing a structured approach to the repurposing of solar panels, the renewable energy sector can significantly extend the lifecycle of these resources, contributing to a more sustainable, efficient and circular economy.”

People across Lismore and the Northern Rivers will benefit from easier-to-find lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AED) following the launch of an AED map on the NSW Ambulance website and the GoodSAM app.The map pinpoints the location of around 5,313 registered AEDs across the state, including Lismore and the Northern Rivers.The GoodSAM program, a partnership between NSW Ambulance and the GoodSAM responder app, has already helped save 80 lives in NSW since its launch in 2023. Twenty-six of those lives were saved with the help of an AED.The app works by alerting registered volunteers when someone nearby suffers a cardiac arrest and a Triple Zero (000) call has been received. Volunteers can choose to respond and provide CPR while an ambulance is dispatched. If an AED is nearby, the app will guide responders to it, improving the patient’s chance of survival.You don’t need formal CPR or first aid training to register as a GoodSAM responder—just be 18 or older and willing to provide chest compressions, which are easy and safe to perform.One lucky survivor of a cardiac arrest was Kent Ross, who, at age 49, collapsed before a round of golf. Thankfully, his friends recognised he was having a cardiac arrest before delivering CPR and a shock from an AED. He has since made a full recovery.“I’m here today because of quick thinking, teamwork, and CPR and I’m incredibly grateful to my friends who stepped up and gave me CPR when it mattered most,” Kent said.“I want people to know that CPR works. It saved my life. If you see someone collapse, don’t wait – start CPR and use an AED if available. You could be the reason someone gets to celebrate their 50th birthday.”To register as a GoodSAM volunteer, please visit: ambulance.nsw.gov.au/goodsamTo view the AED map, visit: ambulance.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/locate-an-aedMinister for Health, Ryan Park, said, “It’s incredible to see more than 11,600 people have now signed up as a GoodSAM volunteer to help and perform simple chest compressions to those in need while paramedics arrive. “We know the best chance of survival for anyone having an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is receiving early chest compressions and defibrillation, the GoodSAM app now enables local heroes to find the nearest AED.“It’s super simple to sign up with GoodSAM, I encourage everyone eligible to become a volunteer and help save a life today.”NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said, “NSW Ambulance attends to around 10,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year. Early CPR and defibrillation are critical to survival, and our GoodSAM volunteers are making a life-saving difference in their communities.“We’re delighted so many community members have embraced our GoodSAM program, which is helping save lives by connecting volunteers to patients in the critical first minutes of a cardiac arrest until paramedics arrive.  “This is a tremendous opportunity for people who are willing and able to perform CPR to make a life-saving difference in their local communities. Sadly, not everyone survives a cardiac arrest, but early compressions give people the very best chance of returning home.”

The storm season is building in the Northern Rivers, as thunderstorm warnings begin to appear on the Bureau of Meteorology's weather forecasts.The BoM says there is a chance tonight (Friday) and a chance of thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon and evening.As is typical during storm season, the predicted rainfall varies widely depending on where the storm hits.The southerly winds late on Saturday will bring cooler conditions on Sunday, with a 40% chance of rain.It is the final day of the 2025 Elders Lismore Show tomorrow, the gates open at 8am and close after the fireworks at 8:45pm in the main arena.It is a full day of activities and entertainment, including the Hurford Woodchop at 10am, the 30-Tonne Truck Pull Heats at 10am and Final at 3:30pm, the Grand Parade Beef Cattle Champion of Champions presentation at 1:30pm in the Main Arena and the return of the rodeo at 6pm.Check out the day's schedule by clicking here or through the Lismore App button 2025 Lismore Show and click on What's on at the Show?.The annual Harvest Ball will be held at the Tregeagle Hall on Saturday night between 6pm and 12 midnight.There will be complimentary champagne on arrival, raffles, games and silly fun, with food by the Secret Chef.There is a 'Flame of Resilience' fundraising event at the Lismore Community Garden (50 Brewster Street, Lismore) on Saturday between 4pm and 7pm.The Northern Rivers Friends of the Chittagong Hill Tracts have said that on September 28, 2025, peaceful Marma protesters in Guimara were fired upon by military forces and settlers, killing three young men and injuring many others, including children and elders. Homes were burned, lives destroyed, and trauma rippled across families."To stand with the victims and raise urgent support, we’re hosting a community fundraiser event – “Flame of Resilience: A fundraising event with home-cooked food & music” at the Lismore Community Garden," said organiser Mong Marma.Entry is by donation, with a suggestion of $10–$20.Other spring events coming up in the next four weeks include:Final Nimbin Roots Festival: Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26Eat The Street: Saturday, November 15MARKETSIt is one of the rare occasions when there is no Lismore Farmers Market running tomorrow morning (Saturday). This is due to the Lismore Show.The Bowlo Markets are on Sunday at the Lismore City Bowling Club between 9am and 1pm.There will be over 30 stalls for you to browse through, including books, fruit trees, honey, ceramics, bric-a-brac, clothes