If you’re a creative with an idea for a short doco or factual film, 15 places are now available for regional Screenworks members in a new online workshop program designed to see you bring your idea to life.Creative Factual Storytelling: From Ideas to Screens will give you two months of mentoring to be a great storyteller, offering strategies for taking your ideas from the page to the screen.Part 1The programme involves four weekly, two-hour workshops delivered via zoom, covering how to find a story, how to research the subject matter, tell the story visually and in sound, research the audience, get to know the potential market place and deliver exciting, engaging, successful stories.Participants will work with a tried and tested manual, which they can use for reference and can stream the sessions to revisit as requiredPart 2Then comes what Media Mentors call the “long tail.”Participants put into practice what they’ve learned by delivering a short film in just 4 weeks!It could be a proof of concept, a trailer or a scene from their factual idea, and you can work as an individual or as part of a team.The style and content of the short film will be decided during the course and the duration will be between 1 and 5 mins.At the start of part 2 there’ll be a one-hour online via zoom setting goals session defining what they will achieve in the next four weeks of production.A moderated and supported WhatsApp group will run throughout this period to support all participants to produce fantastic content they can use to pitch their idea or be part of their film.Finally a show and tell online via zoom graduation session – where the work they’ve done during the course is shown to the group – with a BYO glass of something to celebrate the screening.Who is this designed for? For the amateur and the professional – and everybody in between – who want to know how to tell a good yarn or to improve their story-telling skills.Applications close 28 June 2020 and you can visit the Screenworks website for more information and to apply https://screenworks.com.au/event/creative-factual-storytelling-program/

Lismore Police are investigating an incident which occurred in Lismore on the 30th of May and believe this person may be able to assist with inquiries.Anyone with information regarding this person's identity is urged to contact Lismore Police Station on 02 66260599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please quote Police event number E74396035.

Three locals have received awards in this years Queens Birthday Honour list, they are Daniel O'Brien from Federal, Dr Austin Curtain from Tregeagle and Lyn Larsen from Tuntable Creek.Dr Austin Curtin received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award for significant service to medicine, and health outcomes in regional communities.Many people from Lismore and the Northern Rivers will know the name Dr Austin Curtin in some form. Dr Curtain has more than likely touched your life in some way directly or indirectly through your connections with family and friends."When I received the email from the Governor General's office, it was a surprise to tell you the truth", Dr Curtin told the Lismore App, "the reason for receiving the award aligns itself with my fundamental beliefs for being a doctor".Dr Curtin arrived in Lismore as a qualified doctor in 1985 from Sydney."I wanted to be an old fashioned general surgeon, one that is not tied down to one specific area of surgery. I loved to work in a community of normal people, it is part of my passion".Soon after moving into the region Dr Curtin wanted to develop a rural medical clinic for Lismore. "Universities were forcing students into rural areas to complete their education so I joined a group of people to lobby government so we could improve the infrastructure to turn our hospitals into training hospitals", he said."We really wanted to improve the outcomes for people in regional areas so what is available in the country is similar to what they have in the city".Dr Curtin was also Lismore Citizen of the Year in 2015.

Three locals have received awards in this years Queens Birthday Honour list, they are Daniel O'Brien from Federal, Dr Austin Curtain from Tregeagle and Lyn Larsen from Tuntable Creek.Daniel O'Brien has received the Medal of the Order of Australia."I was very surprised to receive the award, it came as quite a shock", Daniel told the Lismore App, "I find volunteering very rewarding and now this has happened I think volunteers can be recognised by their communities".His story is one that many of you will not know.Daniel has been recognised for his work with war veterans and their families. However, this is not the usual war veterans that you see and think of at ANZAC time but the unknown veterans that in World War II fought for the Unites States Army during the South Pacific Campaign. These soldiers fought for the United States Army because they were not eligible to fight for Australia for age reasons or medical reasons but were quietly, actively recruited by the Australian Government."There were kids as young as 15 and as old as 80", Daniel said, "not only that, there were disabled people too, some one armed and one legged soldiers fighting in New Guinea. Anyone who didn't fit the mould"The problem over the years has been that the Australian Government has not recognised these veterans were part of the Australian War cause and this is where where Daniel comes in to the picture.Daniel works on behalf of the US Army Small Ships Association to gain recognition for their war efforts for veterans and their families. Not necessarily for financial support but just recognition like any other Australian soldier would receive.Daniel said "This is a community award. There are still hundreds of men that remain unrecognised and some carry shame and resentment with their war efforts".(Walsh Bay, Sydney war memorial plaque)"If anyone believes their ancestors served with the US forces during World War II they are most welcome to contact me at secretary@usarmysmallships.asn.org.For more information on the US Army Small Ships Association push on this link http://www.usarmysmallships.asn.au/."I've been fighting the government for 15 years", Daniel commented, "and I will continue to fight until every soldier is identified and gains recognition for their war efforts".