and loads more.The Lismore Free Market is also on Sunday at the Lismore Community Garden at 50 Brewster Street, near the tennis courts between 9am and 11am.Every item is free; nothing can be sold, traded or bartered.ARTSThe Bulaan Buruugaa Ngai exhibition is on at the Lismore Regional Gallery at 11 Rural Street, Lismore, between 10 and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday until November 9.Nine ancestral woven objects held in the Australian Museum Collection are on display. The historic pieces stand alongside ten newly commissioned works by contemporary Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, and Kamilaroi artists.LIVE MUSICBrooklyn Handford is performing tonight at the Northern Rivers Hotel, Bridge Street, North Lismore from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.You can catch The Cliff & Shadows Story at the Lismore Heights Sports Club next Wednesday night (October 22) between 10:30am and 2:30pm. It is $38 a ticket, which includes a meal, show and booking fee. Call (02) 6624 3040 to book.Coming up at the Lismore Workers Club:Women Up North Spring Gala: November 8 from 6pm. All proceeds go towards housing for women and children experiencing domestic violence or abuse.The Noughty Nineties Party featuring all your favourites like Blink 182, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Beyonce. Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 7:30pm.CHEAPEST FUEL PRICESFuel prices were steady across Lismore, Casino and Ballina, once again this week. If you are heading to the beach, Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations:E10 is 172.9 at the EG on Diadem Street near Lismore Square and the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, 171.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 173.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 173.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 182.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent at 169 Canterbury Street in Casino, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 190.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 193.5 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 178.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 181.9 is the price across most of Casino, and 185.5 at Metro and the Mobile on River Street in Ballina.Have a great long weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Two major digital initiatives introduced by the NSW Government are set to help bring more homes online sooner through increased transparency and better infrastructure planning.The NSW Land Subdivision Pipeline dataset gives NSW Government agencies, as well as local councils, developers and prospective home buyers comprehensive access to the latest approved subdivision activity.This information helps coordinate and streamline infrastructure planning decisions such as the location of new schools or roads, as well as early planning for the construction of essential services like electricity, gas and telecommunications.Local councils will also be able to more easily assess development applications in the context of future and nearby development activity, while purchasers of new properties will be able to track the progress of their subdivision and check the status of regulatory approvals.  In addition to its immediate applications, the project will expand to include 3D strata subdivision mapping and be extended to cover all housing activity through the consent, construction, and occupation stages, ensuring continued improvements in housing development oversight.The registration of land ready for development has also been made more efficient with survey plan lodgements now 100 per cent online.Survey plans for subdivisions, strata and community scheme plans are essential for creating new parcels of land, defining land boundaries and facilitating property transactions.Around 13,000 deposited plans and 1,600 strata plans were lodged with the NSW Land Registry Services in 2023/24, and while the majority of plans were lodged electronically, some submissions were still being done on paper. This included compiling hardcopy documents and submitting them in person, which was labour intensive and could contribute to delays.This milestone is a crucial step in the government’s Digital Survey Plans reform, which focuses on replacing manual and paper-based methods with digitised processes.The NSW Land Subdivision Pipeline can be viewed on the NSW Government’s Spatial Digital Twin Explorer.A data feed is also available via the NSW Spatial Collaboration Portal.Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said, “By showing, in real time, where homes are being built and what’s coming next this new platform will help streamline infrastructure planning for roads, schools, and utilities.“The NSW Land Subdivision Pipeline harnesses modern digital capabilities to improve efficiency and decision-making across government and industry.“By leveraging spatial and planning data, we are reducing duplication, saving costs, and creating a more coordinated approach to land and property development, ultimately helping us deliver more homes faster.“This builds on continued improvements to plannings digital interfaces and the introduction of artificial intelligence tools and ongoing improvements to the planning portal.”Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, said, “Public access to the NSW Land Subdivision Pipeline dataset enables everyone from homebuyers, councils, and government to plan more effectively and assists in delivering new homes faster, in a more coordinated way.“For the first time, everyone can see the same live map of housing development. You can go online, click on your area, and see what’s being planned for your community.“It’s a single source of truth. Instead of departments and developers working off different spreadsheets, now everyone’s looking at the same map – avoiding delays and duplication.”