The devastating impact of the 2019 bushfires is still very fresh in our minds with vivid memories of hundreds of thousands of hectares of bushland being burnt out, millions of wildlife getting caught in the inferno's as well as people losing their houses and some even their lives.Nymoida is a town not in our 2480 postcode, it is south of Grafton but there is a man and his mother that need help and when the Lismore App received and email from G'Day Farmers Mark Cockburn asking for assistance we gladly went about writing this story.Mark and his wife work on behalf of Australian Mercy on a project called G'Day Farmer (https://australianmercy.org/projects/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuYGDifHs6QIVgiQrCh1hOgqIEAAYASAAEgLUK_D_BwE).G'Day Farmers vision is to help our Aussie farmers and their surrounding community who are doing it tough, in order to help get them back on their feet.Mark explains more "Our current project is focused on the Tabulam and Nymboida areas west of Ballina and Grafton, wherein we are working to provide temporary housing to those who lost their homes during the 2019/2020 bushfires, by way of providing outfitted shipping containers that are fully insulated""Our role in this project, is to travel around these areas looking for those who really are needing warm and dry shelter. In that effort, we have come across a man who along with his mum, lived in a rented house on a property along Glens Creek Road Nymboida. Naturally, we cannot mention names, but sadly, the house they were renting was burned to the ground, thus forcing the man's mother to relocate to town - where we understand she is not doing well at all, while the man has relocated to a friend's property." "My wife and I have personally seen where this man is living. It looks like a small outside meat house, he's on a dirt floor and, the white ants have moved in. Because he is living on another person's property, we can't give him a container, but we then realised that if we could find him a caravan, he could take that with him should he decide to move." "As you can appreciate, as there were 105 houses lost in this area, rental properties are like 'hen's teeth', and these two people love living together in the bush."So what can we as a community do for this helpless man and his mother?Mark said, "We are needing about a 15' - 20' caravan that doesn't leak - something in which this man and his mum can be warm and dry until such time that they can find further accommodation. It doesn't have to be registered - the Police advise that so long as it is 'road worthy', we can get an 'Interim Slip', which allows us to tow it to the property. We are prepared to take care of all arrangements to relocate the van from the current owner's property to this man's location."Mark is hoping that some kind and generous reader of the Lismore App will such a caravan that they can donate. If this is you, contact Mark by phone on 0418 297 295 or email mark.cockburn53@gmail.com.

Community groups who use crown land reserves, including public halls, scouts and guides, the PCYC, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and showgrounds management are set to benefit from the announcement of funding for crown reserves improvement. Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said applications for a share of $14 million in the NSW Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are open until July 10.“Councils, Crown land managers and community groups that use Crown land, across the Lismore Electorate are invited to apply to upgrade and maintain community facilities and reserves,” Mr Franklin said. “Crown reserves provide great spaces for the community and include areas like sporting fields, beaches, and some public buildings,” Mr Franklin said.“The fund will support improvements to community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown reserves while also supporting local businesses and economies.“It also funds bushfire management and weed and pest control to keep reserves safe and functional and to protect our environment and native plants and animals.”The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund maintains and upgrades reserves and community facilities on Crown land across NSW and the Nationals are investing in the Ballina and Lismore electorates to benefit the whole community.“Grant applications are open to Crown land reserve managers including local councils, community groups who use Crown land and showgrounds, so I strongly encourage eligible local organisations to apply,” Mr Franklin said.Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said quality public reserves were vital to the health and well-being of local communities.“Residents need quality natural spaces to relax and rejuvenate and this fund enhances local reserves that provide green open recreational space and protect our environmental diversity,” Mrs Pavey said.Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the grant program would be welcome news to communities who will benefit from improved access to great quality public spaces.“This year’s funding will prioritise restoring and strengthening the resilience of public facilities and crown reserves that have suffered through bushfires, drought and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.“We also want to make it easier for the community to walk and cycle with new tracks and trails across and between reserves and open spaces.”For further information on the Crown Reserves Improvement fund and to apply, visit https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif

The Black Lives Matter rally held at Spinks Park today saw a large crowd, in excess of the legal 500 number outlined by the NSW State Government for outdoor events, gather in the streets of the CBD.The rally started at 12:30 with the numbers of supporters increasing until they filled the Magellan Street roundabout and were standing on both sides of Molesworth Street. Police ultimately closed access to Molesworth Street from Woodlark and Conway Streets.Read about Lismore's Aboriginal Community Liasion Officer Ros Sten SUNDAY PROFILE: Widjabal Elder Ros StenLed by local Widjabul Wybal woman Cindy Roberts and popular Nimbin artist Gilbert Laurie who belongs to the Yaegl and Widjabul tribes, the message was to end injustice and racism so we can more forward as a united nation.The 432 aboriginals deaths in custody was acknowledged and the point made that "there has been no justice for any of those deaths, not one perpetrator charged, nobody convicted"."We are asking for justice, we are asking for no more racism, to stop racism within the system".There was often applause and cheers from the large crowd throughout the talks.As is the case in America our local police force was sent a message "You have good coppers and bad but it's up to the good ones to say to the bad ones enough is enough. Tell them no because thats where it starts in your organisation".The overall tone of the rally was the acknowledgement that just being born Aboriginal put a target on your back within a racist system."We have lost so many young lives. What about white lives, we matter, yeah you matter, all you other nationalities, yes you matter but when you're black you don't know what it's like to be black and in a system of racism. You don't know what it's like to be targeted everyday of your life because of the colour of your skin."We stand today in solidarity with America because we know their pain, because we feel it and go through it everyday".This reference was to the recent death of African American George Floyd who was killed by a member of the Minneapolis police force while other members watched. His death was recorded and the video went viral around the world."We live in the year 2020 and we are still asking for justice and still asking for change, shame, shame, shame on you."Nimbin artist Gilbert Laurie spoke of education, "for me it's a privilege to go and teach in our schools, teach our language, teach our stories also teach our heart"."The paintings we leave is for all of us, they bring us together, that's what I teach in schools the next generation. There's no division, theres no racism, it's all about us coming together and walking together as one."While the rally today became illegal as the numbers grew to above 500, the organisers were passing around hand sanitiser with most people wearing masks.The Lismore Police Force were visible throughout the rally but keeping to themselves, watching proceedings and controlling traffic.Cindy told the Lismore App that more people turned up for the rally than she expected, "I hope we continue to stand in solidarity, peace and love", Cindy said.

Take a bow Lismore Base Hospital staff. They took the time during what has been an extremely busy period in their lives to record and release their version of the GitUp Challenge.What an incredible result it was, the most fun any business would have had over the last three months.So, what is the GitUp Challenge?The GitUp song was released by Blanco Brown last year and started a worldwide fad of people re-enacting his dance. You can watch it here.The initiative was the brainchild of the Nursing and Midwifery Managers to raise morale and to celebrate International Year of Nurse and Midwife. Charmaine Murphy has done a marvellous job with the filming and editing of the video. Take a look at some of the still shots from the video, then push on the link and take a look at the full version via the Northern NSW Health Local Health District facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1107106539659108The Lismore would like to set every business to take the GitUp Challenge, it is a great deal of fun in what has been a serious and tense time in the last 3 months. You don't need to make the entire 3:31 of the GitUp song, you can do a verse and chorus depending on how many staff you have.Once you record your GitUp dance send it through to simon@lismoreapp.com.au.