Concerned about the number of 'illegal' tobacco and vape shops in the Lismore CBD block, Lismore City Councillor Jasmine Knight-Smith put forward a motion that would see Council write to to the Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP and the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Tony Burke MP, to express its concern about the involvement of organised crime and what compliance measures the federal government is undertaking to control the increasing number of shops selling illegal tobacco and vapes."At last count, I identified eight in the (CBD) block as the closest level of government to the community. It is incumbent on us to tell the Feds when our community has a concern, which is governed by their legislation and their enforcement."What is happening in our city right now is a concern. This is not just a local issue; it's a national crisis. These illegal operations undermine public health, community safety and the rule of law, and most alarmingly, I believe, and the media has reported accordingly, they are linked to organised crime."Australia's illegal tobacco trade has grown to an estimated $10 billion a year black market, with organised crime groups profiting from excise-evading cigarettes and vapes and now make up half of all nicotine products sold in the country."In one of its news stories about illegal tobacco, the ABC said that internal tobacco industry data estimates the illicit tobacco market now makes up 64 per cent of all tobacco consumed in Australia and 82 per cent of the total nicotine consumed.If 64 per cent of the 10.5 per cent of smokers in Australia (2024 data) are buying illegal cigarettes and vapes, the two questions being asked are whether the federal government excise is too high, thus creating the black market that currently exists? Or, is the high tobacco excise justified as the smoking rate in this country has reduced from 25 per cent in the early 1990s to 10.5 per cent in 2024?Lismore City Councillors didn't address the fact that 64 per cent of smokers are purchasing illegal cigarettes at $9 to $10 a packet; instead, they focused their attention on organised crime and the criminal activity it creates."Since March of 2023, there have been 125 fire bombings of illegal tobacco and vape shops in stores in Victoria and dozens more across other states, including here in New South Wales and close to our home and our community in Ballina, in Casino and in Tweed Heads," Cr Knight-Smith said."These attacks are not random, it's been reported. They're part of a violent turf war between rival criminal organisations. Just recently, a man linked to the industry was shot dead in broad daylight in a laneway behind his own home. Agree or disagree with smoking, but legitimate businesses are suffering. Petrol stations and actual convenience stores have been robbed, intimidated and lost significant trade. Retailers are considering exiting the industry. I know of at least one legitimate retailer previously located in Magellan Street that has exited the industry.""What we're seeing in Lismore right now is deeply concerning. This motion is about protecting our community, advocating for our community, supporting lawful businesses and ensuring that Lismore is not a safe haven for illegal trade. I want the federal government to take coordinated action and to work with state and local authorities to ensure enforcement is effective and communities like ours are supported. We need to tell them what is happening right now in Lismore on the ground."Questions were asked of the General Manager, Eber Butron, about enforcing smoke-free areas in the CBD and if DAs could be refused; however, the response was that there is no real action that Lismore City Council can take to stop new retail shops opening and selling illegal tobacco if they go through the correct licensing process and it is approved.Cr Dalton-Earls said, "It doesn't sound like we have a strategic plan in terms of what businesses we're approving and in what areas, in particular in the CBD."That point was refuted by the GM. "We do have a strategic plan. We've got a Local Environmental Plan, we've got a Development Control Plan, and all our assessments of the relevant developments are assessed in accordance with that. There's also state legislation in terms of exempt and compliant development. So, all the shops are operating in relation to what you'd refer to as a legislative framework, but also the strategic planning and all the requirements under the Planning Act."Mayor Krieg jumped in and said You can't regulate the number of convenience/tobacco stores just as much as you can't regulate the number of cafes in a strip. "That's not our place. That's up to the landlord," he said.When he spoke in favour of the motion, Cr Dalton-Earls spoke again about the number of tobacco shops in the CBD."I'm not necessarily opposed outright to tobacconists at all, but I do have deep concerns when they are very close together, and it can create a number of social issues, which we are seeing. I think this is an important motion to say that in Lismore, we have identified this as an issue, and we would like further support and guidance in how we manage this problem moving forward, essentially."Councillor Rob's view was that this is not a Lismore City Council issue but a state government issue, just like crime. Cr Battista said that the councillors also represent the ratepayers who are business owners in the CBD."They're actually doing the right thing. They actually license and they sell legal tobacco, and they pay rates where these people may or may not pay rates, but definitely make a lot of money out of it, illegal practices in our CBD. And I don't think that's fair.At this point, Cr Jensen suggested they add Member for Lismore's name to the recipient of council's letter as it was a state issue, which was accepted by Cr Knight-Smith.Cr Hall entered the discussion by asking, "Do we know that all eight convenience stores are selling illegal products? Are they selling anything else that's actually a legal trade in town? For me, I hate seeing empty shops. I don't want anyone doing anything illegal, obviously, or untoward, or encouraging criminal activity or anti-social activity, but if they are, if some of them are just convenience stores, it's good to have the shops filled in town."Cr Knight-Smith said that she went into every single vape shop in the CBD, "And every single one sold disposable vapes. Disposable vapes are the one that is particularly illegal."When it came to the vote, Crs Knight