With everyone cooking at home more these days, The Lismore App's new Coronavirus > Recipes section could hold a few recipes that might entice you to try cooking them.We invite readers to send in their recipes to share with others (include ingredients, cooking method, a photo and why you like to cook it) and email it to: liina@lismoreapp.com.auWoolworths reports on buying trendsAs the Lismore App’s search for recipes from the local community continues, Woolworths reported today that the trends of foods we buy and cook with are changing as coronavirus restrictions on socialising ease.The supermarket chain said “entertaining” products like specialty cheeses, olives and premium crackers have grown by 23% on last year and baking and desserts are up 34%. Perhaps it is because we’re able to invite people over again and show off our new baking skills?At the same time, Woolworths also speculated that people are becoming more adventurous with what they are coking and reported that there is “strong growth” in sales of all forms of vegetables, with eggplant up 38% on last year, herbs up by 28%, ginger up 18%, garlic up 26% and chillies up by 36%.Toilet paperIronically, toilet paper sales are reported as being 9% down on last year as people use what they already have at home. Woolworths now only has product buying limits remaining on antibacterial wipes, hand wash and frozen fruit.So, if you are looking to become a little more adventurous with your cooking, why now try out some of the recipes submitted by The Lismore App reader Debbie Stark. Debbie’s muffin recipe will give you a chance to make a paleo-vegan style dessert, and her chicken recipe gives you a chance to get out the spices and impress yourself, if not your family and friends!Read Debbie’s muffin recipe: Cranberry and orange muffinsRead Debbie’s coconut chili recipe : Coconut Chili Chicken

Northern Rivers Buslines customers can look forward to the Route 688 - Late Nighter bus service again this weekend, when it returns to normal services on Saturday, June 6.The bus service commences from Keen & Woodlark Streets then Zadoc Street - Molesworth Street, then as required via Albert Park - Wyrallah Road Military Road - Southern Cross University - Ballina Road - Holland Street Oliver Ave - Rous Road - Ballina Road.It leaves Goonellabah Tavern at 11.50pm, and Keen & Woodlark at midnight, 12.30am, 1.15am, 2am, 2.45am and 3.30am.Look out for Late Nighter destination signs on bus Route 688.Here is the link to the timetable: https://www.buslinesgroup.com.au/northern-rivers-maps-timetables

Three days off with the freedom to travel and mostly blue skies, enough to make you smile.There has been a steady stream of camper trailers and caravans leaving our community since the easing of travel restrictions on Monday and no doubt more to come this afternoon.NSW Police are back on the roads targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, driving while fatigued, mobile phone usage, helmets and any other traffic offence! Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corbuy said “Drivers can expect to see plenty of officers out on our streets, enforcing the road rules and ensuring that all road users reach their destination safely.” This does include stationary RBT's and RDT 's.If you are heading as far south as Coffs, you will get to enjoy the new 36 kilometre Pacific Highway upgrade between Tyndale and Glenugie. There will be some road works between Woolgoolga and Ballina due to highway upgrades on Monday.Some good news on the petrol pricing front, it was expected to rise for the long weekend but hasn't with 109.9 the cheapest still at the United Station on Ballina Road near Keen Street. Everything else is about 114.9.Back at home, a reminder that the Minyon Falls, Protestor Falls and Big Scrub bush walks are all open although Big Scrub will require a walk in and out due to road closures. Check out the bush walks here Walks. Rocky Creek Dam remains closed.Camping is open at Rummery Park but all camping needs to be pre-booked before you visit any camp grounds.The Lismore Farmers Markets are on again tomorrow from 8am with live music, hot breakfasts, hot coffee and a great array of local produce. The Blue Knob Markets open their gates at 8:30 tomorrow morning.It has ben announced in NSW that libraries, museums and art gallery's could re-open from June 1st. To clarify Lismore City Council has said that the Regional Gallery, libraries in Lismore and Goonellabah, GSAC and the Lismore and Nimbin Information Centres will remain closed until "we put new COVID-19 safety measures in place".Lismore City Council’s Manager Major Recreation and Cultural Facilities Tony Duffy said "these procedures can not be rushed".Family entertainment remains closed until at least June 13 so no roller skating, ten pin bowling or movies over the long weekend.If you are stuck for something to do, check out some real estate for sale (For Sale) or cars to buy (Used Cars). Don't forget to buy local over the long weekend.You can also check out our Games & Puzzles button to keep yourself amused (Games & Puzzles).Our weekend stories will have Blogs from Neil Marks tomorrow morning talks about Councillors forgoing 10% of their councillor salary, on Sunday Gianpiero Battista talks about free community access to all council briefing meetings and our Sunday Profile on the Lismore App is Widjabal Elder Ros Sten, one of Lismore's Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers in Richmond District Police. The weather is looking pretty good for Saturday and Sunday with maximums of 20 or 21 before we see some rain on Monday which will continue for the rest of the week.Now, for some jokes to end your week;