Smith, Guise, Dalton-Earls, Jensen, Waters, Battista, Hall and Krieg voted for, and Crs Rob and Bing voted against. So, a letter will be written to the Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP, the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Tony Burke MP, and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin.In September, the Federal Government increased the excise by a further 5 per cent on top of regular indexing, so a 6.8 per cent increase. That brings the excise to just under $1.50 per stick. Now, for a packet of 20 legal cigarettes, the government excise is $30, bringing the cost to well over $40 to the consumer.It is difficult to argue that the Federal Government (both political parties) has created a black market that is out of control, and a market that is now supported by 64 per cent of tobacco smokers who are buying illegal cigarettes at $9-$10 a packet at a time when there is a cost-of-living crisis. Since 2020, government revenue has fallen from $16 billion to $7.4 billion in 2025. Further falls are being forecast. A $345 million investment from the Federal Government has been the response to curb the illegal trade.The war on illegal tobacco and vapes has only just begun.

Close to 75,000 students will put pen to paper over the HSC written exam period, which started yesterday morning with the English Paper 1.HSC written exams mark the conclusion of 13 years of schooling for students, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned during their education.For two Lismore High School students, the start of the HSC is less stressful than they thought it would be.Amy Salmon and Retrouvailles Banza told the Lismore App they felt good after the English exam."I walked in feeling really prepared. I know the text. I know my opinions of the text, and that's all you can really have," Amy said."I'm pretty similar to Amy, to be honest," Retro, as she likes to be called, added. "I feel like the trials were a really good starting point. I felt very prepared, like I knew my quotes, I knew what I wanted to talk about, and I knew that I was able to adapt my quotes to fit to any question.""I think the trials were a lot more stressful. I don't know if you feel the same way, but for me, I feel a lot more relaxed. Like yesterday, you would have thought I didn't care like I do, but the way I was behaving, you would have thought she doesn't care at all.""I haven't felt very stressed out. I think I just have to believe that I know what I'm doing and that I can execute it in the exam room and the trials, again, they pretty much just gave me a lot of confidence in myself. They gave me confidence that I do know what I'm doing, and I'm just excited for what comes after the exams. I'm so excited for my life after the exams that I'm just not scared," Amy said.When the written exams finish on Friday, 7 November, with Food Technology being the final examination, HSC students will have sat over 400,000 exam sessions in 123 different subjects from Mathematics to Construction.Students have already completed language oral exams, practical performances, and major projects during Term 3.Thousands of dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff are working behind the scenes during the HSC, ensuring written exams run smoothly and delivering a fair outcome for every student. Students will receive their HSC results and ATAR on Thursday, 18 December."At this stage, I feel like it's so far away I'm not even thinking about it," Retro explained. "I imagine, the night before, I'll be wired and so stressed at the time, but, you know, what can you do."It'll just be me first (opening the ATAR result). I'll tell my family, but I think I'll have to process that first, just in case it's not what I'm hoping."For Amy, it will be a similar scenario."I'll definitely be looking at it by myself, just in case, but at the end of the day, like this is only the beginning of my life, and it's my ATAR. While I do want it to be high, it's not going to dictate whether or not I'm happy or sad. Like it's just a part of life, and I've got so many things to look forward to. The ATAR is the least of my worries. And really, once you've done the exam, that's all you can do. I'm the type of person who just doesn't stress about things that aren't in my control, like it's going to be what it's going to be."With such a mature approach to life at such a young age, the future looks bright for both young women. What lies ahead in 2026?Both Amy and Retro have early acceptances to different universities."It's not fully sorted out," Amy said. "I've gotten a few acceptances into universities. I'm still deciding on which one I want to go to, but I have my plan figured out. I kind of know what steps I'm going to take after this. It relaxes me to know that I've got something to aim for, and it relaxes me to know that I do have options out there, and that there are multiple ways to do it, and I'm not locked into anything. Vaving early offers that are unconditional makes it a lot easier, knowing that it doesn't all depend on these exams."I'm doing a Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education. So I've gotten an unconditional offer into UNSW, and then I've gotten an offer to UNE (University of New England), and then I've applied to Griffith and SCU, so plenty of options out there.""It's not dependent on the school; it's dependent on the location. And I would rather move to the Gold Coast. If I get a really good offer there, I'll go there."Retro said she is in a similar boat to Amy."I'm going to study a Bachelor of Laws. I'm not too sure if I'm going to do it with honours yet, or if I'm going to do it as a double degree with international relations."Similar to Amy, I want to move to the Gold Coast, but everything's so expensive. I won't be moving next year. I've been accepted into Bond, and I've been contacted by Griffith about their early offer program for the International Relations degree. So at this stage, I'm looking towards Bond, but I've also got applications through UAC and QTAC to come out early next year."The difference between the two students is that Retro is having a gap year, whereas Amy will roll straight into university."I want to work as a teacher's aide at a primary school just around town. That way, I'll have something to fill my time in, and I play a lot of Netball, so I've still got time on the weekends and after school for my training as well."I've worked quite consistently in Year 12, so lots of time where I've chosen not to go out places and chosen to study. It's been so much consistent work to be followed by, well, obviously I'm not in university yet, but I presume law is quite a pressing degree, and I feel as though I need that break to kind of refresh, learn who I am as an adult outside of school, being told what to do and be able to get a bit of real life experience in the workforce.Good luck to Amy, Retro and every Year 12 student sitting their HSC over the next sixteen days.With an additional 9,000 students undertaking at least one exam as part of an accelerated pathway, or completing the HSC over multiple years, it means around 84,000 students will complete an HSC course in 2025.The 2025 HSC written exam timetable can be found on the NESA website, along with the 2025 HSC enrolment snapshot.

The NSW Government will today introduce landmark legislation to enshrine a Standard Non-Parole Period of 25 years for the murder of a current or former intimate partner, as part of its ongoing work to build a safer New South Wales.This will be the first time in Australia that a specific non-parole period for intimate partner homicide has been legislated. Reflecting the gravity of the crime, the 25-year standard non-parole period will be among the highest of any offence in New South Wales.Currently, murder carries a standard non-parole period of 20 years. This reform represents a 25% increase, aligning intimate partner murder with other offences that attract the state’s most severe sentencing standards, such as the murder of a child or public officials acting in the course of their duties.The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025 will amend the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, following the extraordinary advocacy of Tabitha Acret, mother of Mackenzie Anderson, who was tragically murdered by her former partner in 2022.The murder of a current or former intimate partner is a heinous crime that causes profound harm to victims, families and communities. This legislation ensures our laws reflect both the severity of these offences and the devastating impact they inflict.In the five years to June 2025, 59 people in NSW were murdered by a current or former intimate partner – 42 of them women.This reform builds on the state government’s ongoing commitment to ensure the justice system protects victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and holds perpetrators to account.This work has included:Introducing the toughest bail laws in the country for perpetrators of domestic and family violence.Requiring electronic monitoring of people charged with serious domestic violence offences who are on bail.Increasing penalties for certain breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs).Establishing Serious Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to better protect victim-survivors.In addition, the Government has commenced implementation of NSW’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy and delivered record investment in crisis support.The NSW Government knows there is more work to be done. It remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside advocates, experts, and victim-survivors to prevent domestic and family violence, ensure accountability, and stop its devastating impact across New South Wales.Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, said, "I want to thank Tabitha Acret for her incredible courage and advocacy following the tragic loss of her daughter.“No parent should ever have to endure what Tabitha has, yet she has used her voice to drive real change that will help protect others.“This legislation is about recognising the true severity of intimate partner homicide and ensuring our justice system reflects that and holds perpetrators to account.“We know laws alone won’t end domestic and family violence, but they do send a powerful signal about what we stand for as a community.”Michael Daley, Attorney General, said, “When a person takes the life of their partner or former partner, it tears families and communities apart.“A 25-year standard non-parole period reflects the community’s deep sense of outrage and the lasting harm these crimes cause.“It is also about consistency and transparency, ensuring courts have a clear benchmark that reflects the severity of intimate partner homicide.”Jodie Harrison, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said, “Tabitha Acret’s bravery in speaking out after the loss of her daughter Mackenzie has driven this important reform.“Her advocacy has made New South Wales a safer place for women, and I want to thank her for her bravery and compassion in the face of unimaginable loss.“While today’s legislation is an important step, we know there is more to do. We will continue working with advocates, experts and victim-survivors to stop violence before it starts and support those impacted to rebuild their lives.”Tabitha Acret, reform advocate and mother of Mackenzie Anderson, said, “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Premier Chris Minns and the NSW Labor Government, not just for today’s outcomes, but for the series of legislative changes they are putting into place to address domestic and family violence. While no law can bring back the lives we’ve tragically lost, I truly hope these reforms will serve as a powerful deterrent.“When Mackenzie’s murderer’s sentence was announced, it was another heartbreak that her case could also be used to help free violent offenders earlier. I am so thankful that part of her legacy will now be that future families will not experience the pain we did through the justice system.“But laws alone are not enough. The government cannot do this work in isolation - it takes a united community to call out discrimination, to stand against violence, and to build a future grounded in respect and equality. I feel deeply thankful that today’s progress reflects the strength and determination of our community working together.“This is not the end for me. I remain committed to pushing forward in the prevention space, creating opportunities for gender equality in every aspect of life. Together, we can make lasting change.”Support available:In an emergency, where there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services on Triple Zero (000)NSW Domestic Violence Help Line: 1800 65 64 631800RESPECT: 1800 7377 32Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14Kids Helpline: 1800 55 18 00Further information on if you suspect and want to help someone in a domestic violence situation is available here.Information on how to spot the signs of coercive control is available here. 