Widjabul Wybal woman Cindy Roberts calls the people of Lismore to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal people and the rest of the world - and speak out about injustice and racism.“This Saturday, we are safely protesting in solidarity on Widjabul Wybal soil to support the uprising in the USA and against the murders of Aboriginal people through black deaths in custody," Cindy said.“Lismore is the meeting place of the tribes, and we hope to see people come along to a Black Lives Matter protest at Spinks Park at 12.30pm - and stand up to stop the racism,” Cindy said.The local peaceful protest comes after a week of protests around Australia and the world - triggered by the viral sharing of video showing the brutal death of George Floyd, 46 - an African-American man killed by police in Minneapolis on Monday.Cindy said the continuing police brutality against African Americans highlighted the injustice continually faced by Indigenous Australians.While the police officers involved in the incident in America have been charged with murder, Cindy said that was just to “silence the masses” and that Australia has an even bigger problem.  “We’ve seen the same thing too many times in this country – and the perpetrators have walked free. That’s not justice,” she said.“You’ve got good and bad cops and prison officers, and we need the good ones to stand up against the bad ones, and speak out. “Aboriginal people make up 3% of the population, but 30% are incarcerated – they are in the highest rates highest of incarceration in the world.“It’s not about black or white, it’s about stopping racism in the justice system - black lives matter.“Black fellas are still suffering in an unfair justice system - we are still living under a white, oppressive government and being targeted is not new to us.“Until we stand together and speak out, nothing will change.“Since the 1991 Royal Commission into black deaths in custody, we’ve had 432 deaths to date.“Before ’91, nothing was recorded of the thousands who died.“At the protest on Saturday we will have a minute’s silence for all those incarcerated who have lost their lives in and unfair, unjust system.“Us black mob - we carry this pain together and share the same pain.“When one brother or sister suffers, we all suffer and feel it because we all know what it’s like to be black and treated differently.“We are one mob in spirit and we need stand up and make a change.”The Black Lives matter protest begins at 12.30pm on Saturday, June 6 in Spinks Park on Molesworth Street.“Bring banners, signs and whatever is in your heart,” Cindy said.Read more news: Bundjalung artist Oral Roberts' art chosen for new Pacific Highway

The highly contagious dog virus - Parvovirus (parvo) - has reared its head once again in the Lismore area, causing the death of a number of local dogs.Lismore Veterinary Clinic vet Nick Jones said the clinic had treated a puppy earlier this week, after it tested positive to the virus. “We heard someone had a bitch and they lost her and the whole litter too,” Nick said.“Another Lismore vet clinic also had a parvo case presented this week.”Nick said the virus is easily preventable if dog owners take the time to get their dogs vaccinated. Signs of parvovirus in unvaccinated dogs and puppies include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea.“The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to uncontrollable diarrhoea,” Nick said.“The dog sheds the lining of the gut trying to get rid of the virus and the only treatment is to support the dog with fluids and antibiotics.“The dog owner may see bloody diarrhoea flecked of gut lining and it can be blood putrid smelling.“Not all dogs with diarrhoea will have parvo, but it’s worth getting your dog checked out if you are worried.”Nick said treatment for parvo is expensive and the outcome can still be fatal. “Treatment can cost thousands of dollars because we have to isolate the dog in a sanitised environment - and we have to wear personal protective equipment when treating the contagious animal,” he said. “Dogs can be in hospital for weeks during recovery too.”Nick said parvo is a virus that periodically appears – it’s never fully eliminated.“Once the virus gets into the environment from an unvaccinated animal, it can last for months, and dogs can pick it up from each other and from touching another dogs faeces,” he said.Nick said the only way to ensure a dog wouldn’t get parvo was to vaccinate it – and it’s never too late to vaccinate. “A full grown dog can be vaccinated, and we recommend people vaccinate puppies, staring at six to eight weeks old,” he said. “The vaccination only costs $150 dollars and provides 100% protection – cheaper than treatment if they get the virus.”

Pack your hand sanitiser, soap and water if you intend to go camping this long weekend, because Public Health Orders still apply if you enter State Forests.With the reopening of State forests for camping this week, Forestry Corporation of NSW is reminding visitors planning a long weekend trip to take Covid-19 precautions.Forestry Corporation’s Tourism & Partnerships Manager, Louise Faulkner said that visitors are now welcome to camp on State forests and visit picnic areas, but should plan ahead for a safe trip.“We are pleased to reopen most of our camping and picnic areas to visitors in time for the long weekend, but please remember that social distancing still applies, numbers for large groups are still limited to 10 and hand hygiene is essential,” Ms Faulkner said.“This means you’ll need to pack your hand sanitiser, soap and water, and need to be across the current Public Health Orders.”Current Public Health Orders can be found at http://www.health.nsw.gov.auRead more news: Some bush walks open for the long weekendVisitors should also check the Forestry Corporation of NSW website for any forest closures and register their visit through the online form there.“As part of the NSW Government’s efforts to track Covid-19 cases, we are encouraging visitors to lodge their contact details when camping in NSW State forests, via our website,” Ms Faulkner said.“This information will be used to help track any Covid-19 cases connected to our campgrounds and for no other purpose.“We also encourage visitors to download the COVIDSAFE app from the Australian Government website.”Collected information in the camping self-notification form will only be provided to government as part of a COVID related request, and will be kept in accordance with Forestry Corporation’s privacy policy.To find out more about camping on State forests and self-notify your camping trip, please visit http://www.forestrycorporation.com.auRead more news: Family Entertainment - what is open for the long weekend?

There has been clarification around the new easing of restrictions for cafes, restaurants and food courts today through council from the NSW Government. That clarification is hurting our small businesses, when the easing of restrictions was supposed to help them.Lismore City Council sent an email to small business owners who own cafes and restaurants outlining what their obligations are in order to serve people food and drink in their places of business based on what the NSW State Government website states. They are outlined here;Cafes and restaurants may open with restrictions.Capacity must not exceed 50 customers or one customer per 4 square metres in an existing seated dining area, whichever is the lesser.Bookings can only be to a maximum of 10 people.Anyone entering the premises must provide their name and contact details, including a telephone number or email address.Operators must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and keep a record of all people entering the premises.Tables and chairs in food courts are not to be used for the consumption of food or drinks.Looks pretty simple at first glance but then questions get asked that cause confusion or frustration;I am sitting alone outside do I have to give my name and phone number or email address? Yes you do.Does every person have to be 1.5 metres away from the next person? Yes they do.What if we are from the same family? It doesn't matter, you still need to sit 1.5 metres away from each other.This is where the frustration sets in.Seven family members can sit and drive in the same car, not 1.5 metres away from each other, but when they go into a restaurant or cafe they have to sit opposite each other and not next to each other unless they are 1.5 metres away.Or, you can have people over to your house from another family, say ten people in total if both families have five people, but if you choose to eat out you need to sit 1.5 metres away from each other.What about school? We have 1,000 children at some of our schools, do we honestly think they are 1.5 metres away from each other at all times?The Lismore App has spoken to four small business owners today who have had people walk away today either because they didn't want to give their name and contact details or because they couldn't sit together at a table. Some owners are saying that they are better to go back to takeaway options only as there are only two people running the business so logistically it doesn't make sense to spend time taking down personal details of people intending to sit down for a meal.The NSW Government has a tough job to keep coronavirus under control, that everyone accepts, but the easing of restrictions has caused more confusion, frustration and troubles for our local businesses than it did before restrictions were eased.