The NSW Government has announced a $1.2 billion solar farm in the Northern Rivers as it continues its push to Net Zero by 2050.The new Richmond Valley Solar Farm will be built near Rapville, about 50 minutes southwest of Lismore or 23 minutes south of Casino.The state government says, once operable, it will be able to generate enough clean electricity to power around 175,000 homes each year.The Ark Energy-led project will create up to 342 jobs – including 327 during construction and up to 15 ongoing operational roles – and significantly reduce carbon emissions across the state.The project will also support the community with a proposed $11 million Voluntary Planning Agreement with Richmond Valley Council, which could help fund community projects such as halls, sporting facilities, libraries, parks and playgrounds.The Richmond Valley Solar Farm is the 14th solar farm and 21st renewable energy generation project approved under the Minns Labor Government, in addition to 15 standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) and 2 major transmission lines approved during this period.With a capacity of 435 megawatts (MW), the Richmond Valley Solar Farm includes a 475 MW / 3,148 MW-hour (MWh) BESS that stores solar energy for dispatch to the electricity grid outside of daylight hours and during peak demand.The government says the project went through a comprehensive assessment considering key matters such as energy transition, amenity, agricultural land, biodiversity and traffic. In consultation with Richmond Valley Council and relevant government agencies, clear conditions have been set so all potential impacts are appropriately minimised and managed.Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “Projects like the Richmond Valley Solar Farm are crucial to lowering energy costs, reducing emissions, and securing long-term energy reliability.“It’s not just about energy – it's about investing in communities. With an $11 million contribution proposed for local infrastructure, Richmond Valley Council will be able to deliver new facilities that make a real difference to people's lives.“Once up and running the project will be able to power around 175,000 homes each year, which to put it into perspective, means it could power every home in the Northern Rivers region- that was recorded in the 2021 census- and 31,000 more. “It also includes battery storage, which means even when the sun doesn’t shine, stored energy can still be sent to the grid.”Minister for North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “We have always, as a community, led the way in the take-up of solar, and it makes sense that we are now leading the way in the creation of renewable solar farms.“The flow-on effects of the new jobs, community infrastructure and sustainable power generation will be felt for generations to come.”

Australia compares well internationally with other countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), ranking more favourably on many welfare measures, including tertiary education, employment and life expectancy.This is among a range of key findings contained in the 17th edition of Australia’s welfare, released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)."This report shines a light on how Australians are faring today, providing a comprehensive overview on the welfare and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities across areas like life satisfaction, income, housing, aged care and more," said AIHW spokesperson Louise Gates.The report highlights groups within our population who experience less favourable welfare outcomes. A considerable number of Australians rely on support and assistance provided as part of our health and welfare systems, as well as informally from family, friends and the broader community.Overview of Australia’s population"Australia’s population has grown steadily over the past 30 years. Our population is also ageing due to longer life expectancies and lower birth rates," said Ms Gates.Between mid-1994 and mid-2024, the population of Australia has grown from 17.8 million to 27.2 million and is projected to reach 31.3 million by 2034–35. The proportion aged 65 and over has risen from 12% to 17% over the same period and is projected to reach almost a quarter (24%) by 2064–65. Life satisfaction and connections"Generally, Australians continue to have positive community connections and enjoy a socially cohesive society with 4 in 5 people feeling a sense of belonging in their neighbourhood and 3 in 10 giving back through volunteering in 2024," said Ms Gates.In April 2025, Australians rated their life satisfaction at 6.5 out of 10 on average, while 2 in 5 (40%) Australians experienced loneliness at least some of the time in the previous week.  Rates of life satisfaction have decreased slightly from 6.8 in January 2023 and 7 in January 2021, while the proportion experiencing loneliness has remained reasonably constant.The proportion of people feeling socially isolated was 15% in 2023, similar to 2021 when it peaked at 16%. In 2023, people aged 35–44 were most likely to experience social isolation. However, during 2020 and 2022, young people aged 15–24 were the most likely cohort (ranging between 19% and 22%).Education"Education plays a vital role in helping people navigate the transition to adulthood and the workforce. Higher educational attainment is linked to greater employment prospects, higher incomes, improved health and better life satisfaction," said Ms Gates.Australia continues to fare well in terms of tertiary education attained by adults aged 25–64, ranking sixth highest out of 38 OECD countries.The proportion of Australians aged 15–74 with a non-school qualification such as a university degree, certificate or diploma as of May 2024 has increased to 63%, the same as 2023 but an increase from 59% in 2015.In 2024, 16% (3.2 million) of people aged 15–74 were currently studying. School attendance rates for years 1–10 have declined; however, Year 12 or equivalent attainment has increased from 72% to 79% between 2015 and 2024.The number of apprentices and trainees has fluctuated in recent years. There were 334,000 apprentices and trainees in training at 30 September 2024, a decrease from 362,000 since the same time in 2023.Employment, remote work and incomeThe employment rate for Australians aged 15–64 has been steadily increasing over time from 64.4% in February 1978, to record highs of 77.4% in December 2024 and 77.2% in June 2025. This has been driven by the increase in female employment; from 46% in February 1978 to 74.4% in June 2025."After the largest monthly fall on record in employment in April 2020 during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s labour force has rebounded, with employment not only returning to pre-pandemic levels but reaching and sustaining record highs," Ms Gates said."The pandemic was also a major catalyst for shifting attitudes towards people working remotely."More than one-third (36%) of employees worked some of their hours from home in 2023; lower than the peak in 2021 (39%), but higher than before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (25%, on average, between 2001 and 2019).More Australians aged 65 and over are remaining in the workforce for longer. In June 2025, 16% of older people aged 65 and over were employed, up from 6.8% in June 1978.Real household income has grown in 2024, following 2 years of decline between 2021 and 2023, with the recent moderation in inflation since 2023 enabling household incomes to grow faster than prices. However, despite rising incomes, Australians are reporting the highest levels of financial stress (21% in 2023) in over a decade.Housing and homelessness"Home ownership rates are falling with fewer young people owning their own home," said Ms Gates."Between 2014 and 2024, the median transfer price for established houses in capital cities, where most Australians live, increased substantially."Home ownership rates declined from 50% to 36% among people aged 25–29 and from 64% to 50% for those aged 30–34, between 1971 and 2021.Around 1.3 million low-income households were experiencing housing stress in 2024–25, spending more than 30% of their disposable income on housing. The number of social housing dwellings increased by 45,200 between June 2006 and June 2024. However, social housing dwellings made up only 4.1% of all households in 2024, a decrease from 4.8% in 2011.Specialist homelessness services supported around 280,000 people in 2023–24 who were either homeless or at risk of homelessness. A high proportion (45%) of children and young people aged 15–24 who present alone to agencies for support were still experiencing homelessness when their support ended in 2023–24 (45%).DisabilityAround 5.5 million people (21%) of the Australian population had some form of disability in 2022, an increase from 4.4 million (18%) in 2018."Several factors may have contributed to this rise, including an increase in prevalence of long-term conditions, an ageing population, a growing awareness of disability and changes in data collection methods," Ms Gates said.The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had around 693,000 active participants with approved plans at 31 December 2024, an increase from 467,000 at 30 June 2021.The number of NDIS participants with a primary disability of autism has grown by 14% in 2024, and 15% over the previous year, compared