Lismore-based doctors and scientists are working on a new wound dressing technology that could mean no more stitches, staples or glue are needed to heal wounds. Pinoeered by a research team from Southern Cross University (SCU), the Rapid Repair technology development changes the way molecules repair, enabling skin to heal more quickly.It means wounds could potentially heal in days rather than weeks without using stitches.The team of scientists, led by SCU GP Dr Rosemary Craig, has caught the attention of NASA.Dr Craig is working with biomedical researcher Dr Nedeljka Rosic and business consultant Gerard Criss. NASA and clinical trialsThe team recently presented the novel technology to a NASA’s Ignite the Night iTech Event panel online, winning this round and securing the team’s place in the August semi-finals.Dr Craig first came across the idea while recovering from a surgical procedure, when she developed a device that appeared to heal full thickness skin cuts in a much shorter timeframe than normal. Her team has begun clinical trials, and has developed the commercial potential of the product through their repeated successes in CSIRO’s ON Accelerate program.“NASA is already planning for the future including the ‘Moon to Mars’ mission and hosts this competition series to hear about latest scientific advances and innovative space ideas,” Dr Craig said.“The panel of NASA scientists said they thought our rapid healing product would be very useful and valuable in space, especially as communication back to earth can often have a 10-minute delay and this is such a simple treatment to apply.“We really are over the moon to win this part of the competition. It’s pretty unexpected in a way as the quality of the other innovations was extremely high.“To have NASA support and promote our product is amazing. We’ve had a lot of support from CSIRO to progress our product to market, which makes our product a realistic proposition worth backing.”While the team was unable to travel San Francisco for the competition due to current travel restrictions, they were able to take part in NASA coaching sessions and give a series of virtual presentations and interviews across the week, mostly between 2am and 6am Australian time. Of the 25 semi-finalists, 10 teams will be chosen to spend a week at NASA when restrictions lift.Pilot study at Lismore campusDr Craig said a pilot study at Lismore campus’ Southern Cross University Health Clinic – where she is a practicing GP – showed promising clinical outcomes. There are plans for further clinical trials in collaboration with the University of Queensland (UQ) to prove the clinical advantages of the device with a greater dataset.“During our clinical trial on skin cancer wounds we were able to remove patients’ stitches after just one day. These trials are showing this novel dressing works on all skin types, including on aged skin and people with diabetes, and can minimise scarring,” Dr Craig said.“Future trials plan to heal cuts and wounds without using stitches at all.“It is simple and painless to apply, using a non-invasive device with a long shelf life."The potential impact of this technology is enormous as it not only increases the rate of repair but significantly changes the way wound healing is understood.”The Rapid Repair wound dressing is already entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG 331993) and with a greater dataset will soon be able to register with the FDA.Southern Cross University Head of the School of Health and Human Sciences Professor Julie Jomeen congratulated the team on their project success, saying their win is an “amazing achievement and the school is excited to see this innovative research develop and deliver real impact in wound care”.Read more news: Wireless machine gift helps women in water births

There is no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has caused total disruption to lives and businesses since the March lockdown.The hospitality industry which includes cafes, restaurants and pubs were some of the hardest hit parts of our community.Some businesses closed their doors for a few weeks to reduce costs and overheads while some saw it as an ideal time to take a break and recharge. Other owners saw the quiet time as an opportunity to renovate their premises so when the restrictions were eased their business looked fresh with minimal disruption to their normal operation.Tony and Tamaya at Cafe Cappello took the renovation option."We wanted to renovate the cafe this year anyway then COVID hit and we thought it was an ideal time to get it done now", Tamaya told the Lismore App.The table and dining area has a fresh modern wood look with bench seating against one wall surrounded by more tables while upstairs has also been renovated to include bench stools. The main feature is a mosaic tiled portrait of the Greek god Apollo and two vertical hanging gardens.Some of you maybe familiar with Apollo as it was first commissioned when Tony owned La Baracca Espresso bar on Keen Street from a local artist. The artwork has been sitting in their garage for about 12 years and now proudly adorns the walls of the newly renovated dining area. "We have haven't quite finished the renovation yet", Tamaya said, "the serving area needs the chalk boards artwork done, more signage, lighting there will be a new juice and blender area where we will start serving smoothies plus and an extended food display case with an increased range". "This will be completed over the next two weeks".You will find Cafe Cappello at 24 Carrington Street (turn right off Magellan Street).