with 7.2% and 13% annual growth rates in the same 2 years for the total number of NDIS participants.Aged care"Australia’s ageing population has been driving an increased demand for aged care services and higher government expenditure in this sector," Ms Gates said."Assessments and admissions into home or residential aged care are increasing, as are the number of aged care places and people employed in the aged care workforce."Between 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2024, the number of people using home care increased from 142,000 to 275,000, and the number using permanent residential aged care increased from 184,000 to 190,000. The number of comprehensive assessments completed for eligibility for entry into these services also increased from 188,000 to 218,000.Waiting times for some aged care services improved over this period, but not all. The median elapsed time between referral for a comprehensive assessment and approval increased from 12 days in 2019–20 to 22 days in 2023–24. The median elapsed time between approval and home care package commitment decreased from 299 days in 2019–20 to 118 days in 2023–24. Justice and safetyThe National Community Attitudes Survey shows that understanding of violence against women has reached its highest level to date, achieving a mean score of 69 out of 100, an increase from 62 in 2009."Attitudes of and awareness towards violence against women are improving over time; however, there is still considerable room for improvement," said Ms Gates.One in 5 (20%) adults had experienced physical and/or sexual family and domestic violence since the age of 15, equating to 2.7 million women and 1.1 million men in 2021–22. Fewer young people aged 10–17 are under youth justice supervision than in previous years. In 2023–24, around 4,200 young people (or a rate of 12 per 10,000 people aged 10–17) were under youth justice supervision on an average day; a decrease from almost 5,200 (or a rate of 16 per 10,000 people aged 10–17) in 2019–20. A population and welfare overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) peopleThere were an estimated 984,000 First Nations people living across Australia at 30 June 2021, an increase of 22% from 806,000 people at 30 June 2011.In 2021, 81% of First Nations people were living in appropriately sized housing (not overcrowded), an increase from 69% in 2001.The proportion of First Nations people aged 25–34 who had completed a tertiary qualification as their highest educational attainment has more than doubled from 19% in 2001 to 47% in 2021. More First Nations people aged 15–64 are also employed, an increase from 46% in 2012–13 to 57% in 2022–23.

It is not every year that planning goes smoothly for one of Lismore's signature events, but when it does come along, you take it.The 2025 Elders Lismore Show looks to be in that envious position when the Lismore App spoke to Vice President of North Coast National, Lyndal Gordon, and Secretary Mark Sollom, who were happy for 8am to tick over, so the gates can swing open and the show can begin."I feel it's all going quite well; everything's been going smoothly at this point in time. We've just got wonderful volunteers on board as well, that really is assisting us with making this truly an amazing event again for 2025," Lyndall said, referring to the 30 or so volunteers who give up their time and roll up their sleeves to make sure people from Lismore and all over the Northern Rivers have a fantastic time."We've got some schools involved as well that will actually be here for the duration of the show, doing different events like the ring events, cattle events, which is part of their school curriculum."Mark Sollom added, "We will have all of our exhibits up and running and ready for you to come and have a look at.""We have some marvellous rides that have come in. We've got two straight here from Melbourne, and a new one this year, the 30-meter Tower Drop, which will be quite exciting. And I'm sure a lot of screams will be heard from Northern Lismore."For the families, Sideshow Alley is the biggest it has been in a decade, with rides stretching down to the Ashtons Circus tent and horse stables. There are rides for the young kids and plenty for the older, with a host of games to play to win the hugely popular soft toys.You can walk through the pavilions at the top of Showground to see the TURSA Art Prize, the handmade products, the homegrown vegetables and the homemade cakes.Ashton's Circus is included in the price of entry. You can see shows at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5:30pm. There is LEGO building in the William Smith Pavilion plus showbags to buy near the popular wood chop.On the agricultural side, there will be beef cattle, led steers, school steers, equestrian, poultry and alpacas.For entertainment, there's the Northern Rivers Ford Spectacular FMX Motor X, Jetpack & Monster Trucks at 12:30pm and 6:15pm (Thursday and Friday) in the Main Arena.Saturday night at 6pm will see the return of the rodeo for the first time since 2019."We've had so many requests for the rodeo. People have missed it, and we've got some talented people here who run rodeos, and they came to us and asked us, would we like to have the rodeo again? And we went, we certainly do. People have been looking for it," Mark said."It's nice to change things up a little bit as well," added Lyndal."This is the cheapest family entertainment you can get in the whole of the Northern Rivers, all year. The family pass of $45 will get two parents and three kids in here for the whole day."You can check out all your show details on the Lismore App 2025 Lismore Show, and you can purchase tickets by clicking here.See you at the Show!

Two men have been charged following this morning's Masonic Temple fire in Lismore.Just after 4.00am today (Wednesday, 15 October 2025), emergency services were called to Magellan Street, Lismore, following reports of a building fire.The fire caused extensive damage to the building before it was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended, established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the fire, which police believe was deliberately lit.About 11.00am, police spoke with two men in a carpark in Keen Street as they walked towards a parked silver Mitsubishi Triton utility.Police arrested the men aged 36 and 32.They were taken to Lismore Police Station, where they were each charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence.Both men were refused bail to appear in Bail Division – Court 1 tomorrow (Thursday, 16 October 2025).