After 23 years, Cobbler John's familiar face will no longer seen in his Just A Minute Repairs shop on Conway Street, under the Post Office in the CBD.Cobbler John (aka John Savage) has closed his shop doors and packed up what’s left of his customers’ shoes - and his key blanks.He’s now working a reduced service key cutting and shoe repair operation from his home.“I had to shut shop because the business and rent was unaffordable,” he said, “I’d like to come back later on, but not in the same place - I can’t afford the rent.”John said a downturn in business since last year, with droughts, floods, fires, then finally Covid-19, were contributing factors to the decline in his business.“It’s frustrating – I’ve been in town 34 years and the business was going ok, but after all of that and the Covid shut down, I just couldn’t afford to keep the shop open.“I was sitting there in March with no business for six weeks and I eventually closed by April 30,” he said.“If I’d have stayed there, I would have been paying dead rent to the landlord. Even if I went to the landlord and got the rent deferred, I’d still have to pay it sooner or later.“It was crazy – I was struggling and the florist next door was going gang busters because people couldn’t see each other and wanted to send flowers.“Then on Mother’s Day, she was turning work away because international flowers were not coming into the country.“It’s a sign a of the times.”Read more news: Cafe Cappello have been busy during COVIDHe blames part of the downturn in the shoe repair business on the fact that most shoes these days are not made to be repaired – just replaced.Cobbler John has been working in Lismore since 1984, starting work with Mr Minit, then opening a shop in Lismore Centro, before moving to his Conway Street location.He said he still cuts keys for the Post office and has always had a good reputation.“Keys have always been a sideline to the shoe repairs and people always came to me because my keys worked,” he said.At 63 years of age, he says he still has a few years to go before he can retire, but that he can’t afford to get sick from Covid-19.“It’s always in the back of your mind,” he said. “During winter I’d always get the flu from my customers.“This thing’s not over – we might have a year of recession or depression.”Read more news: Financial battle puts Southern Cross University in crisisRegardless, Cobbler John is still looking for a more affordable shop and hopes to open in another location in the future.Anyone looking to pick up their shoes that might still be with him for repair can call him on 0411 636 196.You can also visit his website at http://www.cobblerjohns.com/

From fake news to drought, social media and climate change - Lismore will soon see leading experts discussing challenging issues when a free virtual Community Resilience forum comes to Lismore.Hosted by Farmers for Climate Action, the forum on June 9 invites the whole community to join in with experts in Australian media and trauma recovery.It’s part of a new program aimed at building resilience and hope in rural and regional communities and develop the strength and resources to face the challenges of climate change.Farmers for Climate Action is a group of farmers and rural leaders working to ensure farmers and regional communities are a key part of the solution to climate change.At the forum, journalist and academic at Deakin University Professor Matthew Ricketson, who writes about Australia’s media, will discuss how social media is being used to stoke division within communities and what people can do to ensure they are not taken in by fake news.Professor Ricketson said he was looking forward to talking with people from the Northern Rivers region about the recent shutdowns at local and regional news outlets across Australia and what the loss of those publications meant for the public’s understanding of important problems.“The impact of recent cuts and closures in regional, rural and local news outlets is dire,” he said.“Fewer newspapers means fewer journalists digging up stories, meanwhile social media is being used to spread misinformation about a number of issues, including climate change.”Farmers for Climate Action chief executive Wendy Cohen said that regional communities such as Lismore and the Northern Rivers region have had a very difficult few years, and that the forum aims to bring people together to develop strategies to face the challenges that lie ahead.“Rural and regional Australians have an extraordinary capacity for coming together and tackling challenges as one,” she said.“It has been a tough few years, with communities facing drought, bushfires and COVID-19, but we want to bring people together to identify and pursue the solutions that will make them stronger, more resilient against climate and economic threats, and help alleviate the threat of climate change.”Other featured speakers include clinical psychologist Rob Gordon.Anyone who is interested in joining this free, online forum can register their details at https://www.farmersforclimateaction.org.au/bairnsdale_2020_forum